Heralded as the makers of India’s first drape kurta, industry stalwarts Shantanu and Nikhil Mehra have constantly pushed the boundaries of fashion for over two decades now. Highly revered for the masterful juxtaposition of heritage and spunk, the couturiers effortlessly encapsulate the old and the new.

Twenty-five years ago, while pursuing separate careers in the USA, the brothers found themselves on hour-long phone calls discussing the immense power and potential within the Indian fashion fraternity. In one of those phone calls, the idea of Shantnu & Nikhil was born. 

“In 1999, we decided to merge Shantanu’s business acumen with my creative ideation and design expertise. This combination of strengths led to the birth of the Maison Shantnu & Nikhil in 2000.”

With a vision to create a brand that resonated with contemporary India while honouring its rich heritage, the designers began their journey into the dynamic landscape of Indian fashion. However, the ride wasn’t always easy. The designers recall, “When we started our business, we faced several significant challenges. At that time, Indian fashion was riding a new contemporary wave that wasn’t widely accepted. The market was nascent and hesitant to embrace our forward-thinking vision of a futuristic India.”

Undeterred, the duo continued crafting fierce, innovative designs that challenged conventional norms. With an aim to stir the narrative of the country’s fashionscape away from burdensome ceremonial attire, the designers focused on paving the way for a new era that aligned with their vision and ethos. 

Delving deeper into their design process, Nikhil reflects, “Selecting fabrics and textures for a collection is an intricate process that often starts with a spark of inspiration.”  For Nikhil, this initial spark is intuitive – a moment of connection when he sees or feels a fabric that instantly aligns with his vision. “From that initial feeling, the selection process becomes more deliberate and refined. The fabric choice starts aligning with the broader narrative of the collection, weaving in seasonality and the mood or theme we want to convey.”

“The whole process, while rooted in intuition, is ultimately about creating a harmony between inspiration, practicality, and storytelling.”

Growing up in a household where traditional gender roles were reversed also shaped their design philosophy. Shantanu and Nikhil were profoundly inspired by their mother, Nicky Mehra, whose entrepreneurial spirit and drive left an indelible mark on them. This unique upbringing led to the strong ethos that seeps into their designs in the form of gender-neutral silhouettes – also considered the label’s hallmark. “This unique upbringing, although not consciously reflected, naturally influences our designs and ethos. The drape in menswear or Bandhgala for women – it was a result of these dynamics.”

Having thrived for over two decades in the industry, Shantanu and Nikhil have paved the way to reach a newer and bigger audience. Their journey is one of evolution, marked by a vision to make their craft more accessible and to fulfil their dream of seeing the brand resonate across continents. 

While the world was adjusting to a new normal, the couturiers ushered in their label’s 20th anniversary with the launch of S&N by Shantnu and Nikhil, an extension of their label that embodies modern ethos. “A celebratory narrative where Indian heritage is enlivened by millennia spunk!” is how the duo define their latest endeavour. “The brand, as we believe, is ‘India’s brand for the world’. It redefines occasion wear with a millennial sensibility and a contemporary undercurrent.”

“Rather than casting a wide net, we focus on forging deeper connections with a niche audience that resonates deeply with our unique aesthetics and brand philosophy.”

With an illustrious journey spanning the couture, ready-to-wear, and bridge-to-luxury markets, Shantanu and Nikhil continue to explore new horizons with relentless creativity. Their latest venture, the Shantnu Nikhil Cricket Club (SNCC), brings the sport into the heart of their design ethos. “It is an ode to our and the nation’s love for sports,” they share, highlighting their deep connection to India’s cultural pulse.

With their sights set on the next 25 years, the architects of India’s sartorial zeitgeist – Shantanu and Nikhil Mehra – remain focused on evolution and carving a path that continues to resonate with their global audiences, transcending borders.