Shantanu & Nikhil on Building the New-Age Wedding Aesthetic: “We Unshackle Traditionalism”

A name that often comes up when it comes to redefining Indian couture, is Shantanu & Nikhil. They have long stood at the intersection of heritage, the paradgm shift which makes wedding wear more rebellious in nature and standing by the ethos that the joy of dressing never goes out of fashion.  

Known for their signature drapes, structured silhouettes, and a strong military influence, the designer duo has built a language of fashion that speaks to the modern Indian who isn’t afraid to challenging the norm, especially at their own wedding.

In this exclusive conversation ahead of their showcase at the FDCI Wedding Weekend happening on the 2nd and 3rd August 2025 at the Taj Palace, New Delhi, the brothers delve into their creative process, how they continue to remain inspired and more.

Consider this your guide to what’s trending—and what’s tired—this wedding season. 

In Conversation With Shantanu & Nikhil 

Manifest: What inspires you to create every day? 

Nikhil: “Inspiration to me comes at any given point in time. It can happen when you're travelling, a lot of times in the shower too... Inspirations don't call you and come.” 

Shantanu: “Anything that unshackles traditionalism and doesn’t conform to you is something that inspires us as a brand all the time.” 

Manifest: What is your favourite part about Indian weddings? 

Nikhil: “I believe in the intimacy with which a wedding takes place. Every process that leads up to the wedding and the amount of involvement in every step make me cherish Indian weddings... It’s almost like a plodding design.” 

Shantanu: “It’s everything you see in Indian weddings. From the juxtaposition of tradition meeting contemporary to the chaos and emotions running high—it is the celebration of Indian heritage.” 

Manifest: What can-to-be-weds expect from your showcase at the FDCI Manifest Wedding Weekend? 

Nikhil: I think there could be a barrage of opportunities from different categories and functions. They get a chance to see themselves looking different from their usual self. And I think that is one day when they manifest to be someone they're not because it's going to happen just once in their lifetime. So, we will allow them to see various silhouettes, shapes and looks that they can be a part of. 

Manifest: What are some fashion trends we're going to see this wedding season, according to you? 

Nikhil: “When it comes to wedding business, fashion trends are personalised and bespoke.  We unshackle traditionalism and come from the philosophy of drape. So, wherever you spot traditional aspects with an unusual feature, it becomes a trend for us.” 

Shantanu: “This time, we believe, men are going to have a feast, and you'll see a lot of glamour. Think shimmer menswear, drape meeting structure and a whole lot of military chic.” 

Manifest: Tell us about the faux pas that brides make that you don’t like. 

Shantanu: “I feel that twinning is a big no. The idea behind matching his outfits to hers is simply a big fashion faux pas. Even going OTT is a big no, often couples get carried away with the idea of how they want to look a certain way... You must break away from that aspect.” 

Nikhil: "The tradition behind vermilion red is beautiful, but unfortunately doesn't work for palettes across the country because we are a diverse set of people. Often red overtakes the personality of people in wearing that colour.” 

Photography: Raju Raman

Styling: Palak Valecha

Hair and Makeup: Neha Singh

Videography: Priyanshu Kharb

Production: Varun Shah

Inspired to get started on that wedding wardrobe moodboard? Head to the FDCI Manifest Wedding Weekend this August 2–3, 2025, at the Taj Palace, New Delhi, for the hottest fresh-off-the-runway couture looks and jewellery. Register now by contacting: +91 88004 32645 | +91 88006 11645