Over the last two decades, designer siblings Shantanu and Nikhil have modernized Indian fashion, infusing it with structure and strength. The duo has gained recognition for blending contemporary aesthetics with classic Indian elements, creating a unique style that appeals to a wide range of clients, including several Bollywood celebrities. The label’s progressive philosophy embraces a young, sartorial, gender-fluid, and India-proud aesthetic, appealing to a new generation of fashion-forward Indians.

Recently, TheGlitz received an invitation to the Shantanu & Nikhil x Grey Goose couture show dubbed “Studio Mix by Shantanu & Nikhil.” The event showcased the duo’s reimagining of 1970s fashion, introducing a trend poised to influence the industry throughout the year.

Studio Mix: Shantanu & Nikhil Cocktail Couture

Shantanu & Nikhil’s latest line, “Studio Mix,” premiered at Piano Man Jazz Club in Delhi. Yesteryears, dum maro dum dame Zeenat Aman, aka Zeenie Baby, the apt-poster girl of the 70s, opened the show, which showcased 50+ models in garments fusing vintage and contemporary aesthetics, with musical stylings by Saba Azad and Imaad Shah. The collection was a classic blend of nostalgia with contemporary flair. The runway pulsated with Nu Disco and Harlem swing, setting the stage for a mesmerizing show. Models emerged, embodying a perfect fusion of classic and modern aesthetics and the era’s love for luxurious textures and silks, with bold prints and eccentric designs taking center stage.

The event, a joint effort with Grey Goose vodka, introduced their newest line of bar accessories. Commenting on the partnership, Mahesh Kanchan of Grey Goose stated: “We identified a unique chance to create memorable experiences blending French elegance with contemporary Indian design, responding to the growing demand among Indian consumers for exclusive, self-expressive moments.”

The collection showcased wide-legged trousers that evoked the elegance of yesteryear, paired with short, bangle-length jackets that gleamed under the lights. This reimagining of 70s fashion created a captivating spectacle where the past and present collided in a celebration of style, luxury, and sartorial innovation. The designers masterfully captured the essence of a transformative decade while infusing it with modern sensibilities.

Paisley prints grabbed eyeballs, and vibrant floral designs paid homage to post-war fashion icons, while vintage-inspired stripes evoked memories of character-driven style. The collection masterfully blended nostalgia with contemporary aesthetics, creating a captivating sartorial narrative.

The runway show culminated in a mesmerizing fusion of electro funk and Harlem swing, leaving the audience entranced by this post-modern electro cabaret experience. The designers didn’t merely resurrect the 1970s; they reinvented it, infusing each piece with a harmonious blend of past and present. Sidharth Malhotra dazzled as the showstopper, delivering a mind-blowing finale that elevated the entire collection.

In a brief exchange, the designer duo shared insights on their show and 70s revival with Rajeev Mokashi, CSO, at TheGlitz.Media.

TheGlitz: Shantnu & Nikhil, your latest Studio Mix collection seems intriguing! What first drove you both to the groovy vibes of the 70s?

Shantnu & Nikhil: The 1970s was an era that really celebrated individuality and bold self-expression, which aligns perfectly with our design philosophy. We’ve always been drawn to periods in fashion where rules were challenged, and the 70s embodied that spirit. From the vibrant prints to the iconic silhouettes like bell bottoms and paisleys, the decade offered a rich palette of styles that allowed us to play with contrasts and textures. We were inspired to take these classic elements and reinterpret them for a modern audience, creating something that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly contemporary.

I’m curious, if you could have dinner with any 70s-style icon, who would it be and why?

We would love to sit down with David Bowie. His approach to fashion was nothing short of revolutionary, breaking down gender norms and redefining what it meant to be stylish. Bowie’s ability to constantly reinvent himself and push the boundaries of style is something that deeply resonates with us. He wasn’t just an artist; he was a trendsetter who influenced an entire generation. To have a conversation with him about his vision for fashion would be incredibly inspiring and undoubtedly fuel our own creative processes.

The stripes, eccentric designs, and bangle-length jackets sound stunning. Can you walk us through the process of selecting and reimagining vintage patterns?

When we set out to create the Studio Mix collection, we knew we wanted to capture the essence of the 70s but with our own twist. We started by immersing ourselves in the patterns and textures that defined that era, then reinterpreted them in a way that speaks to today’s fashion landscape. For example, we reintroduced paisley—a timeless motif—with intricate details inspired by architectural designs, making it feel both historic and modern. We also took classic patterns like pinstripes and infused them with a touch of 70s punk, resulting in a collection that feels both nostalgic and innovative.

Nikhil, which piece in the collection do you feel best embodies your vision of a 70s revival?

For me, it’s our printed silk shirts. These pieces are vibrant and luxurious, capturing the bold essence of the 70s while being perfectly suited for today’s fashion-forward individual. They are statement pieces that encapsulate the daring spirit of the era.

And you, Shantnu?

I would say the bell-bottom trousers with tonal embroidery. They’re a classic 70s silhouette, but we’ve updated them with modern details that make them feel fresh and relevant. These trousers are the perfect representation of how we’re reviving 70s fashion in a way that resonates with contemporary trends.

Last throw: how do you see the revival of 70s aesthetics shaping future fashion trends?

The 70s were all about boldness and individuality, themes that are increasingly relevant today. As fashion continues to move towards celebrating personal style and self-expression, the influence of 70s aesthetics will only grow. We believe that elements like vibrant prints, relaxed silhouettes, and eclectic patterns will continue to inspire designers and consumers alike, helping to create a fashion landscape that’s more diverse and dynamic. The key is to take these vintage influences and reinterpret them in a way that feels modern and unique, which is exactly what we aim to do with our collections.