Latest news with #Shivan&Narresh
Mint
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Why nude dressing is trending on the red carpet
The 78th Cannes Film Festival wrapped up last week with an updated dress policy: 'nudity is prohibited on the red carpet, as well as in any other area of the festival." However, that didn't stop sheer, see-through sparkly dresses from appearing on the red carpet. The nude dress has often generated a lot of debate. Some see it as an attention seeking tool, while others hail it as a way to embrace one's femininity. Reflecting her desire to celebrate her cultural roots, Gucci's global brand ambassador Alia Bhatt wore a custom "nude" three-piece set, embroidered with crystals in a GG Monogram pattern, that looked lehnga inspired. Another 'naked" beaded dress was worn by Dakota Johnson at the Kering Women in Motion Awards at Cannes. Her outfit featured a sporty, halter-like neckline, as well as a fitted bodice and a diaphanous skirt. Also read: How the military has defined menswear fashion Halle Berry, too, thumbed her nose at the no-nudity rule and sparkled in a sheer crystal-encrusted Gucci halter dress. Paris Jackson deserves a mention too, as she attended the Cannes 2025 amfAR Gala in an almost nude gown that exposed her flesh-toned knickers. So did British model and TV presenter Leomie Anderson. Homegrown designer label Shivan & Narresh have experimented with the naked dress over the years. Shivan Bhatiya, founder-head designer, points out that naked dressing was evident throughout this year—at the Grammys, various music awards, and the Met Gala. "Alia's look was especially impressive. They (Gucci) were able to give a nude look without making it look obscene," he says. Also read: How to make knitwear cool for the summer When it comes to adapting the 'nude", or nude-coloured, look for everyday wear, it really depends on the occasion. "For evenings, sticking to monotones works beautifully—monotone outfits are a safe bet for both day and night," he suggests. If one's wearing separates, one should try pairing a nude top with printed trousers or skirts for a stylish contrast. Designer Shweta Kapur of label 431-88 observes that the nude trend at Cannes was a mood. "It's less about showing skin and more about celebrating it. There's something unapologetically powerful about baring it all in such a refined, intentional way. It's not loud, it's not trying—it just is. That effortless sensuality, the kind that doesn't need validation. That's the energy," she says. Bringing the nude trend into your everyday wardrobe is all about contrast and confidence. "Incorporate sheer nude turtlenecks under oversized blazers—polished, but with just enough skin to keep it interesting. Or a sand-toned slip dress layered with a cropped utility jacket and chunky boots. It's about soft fabrics in strong shapes: nude mesh tops with sharp trousers, second-skin bodysuits under structured denim," Kapur says. One can even play with tonal layering—mixing creams, beiges, taupes—for that 'undone but intentional' vibe. The trick? Don't over-style. Let the skin-toned palette speak for itself. Priyanka Kathuria, founder, wardrobe consultancy Altique, suggests layering a sheer blouse over a bralette or a tank top. "You can also play with sheer sleeves or panels, or structured gowns that come with side cutouts," she suggests. Manish Mishra is a Delhi-based writer and content creator. Also read: How to cinch it with a cummerbund like Shah Rukh Khan
Mint
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
How to make knitwear cool for summer
International as well as homegrown brands are breathing new life into an old craft: knitwear. Over the past few weeks, several designers have presented, both on and off the runways, their unique experimentations with knitwear using colours, shapes and techniques. Weaves like jacquard, crochet, macrame and lace have been seen across beach twinsets, holiday dresses and rompers. At the Chanel's cruise show in Lake Como, for instance, models presented a range of lace and crochet pieces, which looked perfect for a lazy brunch as well as a resort getaway. Back home, designers like Shivan & Narresh, Ranna Gill, NOIB and Rareism, too, dropped summer collection focused on knitwear. Also read: How to cinch it with a cummerbund like Shah Rukh Khan According to Shivan Bhatiya, founder and head designer of Shivan & Narresh, knitwear is a 'key trend" for the summer season, with several celebrities opting for them for both on and off-camera. Actor Blake Lively, for example, wore a butter yellow short sleeve sweater top worn with a silk maxi while promoting her recent release, "Another Simple Favor", in New York City. Ananya Panday is often seen in knitted pieces during media appearances and in her vacation photographs on social media. One of the reasons for kintwear's popularity is its tactile quality that gives a distinctly summer vibe. Plus, they fit perfectly well with the current trending relaxed yet polished aesthetic. 'You can turn the most basic knitwear item into a statement outfit with printed accessories—think silk scarves or statement totes," says Bhatiya. 'And they are a great option for the holiday wardrobe." Small wonder then crochet has become a beachwear essential. It's being used to create cover ups, dresses, ready-to-wear pieces, even accessories. 'Crochet brings in a nostalgic yet contemporary vibe—it's handmade, intricate, and unique," says designer Ranna Gill, who's currently experimenting with crochet. 'Jacquard allows for bold patterns and structure without compromising fluidity. Macramé, with its knotted elegance, introduces a touch of bohemian sophistication. Designers are drawn to these weaves not just for their beauty, but for the craftsmanship and storytelling they represent." Gill offers a styling tip: pair a detailed crochet top with high-waisted linen trousers or denim for a modern contrast. 'A full-length crochet dress works beautifully with sleek sandals and minimal accessories to let the texture shine," she says. "For beachwear, a crochet cover-up over a solid swimsuit feels timeless yet on-trend." The other reason for the growing experimentations with knitwear is that they offer a refreshing departure from conventional summer fabrics like cotton and linen, believes Surabhi Vaidya, founder of the brand NOIB, which has used digital printing on crochet in its recent collection. 'Knitwear is moving beyond clothes to accessories and belts," says Vaidya. 'It's an indication of the kind of interest it is generating in the design community. You know the biggest thing about knits is that the focus remains on the fabric, its drape, its movement, and the natural character of the weave. Heavy embellishments or accessories aren't that necessary, because the fabric is telling the story." Manish Mishra is a Delhi-based writer and content creator. Also read: Are ballet flats the 'it' shoes of 2025?
