He has been a famous face since he rose to fame as one of the first few Gen Next designers at Lakme Fashion Week a few years ago. With an urge to contemporizing Indian wear with an edgy touch and an effervescent vibe, Nikhil Thampi has redefined fashion for the millenial woman. From bringing a futuristic touch to the traditional sari with metal elements to giving the anarkali a stylish spin with an attached fuss free dupatta. The designer has changed our perception in modern Indian fashion with styles that are both fabulous and fierce that you can flaunt from day to night.
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Contemporary, cool & chic styles with an edy flavour by the designer
1. When did you know that fashion was your calling? Quite honestly, it was an overnight decision that I had taken a few years ago. I launched my collection as one of the Gen Next designers only because a near and dear friend encouraged me to. It was at this time that I completely fell in love with the fashion. Coincidently it was also a time where I was just revering from an accident and where nothing was really happening in my life. I thought why not give it a shot? 2. Who was your inspiration in the early years? I am a big fan of Bollywood starlets from Sridevi to Madhuri Dixit. These are the women who mesmerized all of us with their inimitable style in chiffon saris on the white mountains of Switzerland. Bollywood films have always intrigued me and studying fashion brought about an interest in this field. My mother and grandmother also always had a stylish persona and fashion sense. Our Bollywood divas were the perfect muse that made a canvas to the road of designing Indian fashion..jpg)
Bollywood belles, Sridevi & Madhuri Dixit dressed in different avatars by Nikhil Thampi
3. On the international front, who are your favorite designers? Lanvin, Alexander McQueen and Givenchy. Lanvin believes in keeping fashion minimal yet glamorous with less embellishments which I can relate to a lot because our brand aesthetics work similarly. As a newcomer to the industry, the works of the fashion industry intrigues as you progress and learn the transition of a garment. Givenchy balances art and fashion equally for a masterpiece like no other. 4. How do you unwind on a regular day? I am not the type who is very social and who likes media appearances. I like to take my dogs out for a walk. I also like my time off listening to music and spending time with the most important friends in my life who keep me grounded all the time all the time. 5. Indo-western styles have become a huge trend in the 21st century. What's your take on this? I am completely up for it. Gone are the days when 30 layers of jewelry were worn on heavy traditional outfits. People are looking for value of money and durability towards the end of the day. No one wants a garment that can only be worn once and does not provide comfort. Even the modern bride wants something that is light yet beautiful. She is looking to keep her bridal trousseau for a lifetime and not something that is only worth a few snapshots.
Bold & beautiful collections fresh off the Lakme Fashion Week runway by Nikhil Thampi
6. What are some key pieces that one must possess? An interesting sari with a youthful appeal like a pre stitched sari. A bodysuit that you can dress up or dress down and a lehenga in a western silhouette that can be worn with a shirt or a crop top. A classic blazer suit that will eternally be the power pick up for any woman. And finally, an LBD or a gown with classic appeal and minimum detailing for a longer durability. 7. Three ways to wear a kurta or an anarkali in different ways. A kurta can easily be transformed in style when worn with a pair of dhotis, wide leg palazzos, a sari or a lehenga. 8. What are some trends we will see in 2017? Interesting off body and fuss free silhouettes with a hint of glamour is getting interpreted in different ways and is adapted even in most of my collections. We are giving birth to something that is called ‘Comfort Couture’. 9. What is next on the agenda for you? Taking the label internationally by making a budget friendly line with a high street appeal. We are also getting interesting enquiries for luxury prêt collections across the border. I am also looking at expanding the manpower, space and production of my company..jpg)
Model Deepti Gujral catching up with Nikhil Thampi at a designer promo at Aza Bandra
