Shantanu & Nikhil’s ‘Velora’ Dazzles at LFW

Designer duo Shantanu and Nikhil took audiences back to the golden era of cinema with their latest collection “Velora”, unveiled at Lakme Fashion Week in New Delhi. The show, held at The Grand Hotel, celebrated modern elegance and timeless craftsmanship, marking a striking ode to women and their evolving power in fashion.

Celebrities including Alaya F, Diana Penty, and Shibani Dandekar graced the evening, adding sparkle to a show that radiated cinematic nostalgia. The designers, known for their strong menswear silhouettes, pivoted to womenswear with “Velora”, a collection that encapsulated both softness and strength, grace and dominance.

Each look drew inspiration from the 1930s red-carpet sirens, an era that defined glamour against the odds. Flowing gowns, structured corsets, and intricate pearl and crystal embellishments paid homage to the women who exuded confidence during one of history’s most challenging decades.

“The only thing that came to her rescue was cinematic allure. The whole red carpet siren was born in that era,” said Shantanu, reflecting on their muse. “The 1930s have always been a big attraction for us, that’s where the fierce, unapologetic, fearless woman arrived. That’s how we’ve always perceived our women.”

Echoing his partner, Nikhil added, “It was a 1930s flavour, a story about a glamorous, sophisticated woman stepping out in her full glory without the baggage of tradition. It was for her own mood, experience, and power.”

With a colour palette that moved from black and gold to ivory and red, and details like gloves, metallic accents, and pearls, “Velora” captured both vintage sophistication and contemporary flair.

As Lakme Fashion Week drew to a close with Tarun Tahiliani’s finale, “Velora” stood out as a love letter to women who dare to define elegance on their own terms.