Hindustan Times
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
The bikini boys: Story behind the making of brand Shivan & Narresh
It's been 15 years since Shivan & Narresh launched their eponymous label, and what began as a daring introduction of swimwear to a wedding-obsessed fashion market has since become a movement — one that celebrates the body, art, individuality, and the unapologetic joy of travel. 'When we started out in 2010, there wasn't even a conversation around body confidence or swimwear,' reflects Narresh. 'The idea wasn't just to bring in a new product category — but to reimagine what fashion could mean in India. Beyond bridal, beyond occasion, beyond conformity.' Back then, the idea of luxury swimwear in India was almost radical. Conversations about body types were minimal, and representation was tokenistic at best. 'Our aim was always to inspire confidence, body positivity, self-love and a lifestyle that celebrated individuality,' says Narresh. 'We weren't just selling silhouettes — we were making space for a new narrative.' Over the years, their work has come to embody that shift. Their prints are bold, their cuts inclusive, and their message consistent: fashion is a mirror, and everyone deserves to see themselves reflected in it — beautifully and truthfully. 'Inclusivity isn't a checkbox — it's embedded in our patterns, our cuts, our visual storytelling, and most importantly, in how our clothes make people feel,' Narresh says. But the journey has also been deeply personal. As Narresh steps in front of the camera during the shoot, he reveals something quietly powerful: his vitiligo — a skin condition that causes pigment loss and patchy discolouration. It first appeared in 2012, just two years after the brand launched. 'At first, it was just a spot on my hand. But over the years, it's been a profound emotional and mental journey — learning to accept not just the change in how I looked, but what it meant for my self-image,' he shares. Narresh's acceptance of his condition didn't happen in isolation — it paralleled the ethos of the brand. 'As I worked on accepting myself, I realised the values we stood for — body positivity, confidence, self-love — weren't just brand ideas. They were personal truths,' he says. 'Because the path to self-love is universal — whether you're dealing with body shape, skin, or simply the mirror not reflecting who you feel you are inside.' 'What you choose to show is beauty. What you choose to hide becomes judgment.' This grounding in authenticity is perhaps what gives Shivan and Narresh their staying power. Their collections are often inspired by travel — not just the picturesque, but the philosophical. Their Soumi series, for instance, was born out of a trip to their favourite destination Finland. 'Its sauna culture became a huge inspiration for us,' says Narresh, adding, 'The idea that the sauna is a sacred space where the body simply exists — unjudged, unmasked — spoke deeply to our own design philosophy. That's where the Saun print came from: it's bold, graphic, and deeply intimate.' Nature, too, has found its way into their work. 'Seeing the Northern Lights in person — it was like watching Nature paint in motion,' he recalls, adding, 'That became Aurorays, our kaleidoscopic print capturing the dance of lights in the Nordic sky.' Even their approach to travel has evolved. While the two have always been inseparable travel companions, Narresh now hints at something more introspective. 'I'm planning to go for solo trips,' he says with a smile. 'So far, we've always explored the world together. But now, it's time for self-exploration — to really get to know oneself without distraction.' Through it all, they've remained steadfast in their belief that fashion should feel like freedom — not performance. 'Bold fashion is no longer about risk-taking,' Narresh muses. 'It's about self expression. And inclusion — real inclusion — doesn't always scream; sometimes, it just feels right.' And that's perhaps the true power of Shivan & Narresh. Not in how loud they are, but in how deeply they resonate. With every collection, every cut, and every unapologetic pose in front of the camera, they remind us that beauty isn't about fitting in — it's about showing up, fully and freely.
