What sets designer duo Shantanu and Nikhil Mehra in a league of their own is their penchant to celebrate nostalgia. Especially in today’s time and space. It’s the clever juxtaposition of glitz and street cred, sensuous draping and structured architectural lines that makes this a brand that is not afraid to take risks, and have some fun while they are at it. Little wonder then that the brothers have become a go-to label for men and women who love a little spunk and drama in their sartorial choice. In a freewheeling chat with Ambika Anand, they talk about their inspirations, celebrating egalitarianism and the importance of constantly disrupting art.
Ambika Anand: Tell us a bit about your latest collection?
Shantanu Mehra: Our latest capsule collection is our take on how we see millennials today and how we connect with them through fashion.
Nikhil Mehra: The ensembles feature contemporary hues that have been reworked into exaggerated neo drapes and dramatic silhouettes.
AA: Your designs are made for strong, and fierce women. How do you define the ideal Shantanu & Nikhil woman?
NM: She is fearless and experimental; and she has varied perspectives on things. She does not adhere to constructed norms of fashion. She wishes to create her own beliefs and stands strongly by them.
SM: Adding to that, these women are ambitious and strong willed, who shoulder responsibilities but are also fun with new-age spunk.
AA: Fashion is often a reaction to the current times; can you tell us how your clothes represent the zeitgeist?
SM: All our collections stem from emotions and nostalgia towards our country. Collections like Cabinet Mission, Regiment were political chic collections.
NM: These collections portrayed how we emerged from political instability and moved towards stability, and how the country unified and become more nationalistic. And now, our country seems to be moving in a direction of strength and solidarity, which reflects in the colour palette of our new collection.
AA: This season fashion has no gender—what would you recommend men and women to wear to be in sync with this fashion phenomenon?
SM: Shantanu & Nikhil as a brand has outspokenly exhibited its stand on egalitarianism. We strongly believe that both men and women have masculine and feminine energies and each of them use the respective energy when required. Similarly, being the creators of our signature drape kurta in India, we have added a rather fluid energy to the simply structured Indian kurta for men.
AA: What’s the most feminine and the most fierce aspect to you?
SM: I guess the most feminine aspect to me is that I never shy away from being a mother to both my sons whenever needed and the fierce aspect would be that I am brutally fearless when life punches me with some challenging moments.
NM: I love to take an interest in the lives of people close to me and be a part of it. I do not accept failure easily, there is always scope for improvement and I face challenges head on.
AA: What has been a game changing moment for you?
NM: In 2013, when cricketers Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, Mohammad Kaif and Irfan Pathan walked for one of our shows, and shortly after that we had the opportunity to dress Mr Amitabh Bachchan. This period marked the beginning of our journey into men’s fashion. SM: A few years later, Shilpa Shetty wore our first gown ever made, at the IIFA Green Carpet after she won Big Brother in London. That helped us start our philosophy on gowns.
AA: What’s the best advice someone has given you?
SM: Constantly disrupt your art with the objective to only get better each time.
NM: Opportunities knock on your door every day; learn to open the door.
Nearly two decades since the launch of their eponymous label, designers Shantanu and Nikhil Mehra remain tireless innovators. Determined to experiment with silhouette, drapes and embellishments, their idea of free expression led us to join forces with five remarkable women who play by their own rules. These include promising young breakout talents Shriya Pilgaonkar and Patralekhaa, critics favourite Rasika Dugal, whose strong performances have won her accolades, and stunt artists Sanober Pardiwala and Geeta Tandon, who are finding their voice in a male-dominated workspace. All of these inspiring women are tenacious, fearless and are here to make you sit up and listen.
A customizable one-stop bundle for skincare, body care and hair care needs, you can take your pick of a soap bar, lip balm, and body scrub. The bundle also includes a loofah, multani mitti face pack make-up remover, facial cleanser, and reusable makeup remover wipes.
Available on Barenecessities.in
Price: INR 1,500
The delicate shea is inspired by a traditional French dessert made by boiling rice in milk with a dash of vanilla and other mystery ingredients. This gift set will look stunning under the Christmas tree!
Available on in.loccitane.com
Price: INR 900 onwards
Formulated with golden pigments that lend a gorgeous radiant glow to any complexion, this luxurious gift will make the makeup lovers in your life happy. The formula offers a smooth finish and ultra-beam effect to your skin on application, offering the right amount of OTT glam for the holiday season.
Available on Nykaa.com
Price: INR 3,800
Double cleansing has been touted to be the secret to clear skin. This minis box features the J-Beauty brand's best-selling and cult-classic Deep Cleansing Oil. It also comes with face wash powder and a powder-to-foam facial cleanser that exfoliates the skin for a smooth and clear complexion.
Available on Dhcbeauty.in
Price: INR 1399
This lovely kit's hair and body care products are formulated with roucou oil. Adding extraordinary shine and softness to your skin, this one comes with an anti-ageing hand cream and moisturizing body wash-this kit; it is a total all-rounder. The hair products can also double up as styling essentials for the party season.
