Redefining Swimwear

By Rashmi Hemrajani

                                         Photograph: Courtesy Shivan & Narresh

Redefining resort-wear in India has seen designers Shivan and Narresh graduate from experimenting with sombre shades to bringing design innovations to the forefront...  

If its beach-wear, it has to be Shivan & Narresh from India. The Delhi-based designers have just showcased their ‘ZIP’ collection at the Wills Lifestyle Fashion Week held in Delhi, which has raised the bar on the artistic language of abstract expressionist Barnett Newman, conversed with his ideology of colour fields and the use of hued zips to define spatial structures.

Photograph: Courtesy athensreport.blogspot.com

It is indeed commendable that the designers have brought about a revolution of sorts by making swimwear sexy and a part of mainstream wardrobes in India; something unimaginable, until recently, by the Indian fashion fraternity. The accomplishment is attributed to a simple approach to what the Indian woman at various stages of life, at various ages, desires and can conform to, as an integrated part of her wardrobe.

                                                                                                                                                    Photograph: Courtesy Shivan & Narresh

Photograph: Courtesy Shivan & Narresh

From beach-wear, resort-wear dresses to the Lycra sari, the designers’ transformation of the traditional Indian sari has come to be known as the ‘swimsuit or the bikini sari’. Their invention of variations of a pre-stitched Lycra sari, season after season has redefined the sari as even sexier attire. Needless to say, Indian celebrities and Bollywood divas have applauded and popularised them.

                                                                                                                                                       Photograph: Courtesy Shivan & Narresh

Blessed with a unique signature style that is bold, confident and sophisticated, the designer duo’s brand is underlined by flawless lines, undisputed eye for detail and sheer style. The brand is an answer to the wardrobe of a woman out on a pool, beach, resort, cruise or spa holiday.  The mantra is self-confidence at a new level.

Photograph: Courtesy lakmefashionweek.co.in

                                                                                                                                        Photograph: Courtesy lakmefashionweek.co.in

Cited as one of their best collections till date, has been ‘Gynoid’ - a glimpse into their imagination, where they focussed on portraying the image of a modern Indian woman, who took over the cold hued world with her vibrant appearance dominated by a colour palette of coral, sea green and turquoise fused with sombre mauves, nudes and lace. 

                                                                                                                                        Photograph: Courtesy lakmefashionweek.co.in

                                                                                                                                                         Photograph: Courtesy Shivan & Narresh

Taking elephant steps in the resort-wear segment, also fashioning gowns and saris, the designers are marching ahead to make a permanent mark on the global fashion map with their sensitive approach to impeccable girly-womanly style.  

Photograph: Courtesy fashioncirqle.com

Photograph: Courtesy perniaspopupshop.com