Designers Shantnu & Nikhil Have Now Designed An Egg

It’s not for no reason that designer-duo Shantnu & Nikhil have always been admired for consistently pushing the boundaries of creative vision and execution both for themselves and the larger design community in the country. Just when you’re done admiring them for a new collection or launch, the duo comes up with something else that’s equally celebratory.

And speaking of celebration, the designers are up for another one after becoming the only designers from India to have ever been invited for The Big Egg Hunt, the world’s largest public art egg hunt, hosted by Elephant Family (a UK-based charity that’s committed towards protecting endangered wildlife in Asia) in partnership with Clarence Court. As part of which, they’ve joined a curated list of global creatives to have their artistically-designed giant-sized eggs unveiled across London and also auctioned to raise funds for wildlife conservation. The Big Egg Hunt is an open-air gallery with over 100 monumental eggs hidden in various iconic locations of the city.

Shantnu & Nikhil’s egg – titled Valour’s Vessel – pays homage to India’s heritage and resilience. It’s adorned with real military brooches, coins, and historical relics. We got chatting with the designer duo to know more about this egg and everything else around it.

You may also like: For Raghavendra Rathore, The Bandhgala Is Timeless

What can you tell us about The Big Egg Hunt and your egg, Valour's Vessel?

The Big Egg Hunt is a landmark initiative by the Elephant Family, held this year at London’s Kew Gardens in collaboration with Clarence Court, Chopard, and the British Asian Trust. It’s a powerful platform where art meets advocacy, spotlighting endangered wildlife and the urgent need for human-wildlife coexistence—especially across South Asia. As the first Indian designers invited to participate at The Big Egg Hunt, it was a moment of immense pride for us. Our egg, Valour’s Vessel, brings together the house codes of Shantnu & Nikhil—steeped in military influences, historic relics, and emotive storytelling. It stands as a sculptural expression of courage, legacy, and the India-proud sentiment that has always defined us.

At a time when India is truly having a moment when it comes to design - the Met blue carpet, most recently - how do you think your participation in the egg hunt further drives the narrative around India and its design talent?

There’s a quiet revolution happening in Indian design—and it’s finally being recognised on a global platform. What’s exciting is that this recognition isn’t just about surface spectacle; it’s about storytelling, cultural nuance, and craft. Being part of The Big Egg Hunt gave us the opportunity to share that side of Indian design through Valour’s Vessel—rooted in history, layered with emotion, and created with intent. What made it even more meaningful was being part of an initiative that stands for more than just art. Elephant Family has created a platform that merges creativity with purpose, championing sustainability and the urgent need for human-wildlife coexistence across South Asia. It felt like the right stage—and the right moment—to bring our voice to that conversation.

Talk to us about how Valour's Vessel - the design detailing of it? 

Valour’s Vessel is a three-dimensional representation of our design philosophy—rooted in military precision, heritage symbolism, and an India-proud spirit. We worked with Chakra and Bharat buttons, medallion brooches, and vintage coins—relics that carry memory and meaning. These aren’t just embellishments; they’re markers of time, chosen to echo a legacy of resilience and pride. The egg stands as a commanding expression of Shantnu & Nikhil’s house codes—structured detailing, archival references, and narrative-led design—becoming a canvas that holds nostalgia, identity, and intent. As a universal symbol of origin and renewal, the egg felt like a natural starting point. It allowed us to channel our house codes into a couture artefact that reflects a profound respect for the past while remaining firmly rooted in contemporary design. More than a relic, Valour’s Vessel is our tribute to courage—a celebration of the spirit that has shaped our country and continues to define its presence on the global stage.

You may also like: 15 Years In, Shivan & Narresh Are Just Getting Started

How do you feel being the only Indian designers to have participated in this? How do you think this paves the way for more Indian designers?

The Elephant Family and British Asian Trust have created a platform where design serves a larger purpose. It’s not just about showcasing creativity—it’s about using it to support coexistence, conservation, and dialogue on a global level.

What else can we expect from Shantnu & Nikhil in the near future?

At our core, we remain committed to creating with purpose—whether that’s through fabric, form, or collaborations that push the boundaries of Indian design and unshackles traditionalism.

You may also like: Stefano Canali On The Brand's 90-Year Journey