Available on Davinesindia.com and select salons
Price: INR 13,400
Give the gift of luxe fragrances to BAE with this one! Brightened and invigorated with sparkling bergamot, juniper and black pepper, this vibrant scent and attractive bottle embodies a strong and modern aesthetic.
Available exclusively in Sephora stores and Sephora Online
Price: INR 5,000 for 50 ml, INR 6,950 for 100 ml, and INR 8,300 for 150 ml
A Christmas gifting list will be incomplete without a shoutout to FE's range of skin and hair-loving essentials! This kit brings skin and hair care full circle-from facial cleansers and mists to soaps and hair essentials; you get the best offerings from this brand.
Available on Forestessentialsindia.com
Price: INR 1,475
This gift set has been curated with the Coffee Body Polishing Oil, Coffee Body Scrub and Hand-crafted Premium Wooden Massager - all the essentials your loved one might need to wind down after a hectic day. Enriched with ingredients like rosehip oil, sweet almond oil, vitamin E, and coconut oil, this kit is a de-stressing champ you need to add to your gifting list this holiday season.
Available on Mcaffeine.com
Price: INR 954
The gift of painless hair removal will be appreciated by many; you can quote us on that. The newly launched product gives a smooth and comfortable hair removal experience. It is 100% waterproof and provides a long-lasting result. It is also oh-so-gentle on your skin!
Available on Amazon.in
Price: INR 7500
This limited edition gift box consists of four bhringraj-infused products targeted at maintaining a healthy mane. The ingredient is also known for its cooling properties, which can be so loving for the scalp!
Available on Vedix.com
Price: INR 999
This newly launched product range taps into the potent skin benefits of organic hemp seed oil - an ingredient is known for its therapeutic and remedial use in Ayurveda. From facial oil to serum to an under-eye treatment, you can take your pick of the lot to create your own gift set for a loved one!
Available on Soultree.in
Priced between INR 795 and 2,795
Featuring a purifying face wash, glow mask and jute scrubber, this charcoal gift set is rejuvenating, much like the holiday season. The hamper is packaged sustainably, and the products are sure to become essential in your loved one's skincare vanity.
Available at all Body Shop retail outlets and Thebodyshop.in
Price: INR 4,795
This lovely gift set is made up of the Kerala Coconut and Wheatgerm Body Butter, Kerala Coconut Handmade Bathing Bar, Tender Touch Body Radiance Oil and the Apricot Sparkle Invigorating Skin Radiance Scrub. Clean, Ayurvedic and enriched with quality ingredients, your loved one will appreciate this wholesome present to the T!
Available on Justherbs.in
Price: INR 1,045
Elevated by high-quality ingredients, these body care essentials will make the natural skincare lover in your life so happy! A body scrub, body butter and a hydrating bathing bar - this gift set is synonymous with love and care in the best way possible!
Available on Neemlinaturals.com
Price : INR 2,061
Available in packs of 2s, 3's a'nd 5's, the popular nail brand fulfils all your nail care needs in one go! Combining colour and care essential, these adorable mini nail lacquers and top coats will make a lovely present for your BFF obsessed with stylish nails!
Available on Nykaa.com
Price: INR 550 for 2's, INR 799 for 3's, INR 1,299 for 5s
The set includes eleven natural, toxin-free products for a variety of skin and hair needs. The box also comes with a scented candle with a relaxing fragrance, a jade roller, and a decorative ornament for your Christmas tree.
Available on Themomsco.com
Price: INR 3,999
For the wellness obsessed in your family, this anxiety relief and sleep-inducing oil will make for an excellent gift. Formulated with therapeutic oils aimed to involve positive and happy emotions, this duo will be the perfect stress-busting present for friends and family members looking to relax during the holidays.
Available on Secretalchemist.com
Price: INR 1,698
Enriched with the goodness of 24K Gold, this luxurious serum helps reduce pigmentation, dullness, age lines and brightens the complexion. This beauty in a bottle looks aesthetically pleasing; you won't need to fuss with wrapping paper for this one!
Available on Youcarelifestyle.com
Price: INR 2,990
Give the gift of a perfect nighttime routine with this one! Featuring a milk serum, balancing moisturiser and lightweight facial oil - these products will upgrade your loved one's winter skincare routine.
Available on Colorbarcosmetics.com
Consolidated price: INR 2,085
The asa Pocket Crème Lipstick and Pocket Hydra-Matte Lipstick make for adorable and easy-to-carry gift items. The lippies deliver a velvety and lustrous shine. An added plus is that it is moisture-rich and formulated with sustainably sourced shea and cocoa butter. A high colour payoff combined with nourished lips is in line with festive glam essentials that are also oh-so-caring!
Available on Asabeauty.com
Price: INR 1,800
Clean formulas and sustainable products are two main promises made by this brand. The brand's products come in pretty packaging that is easy on the eyes, a perfect gift for the minimal skincare lover of your family.
