Brands
Shantnu Nikhil’s Piazza Nova celebrates five years of prêt-a-porter panache, with a dash of royal spice
MUMBAI: Shantnu Nikhil, darlings of the Indian fashion scene, have just celebrated five years of their S&N prêt line with a runway spectacle that had Lakmé Fashion Week buzzing like a hive of very stylish bees. They’ve democratised luxury, they claim, bridging the gap between couture and ready-to-wear, and frankly, who’s to argue when they’ve got 17 stores across eight cities and a website that’s practically bursting at the seams with eager buyers, both local and international.
Their secret? A blend of heritage and cutting-edge design, appealing to the young and the aspirational. For their anniversary bash, the duo unveiled Piazza Nova, a collection that’s a right proper potpourri of sharp suits, bold printed shirts, and relaxed silhouettes, all with a dash of wide lapels and enough embroidery to make a magpie blush.
Men’s wear took centre stage, with a sprinkling of women’s wear thrown in for good measure. Think mix-and-match coordinates, jackets that scream “look at me,” and enough sartorial swagger to fill a palace.
“We wanted to create a platform for personal expression,” said Shantanu Nikhil, “a brand that lets people define luxury on their own terms. Piazza Nova is a celebration of those ‘moment makers’ who’ve used our designs to tell their own stories.”
And speaking of moments, Ibrahim Ali Khan, looking every inch the royal heartthrob, sashayed down the runway in a sand-coloured bandhgala jacket, slim trousers, and a crisp white shirt, causing more than a few fashionistas to clutch their pearls.
Piazza Nova wasn’t just a collection of clothes, you see. It was a collection of stories, emotions, and a whole heap of style, blending tradition and contemporary vision like a perfectly mixed cocktail. Shantnu Nikhil have certainly earned their five-year stripes, and they’re showing no signs of slowing down. They’ve built a brand that’s both regal and ready-to-wear, and frankly, it’s a right royal treat.
Brands
Malaika Arora launches accessories brand Maejoy
The Bollywood star’s lifestyle brand, built with Myntra and Exceed Entertainment, promises aspirational fashion without the high price tag
MUMBAI: Malaika Arora is not the first Bollywood star to put her name on a brand, and she will not be the last. But Maejoy, the accessories label she has launched in partnership with Myntra Jabong India Private Limited (MJIPL) and talent outfit Exceed Entertainment, at least has a sharper pitch than most. The brand drops with 250-plus styles spanning handbags and lab-grown diamond jewellery, two categories that sit squarely in the sweet spot between aspiration and affordability, and lands on Myntra’s platform from day one, putting it in front of millions of shoppers without breaking a sweat.
The handbag range covers the full gamut: crossbody bags, structured shoulder bags, bucket bags, totes, workwear classics, backpacks and clutches, rendered in synthetic leather, raffia, braids, satin, rhinestone and metallic finishes. The jewellery line runs to rings, earrings, pendants, bracelets and tennis bracelets in silver, gold and rose-gold tones, set in 925 sterling silver with IGI and GCI certified lab-grown diamonds. The brand’s guiding philosophy, “The Joy of Being Me,” stakes its claim on individuality and self-expression; its three brand pillars, Authentic, Empowering, Accessible, are the usual suspects, though the lab-grown diamond bet is savvier than it sounds. Lab-grown stones now sell at a fraction of the price of mined ones, and the category is growing fast in India as younger buyers wise up to the arbitrage.
“Maejoy is a labour of love. Throughout my career, whether on screen, in business, or through my personal style, I’ve championed the idea that fashion should be empowering yet effortless. The brand aims to democratise global fashion trends while offering women something that extends the feeling of luxury every day, be it a lab-grown diamond or a perfectly crafted handbag,” said Malaika Arora, founder of Maejoy
MJIPL, the B2B wholesale arm of Myntra, is putting its design and brand-building muscle behind the venture. Suman Saha, chief experience officer and head of house of brands at MJIPL, was bullish on the tie-up.
“Maejoy brings together Malaika Arora’s distinctive style perspective with a strong proposition in the accessible yet elevated accessories space. We believe the brand’s fashion-forward designs and thoughtful positioning will connect strongly with discerning consumers.”
Suman Saha, chief experience officer, head of house of brands, MJIPL
Afsar Zaidi, chief executive of Exceed Entertainment, the talent management firm that helped broker the deal, has worked with MJIPL before and was characteristically direct about what makes Arora an unusually bankable partner.
“Building celebrity-led brands requires a delicate balance of authenticity and market viability. Malaika is a rare talent who commands equal respect as a fashion icon and a savvy businesswoman. We are proud to facilitate this partnership that brings together her creative clout and Myntra’s brand-building excellence,” said Zaidi
Celebrity fashion brands live or die on one question: does the star actually wear it, or is the cheque the only thing they signed? Arora, who has spent three decades as one of Bollywood’s most-watched style references, has at least built a plausible case. Maejoy is live now on www.myntra.com and the Myntra app. The real test, whether shoppers buy the handbag or just the hype, starts today.
