Shantnu & Nikhil: At A Vantage Point

Ipsita Kaul speaks with Shantanu and Nikhil Mehra about their creative evolution, expansion of their brand, and future plans

- Ipsita Kaul

Heralded for democratising couture for most millennials, brothers Shantanu and Nikhil have always put forth a merry juxtaposition of heritage and spunk. Now almost 23, their couture offering has diversified its portfolio with a bridge-to-luxury off-shoot alongside a cricket-inspired line.

So, what goes into building such a big brand, and how does one sustain and scale the growth on time? The founders join us in a free-wheeling chat and give insight into the workings of their brand whilst turning a new page in its history.

ELLE: TELL US ABOUT YOUR NEW FLAGSHIP COUTURE STORE AT KALAGHODA (MUMBAI) AND THE PROCESS OF RESTORING AND AESTHETICALLY ENHANCING THE PLACE.

 NIKHIL MEHRA (NM): Our approach whilst building the store was to peel off the hidden layers and bring back the building to its original palette. The store comprises two separate spaces that have been interconnected, creating no dead ends. We wanted bricks—luckily, we found lime mortar in one of the spaces, which allowed us to restore the original bricks and basalt stone to its original state. The unobstructed closer view of the equestrian statue has to be one of the most iconic aspects of the store.

SHANTANU MEHRA (SM): As a brand, Shantnu & Nikhil has always had an India-Proud sentiment in its ethos and design virtues. The lanes of Kalaghoda narrate a story which we’ve subconsciously created through our designs. Such locations are indeed an homage to distinctiveness in design, encapsulating the splendour and decadence of vintage India.