Acclaimed couturiers Shantanu & Nikhil brought the haute curtains down to unveil their couture Regiment for autumn/winter 17. The evening was devoted to the duo’s interpretation of a unique gallery which defined a profound grasp of bespoke influences with a pursuit to reignite the valor, virtues, passion and conviction of vintage India.
Ever so true to their strong sartorial statements, Shantanu & Nikhil unfolded “The Regiment” in a compelling narrative of fashion & fortitude. In their own words, “our fall/Winter 2017 line is a reiteration of our vision of belonging to something that is bigger than ourselves and its underlying modern India spirit that symbolizes progressivism and distinctiveness. The Regiment derives its inspiration from the 3 strong virtues of the Indian armed forces – Discipline, Pride & Togetherness, and is a crisp salute to everything Nehruvian. Dramatic and heroic re-appropriation of male presence through female form is the cornerstone of the collection, where feminine/masculine, hard/soft, defend/protect is the new dialog.
Structured trench coat inspired bandhgalas and long sherwanis were teamed with drapes for both men & women, represented a mentality of fighting the fight, for what they believe in. Convertible Nehru collars, vertical pockets, epaulets, handcrafted vintage coin buttons & rustic medallion like bejeweled brooches with Crystals designed by Chris Bangle for Swarovski preach equality connotations, whilst the roots are indeed authoritative yet transparent and not camouflage.”
Strength, fearlessness & determination is ushered in the lavishly sharp new look that is functional, chic & sophisticated without being over-the-top. Seriously sharp tailoring for women with feminine accents is the new intersection of élan and androgyny. The collection evokes an emotional connect of unity and order through a regiment of men & women that have imbibed the belief of the armed forces to defend against a stereotypical mind set symptomatic of gender inequality as it exists in society.
