Gauri and Nainika pay homage to the pansy, with a little help from artist Travis Black
By Asmita Aggarwal
The sensibility of their clothing is vintage with a definite focus on the 50s and 60s. The New Look has been their inspiration and seldom do they deviate from it. This time too lady-like, elongated sleeves and voluminous shirts touching the ankles in electrifying blues, reds, purples and tangerines cast a spell.
Here is the twist in the tale pansies find a pride of place in Gauri & Nainikas design repertoire, this autumn, as the sisters embark on an eloquent journey with American artist Travis Black.
The idea came from the flower pots that dot and also enliven Nainikas garden at home, which she would photograph and then show Gauri. The pansy is a stunning flower which has an interesting texture, colour and form, which we have tried to replicate through appliqué, says Gauri. The reds create a storm on a white background, which the girls then discussed with Travis, who translated it on to a painting which is converted into ensemble in spirit.
It is a lengthy procedure and takes a lot of back and forth, but what promoted us to collaborate with him is his unique craft and commitment to smooth watercolours, she smiles.
This is not the first time that the duo has tied up with Travis, he was also a part of their bridal line, which was well appreciated and motivated them to give this another shot.
Travis is open to ideas and suggestions which is why this association works, but editing is a must as we have strong ideas and want to stick by them, she adds.
If last season it was neoprene that dominated their line, this time it is poly-crepe with a bit of stretch, which has a nice drape to it and fits the body well. We always like to keep it one fabric per collection, she explains.
Loving classics, the one dress that they both are lusting after from this line is the simple black one (which Malini Ramani also wore and felt that she was in a time machine travelling back to the spellbinding 50s) which remains their favourite. But the girls have also crossed the shores and made an impact at the Oscars with Tom Hardy of The Revenant fames wife Charlotte Riley wearing their black lace gown with a dipped neckline.
DJ Kiss too wore a gown, so it is a very exciting time for us, especially if your work gets appreciated internationally, concludes Gauri.