I don’t force myself out of creative blocks: designer Nikhil Mehra

“There is something truly inspiring about people who are fearlessly themselves, and are willing to stay true to their values and personality,” says designer Nikhil Mehra. “I would say people who embody these traits are my favourite muses,” he adds. 

Designer brothers Shantanu and Nikhil Mehra, co-creators of the luxury couture label Shantnu & Nikhil, are synonymous with high-end celebratory outfits. 

Launched in 2000, the duo has dressed the who’s who of the Indian film industry—Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Ranveer Singh, Hrithik Roshan, Saif Ali Khan, Alia Bhatt, and Abhishek Bachchan, among many others. Former tennis player Serena Williams has walked the ramp for the Mehra brothers in their 2008 fashion show. 

The greatest highlight of their 25-year legacy, Nikhil says, has been dressing Amitabh Bachchan for KBC (Kaun Banega Crorepati).

“It was truly an experience,” he reveals. “Mr Bachchan does not like chocolate brown as a colour, so we refrained from using it while designing for him,” Nikhil shares in an interaction with YS Life.

But what really makes Shantanu and Nikhil Mehra stand out in a market that is saturated with over-the-top silhouettes and designer wear is their approach to the art—blending traditional Indian craftsmanship with contemporary designs. Shantnu & Nikhil’s designs rarely feature bold and striking colours, ensuring the silhouette takes centre stage. 

“We love experimenting with our designs to create unique pieces, often diverging from conventionally traditional styles,” Nikhil says. “However, we also enjoy incorporating traditional elements such as the drape of a saree or the Nehru bandhgala into our clothing. Our pieces embody the rich craftsmanship and silhouettes of India.”

In 2019, Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd (ABFRL) announced its strategic partnership with the designer brand, acquiring a 51% stake, making Shantnu & Nikhil the first Indian couturiers to get into a strategic partnership with ABFIL. 

Seeking inspiration in daily rituals

On the sidelines of A Day in the Life of Nikhil Mehra—a new campaign of the luxury fashion label—we ask the designer himself to give us a peek into his life. 

“My day is more packed than most people’s day,” Nikhil says. “I put everything I love—from work to play, to experiences, all in one day, each day.” 

Starting his day with meditation, focusing on gratitude and manifesting positive energy, the 50-year-old enjoys his morning cuppa under the sun while soaking in nature. 

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“Driving to work is a daily ritual,” he says, “It allows me to realign my thoughts before stepping into the atelier.” 

The designer dedicates the first half of his day to creativity and direction. “During this time, I provide solutions and mentorship towards our common goals, ensuring our objectives are aligned and impactful for our community.”

The second half, he reveals, is spent planning and working towards the larger goals for the brand. 

“Evenings are reserved for my kids, and often involve stepping out to observe and learn from where the Shantnu & Nikhil community is thriving,” Nikhil says. 

How does the designer deal with creativity blocks, we ask?

“Once you realise that life is a cycle of cycles, that's when you accept and be free to explore. I don’t force myself to get out of any blocks because every experience has to be experienced and therefore, I don’t call it a block,” Nikhil explains.

Inclusive and gender-fluid fashion 

Over the years, Shantnu & Nikhil’s brand philosophy has undergone significant evolution. 

“It takes time for a brand to discover its true purpose and meaning. Once that understanding is achieved, it solidifies our beliefs, leading to the realisation that this was our calling all along.  For some, this journey can take anywhere from one to 100 years. For us, that moment of recognition came in 2014,” Nikhil says. 

The Spring-Summer 2014 collection by Shantnu & Nikhil—Shadows Within—was a turning point in their journey. The Mehra brothers introduced the concept of a drape kurta for the first time in the Indian fashion industry, which eventually became a staple for the Indian menswear collections. 

“We tried to bring femininity in menswear…It brought softness to a man’s look,” Nikhil adds. 

With this same concept, of making gender-fluid clothing, Shantanu & Nikhil launched S&N by Shantnu & Nikhil, a ready-to-wear bridge brand in 2020. The inspiration for the designs has its roots in their childhood and home lives, Nikhil says.

“Growing up, we observed the traditional gender roles reversed as we witnessed our mother take on the role of being the provider for our family, while our father lovingly nurtured our softer side,” he reveals.

Although not a conscious move, the Mehra brothers’ childhood experiences shaped the designs of S&N by Shantnu & Nikhil.

Betting on cricket

Childhood experiences have played a major role in inspiring the designer duo and their strategic moves over the last two decades. In November 2022, the luxury fashion brand launched Shantnu Nikhil Cricket Club (SNCC), as an ode to the nation’s love for cricket. 

“We were introduced to various sports at a very young age…Between the two of us, we were made captains for most sports we played—from tennis to swimming, golf and cricket—sports have always had an incredible impact on how we carved our careers,” Nikhil says. 

Shantanu & Nikhil have also designed cricket jerseys for the IPL team Mumbai Indians in collaboration with Adidas for over a decade. Even today, Nikhil spends his post-work time either at the gym or indulging in a sport—tennis or golf—to clear his mind. 

As someone who’s always a head-turner in every room that he walks into, YS Life asks Nikhil for his tips on how to remain fashionable and timeless.

“I believe the real secret to remain fashionable and timeless always is to be true to yourself, your values and beliefs,” he concludes.