A Shivan-Narresh swimsuit

Swimwear designers Shivan and Narresh are all set to camp in Calcutta with their collection for the first time. The two-day display of swimwear will be held at Genesis Art Gallery on September 15-16. t2 catches up with the duo...

It’s great news that the “bikini boys of India” are finally coming to Calcutta! What is your fashion perception of the city?

Calcutta imbibes a strong outlook towards fashion with its ever-evolving attitude towards newer trends. It’s eager to embrace newer directions in silhouettes and cuts, which is quite reminiscent of its cultural heritage which is powerful and rooted yet looks forward. Which is why we as a brand are ecstatic in setting foot in this market!

What are you getting for us?

The collection for Calcutta comprises our signature swimwear in hues of canary yellow, aqua blue along with flaming orange and flossy pink. The swimwear is complemented with an array of resortwear consisting of pareos, breezy dresses and sharply-cut linens. The accessories take the more maximalist approach with statement collars, neckpieces and belts. The collection embodies our vision for a quintessential cruise-resort wardrobe — making it a one-stop for a Calcutta woman’s holiday, destination wedding and honeymoon wardrobe!

What are your expectations from the Calcutta market?

We expect to open the window to a domestic brand that speaks the language of modern luxury in such a niche category, yet remains rooted to its cultural ethos of modesty and bold colours.

Who, from Calcutta, is a style icon for you? Someone you see as a Shivan-Narresh woman...

Sharmila Tagore epitomises Calcutta’s elegance with her strong Indian looks and roots but fused with an outlook of modernity and boldness of being ahead of times, an example of which was seen back in 1968 when she appeared on a magazine cover gorgeously dressed in a black bikini. For us that is the epitome of style and elegance — when one can come from such a strong cultural lineage and reflect the confidence of her roots while taking a modern step.

And what from Calcutta is a part of your wardrobe?

Not in the wardrobe but we are big fans of Calcutta’s gastronomic delights and that in a lot of ways is timeless and intangible!