The art of the unwind

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

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.