They have always conjured up collections that are designed with the young, well-travelled, experimental global Indian in mind. Their design philosophy of strong tailored silhouettes and drapes, both for men and women, are high on style.

This time round Shantanu and Nikhil launch their truly first prêt-a-porter label under the umbrella of the sports giant, Adidas. Their ready-to-wear ingredients (be it the trims, surfacing techniques, dyes and prints along with other stitch details) is interplayed and seamlessly inter-woven into the sporty lifestyle genre. Each collection – an eclectic fusion of lifestyle and edginess – designed for Adidas has a strong design inspiration, including the amalgamation of drapes with an ‘outdoor’ influence and the inclusion of the iconic three stripes on the clothes.

The inspiration for the collection came from an unusual source: the black and yellow diagonal stripe caution board that was seen while they were visiting a factory. It got further shape when they began to research its extensive usage capacity – and they figured out the way a New York taxi was designed. Therefore the Motochic inspiration. And that is how the amazing checked details and taxi logos have been extensively incorporated in the garments – from the snap buttons to the taxi print, everything synonymous to the hustle bustle of New York zebra crossings on streets – that form a part of their first edition of their Spring-Summer 2010 for Adidas Style Essentials.

Interestingly, international designers like Stella Mc Cartney and Y3 have shared the same space with Adidas through a strategic brand licensing partnership. Shantanu and Nikhil are looking at creating a world’s best sports-meets-lifestyle prêt-a-porter brand that will ensure superior designs, immaculate quality, great scalable marketability and accessibility, without compromising on the affordable luxury design philosophy of both the brands. And as a brand, Shantanu & Nikhil will be positioned independently within all Adidas Style Essentials stand-alone store concepts and is already available in the stores.

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