As close as two sisters can get, Gauri & Nainika cater to a very distinct persona – one who likes to dress with a sense of occasion and is always at the forefront of fashion. Their collection is a statement for crisp and clean cut silhouettes. The inspiration in their designs lies in anything beautiful, from European fashion history, art, music, books, personalities, theatre, Hollywood and red carpet glamour to pictures of their mother from the 70s.
Interestingly, they owe their fascination with fine-flowing lines to their parents – Raja Vijay Karan, a retired CBI director and Pratibha Karan, a former IAS officer both of whom loved Broadway shows and old Hollywood movies. The Karan sisters grew up on a diet of films and thus begun their fascination with classic Hollywood glamour. They loved seeing all those glamorous heroines on screen, particularly Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn. Thus their forte has always been extremely feminine and romantic design philosophy with styles that are luxurious yet understated. With a strong emphasis on fabric, cut & colour, the designs are all about shape and flattering silhouettes. Femininity forms the essence of the label with styles that signify youth, glamour and sophistication. At a time when most designers were focusing on clothes with an Indo-western feel and everything was embroidered, the Karan sisters set out to make purely western wear. Their cocktail couture has been celebrated among the young and trendy fashionistas.
The Karans grew up in New Delhi. Though originally students of economics, they changed course to graduate from the National Institute of Fashion Technology, New Delhi. In 2002, they launched their ready-to-wear label ‘Gauri & Nainika’. With the label offering western wear ranging from semi-formal styles to high-end demi-couture ones, their collections are being retailed all over the country at various outlets and exclusive boutiques.
Gauri and Nainika designs have also been on Bollywood’s most stylish. Actors Priyanka Chopra, Bipasha Basu, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Deepika Padukone and Katrina Kaif are their loyals and have flaunted their dresses and gowns for public appearances which have got a thumbs-up from the fashion police.
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