Shivan and Naresh attempt the impossible; give Capitalist indulgence, a Marxist hue in their AIFW SS 16 offerings through the deft brushstrokes of Mexican artist Diego Rivera
By Asmita Aggarwal
It is a brave attempt to amalgamate two hemispheres; Communism through the inspiration, Mexican artist Diego Rivera (feminist Frida Kahlos better half) with Capitalism, resort wear, but Shivan and Naresh kind of managed it with a little help from Italian jersey.
Their art-soaked shows, have often invoked the spirit of Henri Rousseau in the past, this time around, in keeping with the theme of the show, they did on offsite, for the AIFW SS 16. The Imperial is an 120-year-old property, with beautiful architectural lines, palm trees, monochromatic mosaic tiles; it almost transports you to a Mediterranean holiday and seemed like a perfect fit, says Naresh who looks after communications, while Shivan is known for his design prowess.
In a country, which is known to love the lehenga choli, it was an adventurous outing for the duo to start swimwear, but they say in unison that the goal was not be successful, but do what excited us. I love art and fashion seemed a tangible way to express my love for colour, lines, patterns and fluid brushstrokes. Swimwear for most Indian women, we observed, over the years, was a regaining of self-confidence, which is what we hope to do with our offerings. It is about the feel good factor, says Naresh.
This experience covered the 360 degree spectrum when they launched resort wear and destination clothes, which again arose out of what women wanted. We had women coming to us saying make us a sarong, to wear when we get out of the pool, or a sari which when my friends throw me in water, doesnt get wet. Or a lehenga which is easy to travel with and super comfy, so the extensions were logical movements forward, says Naresh.
This time, the highlight was the work they did with leather and superb finishes in their new addition shoes and bags, but they didnt forget the embellished resort sari or the neoprene skirts. When we start, invariably it so happens that art turns up as a tour de force. Diego was our beginning and he had so much to offer, in terms of being a humanitarian. So our prints came from his work (Hellenic motifs) and his Cubist renderings which celebrated colour in all its magnificence. We gave it a whole 70s and 80s vibe with our silhouettes, he adds.
As designers they have loved, adapted and adopted the jersey moving away from silks when they started seeing that the Italian version, which was not just travel-friendly but also had a great fall. So they made Italian jersey saris, using lighter weightage, for a quick drape. Working together can have its challenges, but the two do not shy away from revealing them. As Naresh will announce, Shivan is artistic and short-tempered. I am calmer. He is so fabulous at sketching and illustrating that even a stitch or a button will come out in detail. I am the man who puts in the colours and I try not to tilt that harmonious balance. While I love chunky jewellery, Shivan is a minimalist, so by the time a concept has come from his desk to mine, it has completely taken a new shape and thats the most invigorating part of this friendship, he laughs.
Click here to read reviews from Day 1 at #AIFWSS16 on the Amazon.in Blog