Shantanu & Nikhil are like champagne to caviar: you can live without them, but life would be incredibly dull.
Like Jyotsna Tiwari, these designers are known for their ballgowns and wedding dresses. But unlike Tiwari, these guys have a healthy dose of Indian inspiration in every outfit created. They really push the envelop of traditional ballgown blended with Indian fabrics and embroideries.
This year, we saw a bridal collection at Delhi’s India Bridal Week that was classic to their style. At the Mumbai edition, we saw Middle Eastern hybrid hijabs make an appearance. It was interesting to say the least. I rather like them, alluring and unique, they’re an Indo-Arab-Western veil.
What I really loved were the gowns this time. I love layered and ruffled dresses. They remind me of Vera Wang’s pink bridal collection, but on a more subdued and somber lever.
At the Mumbai show, Shantanu & Nikhil choose an atypical showstopper: a sports star. And not just any sports star, Indian tennis legend Sania Mirza. She was too adorable, you could totally tell she was nervous walking the ramp. But, she did a fabulous job.
I just wish the designers picked a better dress for her to wear. The white and gold sashed wedding gown felt prosaic on such a legend. We already saw it debut at the Delhi show, and since neither the cut nor the colors were fantastic, it really didn’t do her justice.
Still, she was a star in it. Perhaps she’ll hit some balls after!
Certain photographs courtesy of Kabir Photography.
