Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to an exclusive interview with the dynamic design duo, SHIVAN & NARRESH, the visionaries behind some of the most breathtaking creations in the world of fashion. Renowned for their innovative designs that seamlessly blend tradition with modernity, SHIVAN & NARRESH have left an indelible mark on the fashion landscape.
Today, we have the privilege of delving into their journey, exploring the creative minds that have consistently pushed the boundaries of design. Not only have they carved a niche for themselves in the fashion industry, but their association with the prestigious Lakmé Fashion Week has added another layer of significance to their illustrious career.
As we sit down with SHIVAN & NARRESH, we aim to unravel the inspiration behind their iconic creations, understand the philosophy that drives their design aesthetic, and explore the symbiotic relationship they share with Lakmé Fashion Week. From the runways to the design studio, join us in this exclusive conversation with the maestros who have redefined the way we perceive and experience fashion. Edited excerpts from the interview:
Tell readers about your collection presented at Lakmé Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI.
The magic of this collection lies in its emphasis on functionality. Finland is known for its functional clothing, which serves everyday life, and this aligns perfectly with the core values of SHIVAN & NARRESH. With functionality being the cornerstone of our brand, the idea and decision to work with BIRKENSTOCK was an obvious one, as BIRKENSTOCK too has an unparalleled ability to creatively blend its function-first ethos with high fashion. The German brand has stood as a testament to excellent comfort, high functionality, and extraordinary quality. The collective goal for both brands is to ensure that you not only look pretty on your holiday but also feel comfortable and free in what you wear. This collection beautifully combines the functionality associated with Finland and the effortless glamour that both brands collectively represent.
In India, resort wear essentially translates to everyday wear because of the climate, unlike in Western fashion wherein resort refers to a specific season. This shared perspective on resort wear made the integration of BIRKENSTOCK styles with our collection seamless, as they too, are designed for elevating everyday style and use.
How was your experience showcasing the collection at Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI?
We had a great experience. It’s always incredible to work with a fashion week body, it helps one adhere to the fashion calendar and brings a certain discipline to our business.
What are your early memories of designing luxury wear?
When we first began, we were young millennials building a brand for millennials. For us, luxury was always synonymous with the experience and a concept that was delivered through the products we designed. This perspective influenced our decision to focus on the holiday category and, subsequently, to design bathing suits. In essence, designing luxury wear for us has always meant designing products that enabled people to have extraordinary experiences.
What’s your USP?
The USP of SHIVAN & NARRESH lies in the versatility of our prints. You can place a SHIVAN & NARRESH print in any location or landscape around the world, be it a beach, a resort, a mountain, or even a ski slope and it has the innate ability to be recognised as a SHIVAN & NARRESH creation. I believe this is the brand’s true USP; our prints speak for themselves.
With Metaverse and NFTs becoming a part of the fashion industry, what do you think is the future of fashion?
I think the future of fashion is increasingly about being identity-driven. Fashion is evolving to become increasingly personal, which means that the creators behind the fashion, as well as the brands themselves, will need to exhibit unique personalities. This uniqueness will be essential for fashion to stand out and be recognisable across all platforms, whether in NFTs, the virtual/digital realm, or the physical world. The key to success will be instant recognition of a brand’s identity.
Today, you’re dealing with a new generation of customers who are online savvy and always thinking about trends and experimenting. What do you appreciate about these customers, and what do you feel is missing if compared to those in the past?
What we appreciate about the customers of today is their growing level of trust in brands. They are extremely comfortable researching and making purchases online, regardless of the ticket price, even for high-end products, that’s something we didn’t see in generations previously. Their ease with shopping online and receiving deliveries at their doorstep is a notable shift.
When compared to consumers from previous generations, what’s missing is the idea of purchasing for longevity. In the past, customers who invested in designer wear did so with the belief that these items would become lasting fixtures in their wardrobes. These purchases were cherished and bought with the intention that they would serve them for a much longer duration. In contrast, the current generation often leans toward high-street fashion, resulting in quicker buying and disposal of clothing.
What are winter fashion trends that we’ll witness?
I think we will see an increasing amount of colour and print in winter fashion. Traditionally, winter fashion has been associated with a more neutral colour palette, especially for activities like ski holidays and winter getaways, where blacks, greys, and whites have been the norm. However, there is a huge trend of colour and print now seeping into winter wardrobes and that’s something you will massively see in the coming times.
