Narresh & Shivan's, unstitched swimwear

KATHMANDU, Sept 26: “Where there are great challenges, there are greater opportunities,” opined Narresh and Shivan when asked about the challenges they are faced with after daring to succeed in designing their own swimwear collection in an orthodox and conservative society that persists in Nepal and India.



Shivan Bhatiya, 27, and Narresh Kukreja, 25, have dared to dream and succeed in their passion, turning it into reality.[break]



Shivan and Narresh launched their stitch-free swimwear line called Insectiod at Mare di Moda at Cannes. They are now based in India and have become India’s first beachwear designers in the mainstream.



Shivan completed his diploma in the art of leather corsetry in women’s wear lingerie at the National Institute of Fashion Technology in New Delhi and Narresh specialized in women’s wear for four years in fashion and textiles.



Both of them were awarded scholarships to pursue their Masters in Milan and Rome at the Institit Europeo di Design in Fashion and Textiles and Luxury Marketing after working in the fashion industry.



Their ready-to-wear swimwear is 100% handcrafted stitch-free, and made of Italian fabrics. Stitched clothing is made via a heating technology that bonds the fabric as good as sewing.



“Our brand is a luxury resort wear,” added Shivan. “We keep in mind the body structures and limitations of the Indian Subcontinent women. Being Asians, we know what suits the best what our buyers want in accordance to our culture and traditions, and this is the reason why Western designers haven’t been able flourish in our market.”







Friendly and soft-spoken, Shivan and Narresh reveal some interesting details about themselves, while also giving suggestions:



What brings you to Kathmandu?

We were invited by Today’s YouthAsia for a youth panel discussion. The zeal of youths here is remarkable. In fact, we’re honored to be here. We also attended TGIF Fashion Week’s closing ceremony, and the elements used by the Nepali fashion designers were very impressive.


What is fashion for you?

Independence, freedom to create, experiment and express, and offering lifestyles.


What makes a good designer?

Sense of fashion, passion, and a supportive environment.



What were the threats and challenges you faced while launching your swimwear collection?

At first, people were shocked and they thought we were crazy to be designing intimate wears in India. But now our work is embraced and liked by everybody.


What message do you have for fashion conscious Nepali people?

Just be yourself. Fashion is an extension of your personality. So use it to express yourself. Be happy and comfortable with what you wear.


Any words for students who want to pursue fashion designing for their further studies?

We started designing during our college years as a passion and now it’s become our career. We love what we do. Experimenting is a good way to learn unless you have the realization of what you’re doing and have passion for it.

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