Shantnu & Nikhil’s Capella Collection Is Made For Fashion-Forward Brides

The Designer Duo’s Bridal Couture Edit Is An Ode To The Baroque Era.

ARTICLE BY : Nupur Sarvaiya

With every collection, Shantnu & Nikhil present couture pieces for the new-age connoisseur who embraces tradition, while modernising it with their own style. The designer duo’s latest FDCI X Lakme Fashion Week 2022 couture collection titled Capella is no different. It is befitting for the bride and groom of today—disruptive, distinctive and individualistic.
The designers looked to the past to design a fashion-forward collection, further sharing, “We’ve always been fascinated with history and the grandeur it holds. Our work has always denoted a passion in reviving nostalgia and retelling stories that are long forgotten. After over two decades of designing haute couture, it wasn’t surprising that we were looking for a new outlet: A Shantnu & Nikhil bride who redefines bridal couture through the prism of historical abundance. Capella, named after the brightest star in the sky does exactly that!”

Of Colours And Crafts

References from the Baroque Era and it’s majestic artefacts, especially the chandelier, are evident in the new bridal couture collection. You’ll see these influences as leaf motifs appearing as embroidery and embellishments along with exaggerated styles and forms. To stay true to the theme, Capella’s colour story spanned from neutral off-white and blush then moved to rich mint gold, metallics and brought in staid charcoal and black that was also seen at times in the interiors of Baroque palaces.

Shantnu and Nikhil unveiled magnificent lehengas with intricate detailing and crafts. Tiers were accentuated by tulle and veils that brought forth some playful movement and a sensuous lavish quality of that period. An embellishment that was extremely eye-catching came in the form of Baroque lace embroidered in dori work. Capella also dives into more is more trend by the way of stones and crystals to command the attention on the bride, just like a chandelier does in a palace. The line-up also included their signature pre-draped saris and gowns, perfect for a pre-wedding cocktail night.

What makes it versatile is that every bridal silhouette is stretched and elevated for comfort and drama. Whether it was the translucent organza fabric or gold-spun suiting, like always, they have stuck to their tropes of maximalist appeal.

The Show-Stopper Outfit

The most statement-making creation from Shantnu & Nikhil’s Capella is the mint-julep lehenga, worn by Bollywood actor Kriti Sanon. The ensemble is adorned with pristine white bugelle beadwork along with regal stones, chromatic silver beads, and muted bullion thread. The prismatic crystals and chandelier-like chains are inspired by the palace of Versailles, whilst keeping the bridal appeal alive.

The collection will be available at designers atelier for viewing and customised orders via appointments only at Shantnu & Nikhil flagship store, One Style Mile Mehrauli.