Available on Comfortzoneind.com
Price: INR 14,350
For the skincare lovers in your life who love to discover new brands, this one is a great gifting option. High performing, healing, and holistic bestsellers, products from this homegrown label will make for a wholesome present for the loved ones in your life.
Available on Aminu.life
Consolidated Price: INR 10,000
Give the gift of youthful-looking skin with this anti-ageing kit! The products featured are enriched with the goodness of ginger and ginseng. These potent and natural anti-ageing active ingredients are clinically proven to accelerate lifting, firming and protective action on the skin.
Available on Lotusherbals.com
Price: INR 2,245
As merry as the festive season is, the harsh weather can affect the skin. This Paris-based skincare brand gives the gift of soft and nourished skin with a rich-textured formula. The kit consists of the Hydrosmose Cellular Moisturisation Cream, Hydrosmose Mask and the Hydrosmose Eye Contour to make for a luxe skincare kit that will be cherished by your loved one.
Available on Marycohr.co.in
Price: INR 7,000
The Dyson Airwrap is the perfect gift for someone who loves experimenting with their hair and styling it in various ways. The unique technology doesn't damage hair, but does give you curls, volume and bounce, so it's worth the price tag it comes with.
Price: INR 42,900
Available on dyson.in
This is a specially curated array of the brand’s most beloved and best-selling formulas of all time: Midnight Recovery Concentrate, Ultra Facial Cream, and Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner. Kiehl's is celebrating its 170th holiday season with an extended collection encased in whimsical, limited-edition designs created in collaboration with artist partner, Marylou Faure.
Price for Ultra Facial Cream: INR 2550
Available at kiehls.in
K-beauty lovers will absolutely adore this lip kit. Featuring lip sleeping masks in small sizes and a variety of flavours, these lip-smacking minis are the perfect gift for a loved one who prides themselves on their pout!
Available on Nykaa.com and Boddess.com
Price: INR 1,240
Ask your makeup-obsessed bestie, and they'll recite the tales of how difficult it is to clean the tools. This anti-bacterial and hand-poured solid cleanser thoroughly cleans, conditions and sanitises beauty blenders and brushes - both natural and synthetic. Easy-Peasy!
Available on Codebeauty.in
Price: INR 899
Ilana Clarifying Skin Serum
A lightweight, acne-fighting facial oil enriched with tea tree and argan oil - this budget-friendly serum will be a great addition to your loved one's skincare routine.
Available on Ilana.shop
Price: INR 550
Fans of aesthetic looking skincare products will love this red clay mask; it just happens to hold potent benefits for the skin as well! The unique formula helps rid the skin of impurities, excess sebum and dead skin cells - a gift of glowing, clear skin that your loved one will swoon over.
Available on Skynorganiccompany.com
Price: INR 900
Limited-edition mini lipsticks make up this kit - available on neutral or red shades, the kit features Matte and Amplified formulas. For the lover of lippies in your life, the rich, creamy Matte Lipstick delivers high colour payoff; and the Amplified Lipstick formula applies in smooth glides, offers full coverage and has a semi-lustrous finish. The optical-illusion packages are just as fun!
Available on Maccosmetics.in
Price: INR: 2,700
SkinKraft Indulgence Body Kit
This is a 7-piece adult skin solution kit consisting of a Restorative Freshwater Body Wash, Skin Energize Avocado Body Massage Oil, Sound Sleep Calming Pillow Mist, Deep Moisturizing Hand Butter, Buff & De-Tan Exfoliating Body Scrub, Floral Island Refreshing Body Mist, Elevated Hydration and a Skin Renewing Body Lotion. This kit features a wonderful collection of products ideal for holiday gifting
Available On Skinkraft.com
Price: INR 1499
A power-packed combo consisting of an Oatmeal Face Scrub, a Vitamin C Face Serum, a Vitamin C Day Cream with SPF 15+ and a Vitamin C Night Repair Gel - this kit will be great for the loved one in your life who need to add skin repair to their nightly regime. Vitamin C is known to help repair UV damage to the skin and enhance the body’s natural healing process - a sentiment that elevates the charm of this gift kit!
Available on Arata.in
Price: INR 1,899
All lips need some sp-oiling in the winter and these deeply moisturising picks from Namrata Soni's brainchild brand is the perfect pick for that. The tinted formula can help deeply nourish the lips while giving them a fuller and plumper look. The clear lip oil can double up as a gloss as well!
Available on Simplynam.com
Price: INR 999
The dessert lover in your family will appreciate this delicious body butter! Pssst...it also happens to be one of the smoothest body butters you can get your hands on RN!
Available on Theskinpantry.com
Price: INR 1,050
Photographs: Sushant Chhabria; Styling: Rahul Vijay; Hair and makeup: Maniasha/Faze Management; Assisted by: Saaniya Sharma, Pujarini Ghosh (Styling), Suhani Lotlikar (Intern)
