The art of the unwind
Brunch|November 11, 2023
Designers Shivan and Narresh have shown Indian women how to holiday in style. Their own vacays are epic, gathering inspiration at every destination
Arshia Dhar
The art of the unwind

Think of Delhi designers Shivan Bhatiya and Narresh Kukreja as young India's favourite beach boys. 

In a market blinded by shiny, embellished bridalwear, their resortwear label, Shivan & Narresh, has set fashion goals for women vacationing along the coast, by the pool, on a cruise and every sunny spot where they can let their hair down. The swimsuits carry unique resin embroidery, beads and jewels. The ensembles draw inspiration from their travel adventures, art and artists.

It's sexy, flirty, whimsical work that somehow manages to keep the right curves reined in. It's geared towards millennials and Gen-Zs, "not baby boomers", Kukreja says. It's safe to say they know a thing or two about acing a vacation.

Tie ups

As collaborators, Bhatiya, 39, and Kukreja, 37, are distinctly separate. "If I am on a ten-day holiday, I will carry twelve looks with me," Kukreja says. Bhatiya is the over packer. "He will pack five bags and pack for others as well." Bhatiya admits to this easily. "I carry my world in my bag when I step out of the hotel, Narresh doesn't have a thing on him." Kukreja tends to only carry his wallet and phone. "Even a wallet weighs me down!"

The label, however, is "50% Shivan and 50% Narresh", says Bhatiya. It's functionality and fantasy all at once. They launched it in 2010, after graduating from the National Institute of Fashion Technology, Delhi, and completing their Master's at Italy's prestigious Istituto Europeo di Design.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة November 11, 2023 من Brunch.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة November 11, 2023 من Brunch.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

المزيد من القصص من BRUNCH مشاهدة الكل
Let's tri all the angles
Brunch

Let's tri all the angles

BFFs falling for the same girl, kidnap twists, murders, bromances. These 10 three-way love stories play with geometry and our feelings

time-read
3 mins  |
November 09, 2024
Should you Q up for this?
Brunch

Should you Q up for this?

Audi's luxury SUV, the Q8, has had a refresh. But a sleeker grille and headlight tech don't make up for what's still missing

time-read
2 mins  |
November 09, 2024
How to plan a great escape
Brunch

How to plan a great escape

It's getting colder. It's already hard to breathe. Why not plan a winter vacation that's a world away but not too far away?

time-read
2 mins  |
November 09, 2024
Kababs, yes, but khandvi too
Brunch

Kababs, yes, but khandvi too

Mughlai cuisine has as many vegetarian dishes as meaty ones. A new translation of a 16th century manuscript shows how we ate, and why modern labels are pointless

time-read
3 mins  |
November 09, 2024
I can be your hero
Brunch

I can be your hero

Gurfateh Pirzada, only afewroles old, is the green flag we didn't know we needed. He's learning from women. He wants to be more thana lover and a fighter. He's hoping we all do better. No wonder everyone's crushing on him

time-read
4 mins  |
November 09, 2024
Meet the export experts
Brunch

Meet the export experts

Khadi crop-tops in Spain, faux-leather hoodies in London, fairytale wedding gowns in the UAE. See how some desi labels are killing it on foreign shores

time-read
3 mins  |
November 09, 2024
Why we're all feeling Blue
Brunch

Why we're all feeling Blue

Coco Mellors's new novel is about grief, sisterhood, and of course, addiction and unlikeable women. How does she make it work?

time-read
4 mins  |
November 09, 2024
This week, we're...
Brunch

This week, we're...

Changing the momo game, listening to kids, starting a new business, and supporting pro waxxers

time-read
2 mins  |
November 09, 2024
Rohit Chawla
Brunch

Rohit Chawla

Photographer, artist, @RohitChawlaPhotography_

time-read
1 min  |
November 02, 2024
Congratulations, it's a goal
Brunch

Congratulations, it's a goal

Lakeside vows, pastel palettes, bayous, backyards and boats. These celeb weddings are what modern fairytales are made of

time-read
2 mins  |
November 02, 2024