Designer duo Nidhi and Divya Gambhir have worked with renowned names in the industry before launching their own label, 'WALNUT' like they assisted well known fashion designer Aki Narula on Yash Raj Production, Bunty aur Babli where the work includes styling and designing for Abhishek Bachchan, Amitabh Bachchan, Rani Mukherjee, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Moving on, they worked with Varun Bahl, and are regularly been part of Lakme Fashion Week for 4 seasons now. So here we are talking directly to the designers and asking them about their short but interesting experience till now…
Fashion inspiration?
Life is the biggest inspiration. Everyday things, economic scenario, festivities, even the mood, everything leaves their mark on the ongoing collection.
The changes you find from the initial days to now in India?
That fashion sector is getting organized. It is becoming a serious business. With more and more people entering the industry armed with formal degree, it has started losing tags like being a hobby and passion.
Unlike Versace and other international brands… Indian designers are unable to a corporate the name for themselves…. The reason for this…?
We, The Indian fashion Industry is still in infancy while brands like Versace, Armanis and alikes have been there from a long time. Fashion has always been developed nations fancy. As it's directly proportional to ones disposable income. We have just achieved the titled of being a developed nation. Indulgence has started and Corporate are also showing more interest. The movement has started reflecting with Various Indian designers have become a common name on international ramps. The markets are opening up on us and exposure is better. To conclude, we are sure that very soon we will be just right there.
Did you ever think of designing for movies?
We started our career by styling for a movie so designing and Styling for films is the most obvious next step that we have on our itenery.
Have you had to alter your design sensibility according to excessive globalization of Indian fashion….
Since WALNUT is all about western wear, we have been designing keeping in mind the global market. We in fact sometime indianize our designs when some specific requirement comes.
Most think that talking about reviving textile is just hogwash...
There‘s lots happening to keep the textile industry alive. Not only the Government but even the designers on their level are trying to revive the industry. India is known for its textile and we can’t afford to lose our identity.
Is fashion still perceived as an entertainment with Celebes and parties forming a nexus or grabbing the attraction,…
Not entirely, times are changing and so is the perception of people. There is more consciousnesses and awareness about fashion around. Nowadays, everyone tries to follow fashion on their level whether it’s a college kid, professional or a celebrity.
What do you think of fashion journalism in India when compared to international press?
Like fashion, fashion journalism is also at its beginning stage but it’s in a process of taking a big leap. With institutes teaching fashion journalism, we are in for some serious changes in the scenario.
One change fashion industry needs at the moment?
We would not call it a change but certainly fashion fraternity needs to come together for the betterment of everyone. With so many autonomic bodies, one gets a nervous feeling whether its the Designer, Buyer or the End Consumer and it definitely affects the seriousness of the business.
Sometimes Designer gets blamed for critically hated makeovers of a celeb. Your take?
It’s all buck passing, is all we can say. Designers don’t work in isolation. There is lot of interference that happens from a lot many people. So it’s not fair to just blame the designer.
If you were not a designer what would you have been…
NIDHI: IAS Officer.
DIVYA: Interior Designer
The celebrity you would love to design for and why…
‘MADONNA’. She is one diva we and the world have been fond of whether its her music or her dressing style. We want to scream and tell Falguni and Shane Peacock, ‘WE ARE SO JEALOUS.’
What if you became a media person for a day?
We will try to capture the fashion in its true sense and won't limit it to what celebs are wearing.
Pearls of wisdom for upcoming designers?
Don't imitate...be original.
Next move…
The focus right now is our next collection.
Style statement?
Clean cut silhouettes
KNOW ME MORE-
Love of life-Our Family.
D.O.B- 18.07.1985 (both)
Fashion: Anything that doesn't make you uncomfortable.
Style: Simple
Favo Holiday destination:
NIDHI: Italy.
DIVYA: Greece.
Favo colour:
NIDHI: Purple.
DIVYA : Blues
Favo food: Italian Cuisine (both)