Designers Shantanu and Nikhil on completing a decade in Indian fashion

Ramp shows apart,the past three years have been particularly eventful for the duo,with their label making inroads in to Bollywood. In 2007,actor Shilpa Shetty,showed up at the IIFA awards in London dressed in an emerald green gown from their label. “That opened the avenue for us. It was the first big push we got,” says Shantanu. Dressing up Amitabh Bachchan for the second season of Kaun Banega Crorepati followed,as they dished out outfits for Bachchan that married the formality of the 70s look with an edgier,contemporary flair. Ever since,designing for films has also become a part of their repertoire,with young actors like Dia Mirza and Deepika Padukone endorsing their designs at several events. “We had always been doing personal wardrobe,but now we began to have a more defined presence in Bollywood. One can’t deny the fact that you’re only as good when someone famous wears your creations,” shrugs Nikhil.

Almost on cue,actor Abhay Deol walks in at the party,dressed in a basic black Shantanu and Nikhil jacket,accompanied by a pretty Mumbai-based model,former Miss Great Britain 2006,Preeti Desai. “I like to keep my clothes simple and I love the kind of work these two have been doing,” he mouths,before heading for the bar,even as Desai chats up Nikhil’s wife Vidushi,looking pretty in red. Inside the bar,socialites Simar Dugal,striking in a white shirt with cape shoulders,and Ayesha Thapar,demure in black are having an animated conversation,even as restaurateurs Shiv Karan Singh and Sohrab Sitaram nurse their drinks.

Bollywood,Nikhil,is quick to point out,is far from being the final destination. They have recently got in to corporate merchandising,cranking out pens,laptop bags and wine sets. The two have also recently tied up with sporting brand Adidas and will soon be churning out apparel,bags and shoes for the brand. There’s a new line to be made every month,over and above their seasonal collections. “The pressure has undoubtedly increased,” signs off Nikhil.