Shivan and Narresh to Open a New Store in Mumbai Soon

Shivan Bhatia and Narresh Kukreja started their journey as designers in 2006 with their brand ‘Shivan and Narresh’. Within a span of twelve years, they have not only changed the way Indians used to look at bikini wears but they are also known for their unique artistic definition, they gave bikini trails to the saree.

Back when Indians were not comfortable with bikini wears, this duo successfully made it look much more fashionable and acceptable when they added a yard and a half of georgette or crepe, which could be draped in “10 different ways.”

They have their label sold to hotels like Taj and Leela, they say they prefer the franchisee model and partnerships with hotels and resorts as “there are limitations and problems running your own store”.

Now ‘Shivan and Narresh’ as a brand are looking forward to opening a brand new store in Mumbai, for which they are looking for a perfect spot. To top it all, they are also gearing up for the Fashion Week, where their theme is inspired by the holiday.

When asked about what advice would they give to the budding designers and design students, Narresh said that “India is an important market right now; students from all over the globe are looking for the opportunities. So for a design student or budding designer, it is important to be yourself because everyone else is taken.”

According ‘Shivan and Narresh’, the four basic qualities a budding designer should have or should adopt are:

Vision:

Narresh says, “A creative person has to have a vision, and a designer is no less a creative person. If you have a vision only then you can plan your journey and work accordingly.”

It gives you the initial push to let your creativity unfold different pages and bring out the best from you.

He further adds, “One has to believe in his/her talents and skills, and work until you are happy with what you have produced with your creativity. Because only then you get the sense of creative satisfaction.”

Balance:

A designer should be able to find a fine balance between “who they are, what sells in the market and what people are looking for in the market.”

A designer should be able to identify his position in the market by coming up with a unique design which will help him/her in establishing the first impression because a designer should time and again “reinvent him/her self.”

Position and Location:

Narresh states that “The social media is a boon for the budding designers because it has enough space for everyone. One can make or break his/her own brand through this sole medium.”

Shivan added, “A brand positioning and location also plays a very important role because we do not have street culture or any such platform like other developed countries have, where one can showcase his/her design on the streets, where people come to only identify the talent of new designers and buy them or encourage them.”

Believe in Yourself:

Narresh says, “Rather than wasting time in finding out someone’s work, adding fringes of creativity in their shoddy work, it is important to invest in you. Counterfeiting might fetch you initial success but in the long run, your credibility is what matters, which will give you satisfaction out of your creativity.”

Narresh concludes the conversation, saying that “Believe in yourself and try to find out your unique self or come up with something unique from your creativity because everyone else is taken.”