The designers celebrate five years of their pret brand with a collection inspired by Italian fashion and grounded in Indian craftsmanship.
The recently concluded Lakme Fashion Week showcased a vibrant spectrum of pret fashion, with noteworthy contributions from prominent designers such as Anamika Khanna, Tarun Tahiliani, and the duo Shantnu & Nikhil. Alongside their established labels, Shantnu & Nikhil celebrated a significant milestone—five years of their pret brand, S&N by Shantnu & Nikhil—through the unveiling of their latest collection titled ‘Piazza Nova’.
Situated within the context of a fashion industry that has seen significant shifts due to global challenges, the designers expressed how the event symbolized a homecoming to the runway after initially launching their brand during the pandemic. “Launching India’s first prestige-pret brand during a global crisis was a bold decision – one that defied logic but felt instinctively right,” they explained in an exclusive interview with India Today. They went on to emphasize that the runway show serves not only as a platform for presentation but as a reflection of S&N’s evolution over 25 years and five years of established designer wear.
The collection, Piazza Nova, was inspired by the elegance of Italian fashion while invoking the duo’s signature military-inspired tailoring mixed with contemporary rebellion. The show presented a redefined take on the traditional bandhgala, a staple of Indian menswear, by pairing it with modern accessories such as shirts and ties to appeal to a global audience. Waistcoats were presented in innovative forms, resembling jackets while focusing on versatility through a mix-and-match styling approach.
Shantnu & Nikhil articulated their creative philosophy, stating, “Heritage is our foundation, but innovation is our driving force,” revealing how each piece in the collection aims to embody both tradition and modernity. Accessories played a critical role, serving as key elements that not only completed the looks but also acted as symbols of the brand identity; they highlighted the importance of precision and craftsmanship.
The designers also touched upon the narrative they wanted to convey through their collection, illustrating Piazza Nova as a tribute to their artistic journey and an evolution of their brand’s aesthetic, which began with noteworthy previous collections. “This collection is a testament to impeccable tailoring and craftsmanship, designed to exude power, elegance, and versatility,” they stated, capturing the essence of what they aim to represent through their sartorial designs.
In discussing sources of inspiration for this collection, the designers highlighted a significant experience at Pitti Uomo, where they observed a masterclass in sophisticated masculinity. This experience influenced them to blend the sharpness of European tailoring with the richness of Indian craftsmanship, culminating in a collection that stands at the crossroads of global style and local craftsmanship.
As sustainability increasingly shapes consumer expectations, Shantnu & Nikhil have incorporated eco-conscious practices into their production processes. Their commitment to sustainability includes initiatives such as an exchange program allowing customers to trade in old garments for credit on new purchases, along with exploring innovative materials and techniques to minimize waste.
The runway show for Piazza Nova not only presented new fashion but marked a pivotal moment in Shantnu & Nikhil’s journey, embodying the duality of their adherence to tradition while embracing innovation. The collective effort reflected their ongoing mission to influence the landscape of Indian menswear, notably by pushing boundaries and reinterpreting classics for an evolving audience.
Source: Noah Wire Services
