Surelee Joseph wears a Shantanu & Nikhil Mehra outfit at IRFW in Goa
Surelee Joseph wears a Shantanu & Nikhil Mehra outfit at IRFW in Goa

Against the backdrop of Marbela Beach on one one side ad a lunar eclipse on the other, Delhi-based designers Shantanu and Nikhil Mehra charmed the crowds at the India Resort Fashion Week with a collection of yummy cocktail dresses and resort-wear pieces like sundresses, short airy dresses, halters, bikinis, blouses and playsuits.

A model wears a Shantanu & Nikhil Mehra outfit at IRFW in Goa
A model wears a Shantanu & Nikhil Mehra outfit at IRFW in Goa

This collection was under their label S&N Drape, the bridge brand of Shantanu & Nikhil, which is a portrayal of the glamorous, edgy, exciting, young and sexy woman of today who celebrates her toned body and curves and her inherent refined style.

Kavita Kharayat wears a flowing dress by Shantanu & Nikhil
Kavita Kharayat wears a flowing dress by Shantanu & Nikhil
A model wears a flowing dress by Shantanu & Nikhil
A model wears a flowing dress by Shantanu & Nikhil

The collection perfectly married 60’s kitsch and modern-day minimalism for a line of clothes that will go on to become timeless classics. The duo have effectively used colour-on-colour treatment of bright contrasting tones, neon brights and a lively palette of sun-warmed hues to brighten up their ensembles. What’s more, is that their prints in the form of pigmented stencils, stamped patterns, colour clashing, dots, vintage tropical prints and Indian cultural prints worked wonders.

Shantanu and Nikhil present S&N Drape
Shantanu and Nikhil present S&N Drape
Carol Gracias heats up the catwalk in sun-kissed hues by Shantanu & Nikhil
Carol Gracias heats up the catwalk in sun-kissed hues by Shantanu & Nikhil

As for the detailing, Shantanu & Nikhil incorporated ornate laces, cut-work, contrasting coloured cords, pellucid embroideries and hand stitched surfacing with ombre effects.

Shantanu & Nikhil also did swimwear for men
Shantanu & Nikhil also did swimwear for men
Sushmita Sen with Nikhil and Shantanu at India Resort Fashion Week
Sushmita Sen with Nikhil and Shantanu at India Resort Fashion Week

For their finale outfit, the boys had glamazon Sushmita Sen walk the ramp in a blue dress with a billowing train at the back. It was detailed with red ribbon, encrusted with crystals. And since the dramatic dress was cut right up the front, Sushmita showed off her fab legs with a pair of red shorts.

A show worthy of a grand finale!

India Resort Fashion Week 2011 presented by INK Infrastructure in association with YUVA & powered by Provogue.