The Bikini Boys

Kukreja is being too self-deprecating: the chic sophistication and functionality of their creations were surely major factors in the SFA’s decision. But what really sets Shivan & Narresh’s swimwear line apart is more subtle. “We don’t deal with ‘sexy’; it’s ‘confidence’ that we deal with,” says Kukreja. It may seem a strange thing to say for someone who is,after all,a purveyor of intimate wear,but as he explains,when the duo first began designing swimwear for the Indian market,the main hurdle they had to overcome was psychological. “It’s not like Indian women don’t want to wear swimsuits. But after a certain age,they become extremely conscious about their bodies,” says Kukreja.

This sensitivity towards what Indian women want stamps itself on the duo’s creations — the maillots,tankinis and bikinis,come with shorts,flowing lounge pants,skirts,and even lycra saris,apart from jewellery and bags. “One of the concerns of an Indian woman is what she will wear when she’s just stepped out of the pool,or is on her way there.” This complete accessorisation also ensures that a woman can have at least five different looks with the same swimsuit.

After their show in Miami,the duo will be showcasing once again at the Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai and rumour has it that former supermodel and current Top Chef-cum-jewellery designer,Padma Lakshmi,will be walking the ramp for them. Kukreja laughs when asked about this and says,“We don’t know anymore than what you do. In fact,we’ve not been in touch with Padma or her people. We’re still waiting for confirmation about this news from IMG.”