Shivan & Narresh don’t just dress vacation-going bodies. They paint a lifestyle. A sun-drenched, art-soaked, hedonistic fantasy where leisure is lived.
And this season for the powerhouse designer-duo at Lakmē Fashion Week x FDCI'25 at Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai was no different.
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Fifteen years in, celebrating a milestone at Lakmē Fashion Week, Shivan and Narresh didn’t look forward. They looked back–deep into their archives–and resurrected the archival LégerLeisure print.
But nostalgia was never the point. The duo went for reinvention of this signature print and drenched it in a fresh, feverish vibrance—an electric tribute to the avant-garde genius of Fernand Léger. The tribute was unmistakable as the models walked on stage in 45 ready-to-wear looks streaked with bold strokes, saturated hues and abstract compositions that embodied a mood of relaxed revelry.
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Menswear took the spotlight this year—with jumpsuits that exuded insouciant ease, ponchos that billowed with effortless grandeur, and swim trunks tailored for the modern flâneur. We’re talking vests, shackets, polos, and structured shirts—all coming together to create an aesthetic that screams summers in Amalfi.
Meanwhile, womenswear played with contrast—razor-sharp silhouettes softened by the whisper of open-weave knits, painterly prints tempered by fluid, languid movement. The summer knits took on new textural dimensions through melanges and jacquards. Footwear was accentuated by resort mules, slides, clogs, and brogues. Accessories—signature bags from Pomsky and Olly totes, silk twillies, sculptural mules—completed the artful vision.
In light of their landmark show, designer duo Shivan and Narresh spoke with Esquire India about 15 years of pushing boundaries, the artful revival of LégerLeisure, and their sketch-to-runway journeys.
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Lakmē Fashion Week turns 25, and your brand turns 15 with LFW; how has the relationship been?
S&N: Our relationship with Lakmē is deeply symbiotic. They were the first to recognise our work back in 2010 when we had just returned from Italy, and gave us the platform to disrupt and innovate. Back then, Indian runways were dominated by bridal couture. As India’s first luxury swim and lifestyle holiday brand, we were trying to push boundaries when Lakmē spotted us and offered to be a part of this platform, recognising the disruption & innovation before anyone else did. Their foresight has been unwavering—25 years later, Lakmē remains the leader in discovering and nurturing talent, consistently providing a stage for creative expression. Their ability to identify and elevate the best in fashion continues to shape the industry, just as it did when we first began our journey.
What drew you to Fernand Léger’s work for this collection?
S&N: Fernand Léger's work has been a source of inspiration for us in the past, and as we celebrate 15 years, it prompted us to reflect on our journey. Looking back, we realised that there were many aspects of Léger's artistry that remained unexplored when we first drew inspiration from his work. This led us to revisit Léger, uncovering new dimensions of his influence. In many ways, this exploration mirrors our own evolution in fashion over the past 15 years—a journey of growth, reinvention, and deeper creative exploration.
The LégerLeisure print is an archival revival. Why bring it back this year?
S&N: LégerLeisure was always a defining print for us, and its revival felt natural at this milestone. It’s been given a new energy, layered with contemporary details that make it fresh yet deeply rooted in our archive. It’s a nod to where we started and a statement on where we’re headed.
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This year, menswear dominates. What was the intention behind expanding the male wardrobe so boldly?
S&N: We’ve always looked at fashion through the lens of travel, and menswear has been an evolving part of that journey. This year, we decided to spotlight it with a more pronounced focus. Men are seeking fashion that feels effortless, bold, and expressive. That’s why this collection is predominantly menswear. This season, we wanted to give special focus to our male consumers, who have been an integral part of our journey for the past five to six years.
If this collection had one defining word, what would it be to you?
S.B.: At ease.
N.K.: At leisure.
Who is the ideal Shivan & Narresh man? How does he look and what does he wear?
S&N: He is a fusion of our distinct yet complementary personalities. Shivan embodies leisure in its purest form—both mentally and physically—embracing a lifestyle of ease and unapologetic relaxation. In contrast, I am inherently driven by activity, always seeking adventure, exploration, and new experiences. I thrive on being outdoors, making the most of every moment. It is this dynamic contrast—leisure and adventure—that defines the essence of a SHIVAN & NARRESH Man. He embodies both boldness and sophistication, exuding style while maintaining a deep curiosity about the world.
From paper to reality, what was the journey of this piece for 'Resort 2025'?
S&N: We envision a man who embodies both ease and leisure. His look is designed for versatility—perfect for everything from a striking airport look to exploring the vibrant streets of a holiday destination with utmost comfort. A well-coordinated set ensures he remains impeccably dressed from morning to evening, no matter where his journey takes him.
Do you stick to the original sketch always, or do you often leave room for improvisation?
S&N: The sketch is sacrosanct. Every line drawn carries intention—how the fabric will drape, how the silhouette will move. If adjustments are needed, they are always made at the sketching stage, as we believe that once a design resonates on paper, it must be brought to life with the same integrity. This has been our approach from the very beginning, rooted in Shivan’s exceptional illustration skills. From our first collection to today, even with a large design team, our process remains unchanged.
Seeing your sketch finally come down to the runway — what's that moment like?
S&N: Euphoric—an indescribable blend of excitement and exhilaration. That feeling has remained unchanged since 2010, when our first model walked down the Indian runway in a swimsuit as the opening look. Now, 15 years later, as Lakmē celebrates 25 years and we mark our own milestone, history comes full circle—the first model will once again take the runway in a swimsuit.