Hindustan Times
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Srinagar court dismisses obscenity complaint against Gulmarg fashion show
A court in Srinagar has dismissed a complaint alleging 'obscenity and public consumption of alcohol' against designers Shivan & Narresh, the organisers of a controversial fashion show held in Gulmarg on March 7. The court observed that two models wearing 'skimpy clothes or swimwear in the broader scheme of the event does not attract the penal offence of obscenity'. The complaint was filed by one Adil Nazir Khan on March 10, seeking action under sections 296 and 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and section 50 A of the Jammu and Kashmir Excise Act, 1958. The complainant had named the organisers and editor-in-chief of Elle India, alleging 'obscenity, hurting religious sentiments during the month of Ramzan and public consumption of alcohol'. The court of special mobile railway magistrate Faizan i Nazar said the complainant's allegations were supported by two screenshots. 'Two screenshots annexed with the complaint show a female and a male model in skimpy clothes. That is the sole fact appearing in the complaint alleged to be obscene. Accused on the other hand has placed on record material which show that in the fashion show, several models participated and the above two models wearing skimpy clothes actually were showcasing swimwear, for which the company of first accused has expertise,' the judgment pronounced on Wednesday said. Quoting a Supreme Court judgement, the court said that in determining contemporary community standards, regard is to be given to 'contemporary mores and national standards and not the standard of a group of susceptible or sensitive persons'. There was widespread outrage across Kashmir after photos of the event showcasing ski wear collection surfaced on social media platforms, with people saying it was 'disrespecting local sensitivities'. Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah had ordered a probe into the show. The designer duo who organised the show, Shivan Bhatiya and Narresh Kukreja, had subsequently apologised for 'any hurt caused'. Shivan and Narresh is a prominent luxury resort wear brand. On its account of microblogging platform X, the label calls itself 'India's first luxury holiday brand'. Regarding allegations under section 299 of the BNS, which proscribes deliberate malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs, the court said no court shall take cognisance except with the sanction of the Centre or of the state government. Part of the Ski & Après Ski 2025 festival, Shivan & Narresh had hosted the event to mark its 15th anniversary, showcasing skiwear collection with vibrant art prints. The court also dismissed the offence stated under section 50 A of the Jammu and Kashmir Excise Act, 1958, which proscribes drinking in public or any place of worship. 'It is only the deputy commissioner, police and other authorities stated under the Act who have the locus standi to maintain a complaint under the Excise Act. Four-hour permit for serving liquor in connection with get together on March 7, 2025, in favour of Nedous Hotel, Gulmarg, issued by deputy excise commissioner (executive), Kashmir division, on March 1, 2025, has been placed on record,' the court said.
Yahoo
16-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Top models face court over ‘soft porn' fashion show in Muslim territory
Top fashion models face being hauled into court over a risqué fashion show in the mountains of Muslim Kashmir. Scantily dressed male and female models in bikinis, pants and fitted ski-wear strutted on a snow-covered catwalk for a fashion show involving the Indian arm of Elle magazine. The show by Shivan & Narresh, the well-known fashion brand, was held last Friday at Gulmarg, one of India's top ski resorts. But organisers have been forced to delete pictures and videos of the event which local opposition groups condemned as 'soft porn' and 'mocking the faith' of the local population during the holy month of Ramadan. Kashmir is majority Muslim but administered by India, which has a strong Hindu nationalist government that has long been accused of cultural imposition. The fashion show has opened up deep divisions in the region, which is also claimed by Pakistan. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Kashmir's chief cleric, questioned how the show was allowed to go ahead in Kashmir, which is known for its Sufi culture. 'Such obscenity in the name of tourism promotion will not be tolerated,' Mr Farooq said. Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, an Indian parliamentarian from Kashmir, said: 'This is what cultural invasion in the disguise of tourism looks like. They show an utter disregard for Kashmiri sentiments.' Elle was the first non-local brand to host a fashion show in restive Kashmir – disputed between India and Pakistan, but claimed by both. The fears of cultural imposition by India run deep in Kashmir, which has seen decades of violence and protests against Indian rule. These fears have been growing after New Delhi abrogated the region's semi-autonomous status in 2019, prompting months of internet clampdown, curfews, and mass arrests, many of whom remain in Indian prisons. As the pressure mounted on the local government Omar Abdullah, the region's chief minister, distanced himself from the show, saying it was organised by a private party and his administration was not involved. Mr Abdullah blamed the organisers for their failure to exercise 'sound judgement, disregarding the sensitivities of the people, the significance of the location, and the timing of their event'. 'There have been concerns that such an event should not have taken place during Ramadan. I completely agree. Such an event should not have been held at any time of the year, given the cultural and social ethos of our region,' he said. Designer duo Shivan & Narresh, who hosted the show on March 7 to celebrate the 15th anniversary of their label, issued an apology after Elle India deleted a video of the event from its Instagram account. 'We deeply regret any hurt caused by our recent presentation in Gulmarg during the holy month of Ramadan. Our sole intention was to celebrate creativity and the ski and après-ski lifestyle, without any desire to offend anyone or any religious sentiments,' the designers said. 'Respect for all cultures and traditions is at our heart, and we acknowledge the concerns raised. We sincerely apologise for any unintended discomfort and appreciate the feedback from our community.' A local politician approached a court in Srinagar, Kashmir's largest city, calling for action against the organisers. Faizan Nazar, special mobile magistrate, has summoned the organisers, models, and editors of Elle India on April 8. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
