Designers Falguni And Shane Peacock On The Romance Of Kashmir

Our latest collection is inspired by the natural beauty of Kashmir and its continual theme of emotions of love. The campaign seeks to capture the essence of this serene paradise through a romantic and dreamy lens. The collection features an array of luxurious fabrics, intricate embroidery, and stunning motifs that are an ode to the paradisiacal beauty of the region. The collection showcases traditional embroideries, which skilled artisans have carefully crafted at the atelier. Each piece tells a story of love and beauty, from the delicately embroidered capes to the flowing ethereal Lehengas and Saris. The colour palette includes Pantone colours Kashmir Green and Kashmir Blue, inspired by the region's natural beauty. While Kashmir Green is a soothing, earthy green shade that evokes the lush green valleys and forests of the region, Kashmir Blue, on the other hand, is a deep, rich blue that is reminiscent of the sparkling lakes and clear skies of Kashmir. It has a regal and sophisticated quality that adds a touch of luxury to the design of the ensemble. Together, these two colours, along with an array of colours borrowed from the flowers in Kashmir, capture the essence of the region and incorporate the beauty of Kashmir into our collection.

We discovered the captivating hues of Kashmir green and Kashmir blue during the early stages of creating this collection. These two distinctive colours served as our gateway, unveiling a beautiful array of shades inspired by the rich flora and fauna that grace the region. From the mesmerising Angel Falls to the refreshing Italian ice-green, the delicate rosy blush to the vibrant exotic fuchsia, and the mesmerising orchid smoke, each colour was carefully chosen to encapsulate the essence of Kashmir and infuse its beauty into our collection. In addition to the colour palette, our collection also draws significant inspiration from the rich heritage of traditional Kashmiri embroidery. Throughout the pieces in this collection, one can discover plenty of motifs that serve as the brand's reinterpretation of these exquisite embroideries. To truly honour the beauty and essence of these borrowed elements, we decided to shoot our campaign at the enchanting Dal Lake. This picturesque location provides the perfect backdrop, allowing us to capture the harmonious fusion of design and nature in a manner that does justice to the collection's inspiration.

We were amazed by the beautiful landscapes, valleys, and mountains when we went to Kashmir. It made us feel inspired. Kashmir is a charming place that feels romantic wherever you look. The pristine Dal Lake, with its floating gardens and shimmering waters, was like a scene from a fairy tale. The vibrant hues of the tulips in full bloom and the symphony of colours from the various flowers evoked a sense of awe and wonder. It was a sensory delight that left an indelible mark on our creative souls. The love for beauty seemed to permeate the air, and it inspired us to create designs that captured the essence of this magical place. The experience left an imprint on our hearts, and we carry the memories of Kashmir's love and beauty in our designs, forever grateful for its inspiration.

There's no list per se. It's all about where our inspiration takes us next.

For us, travel holds immense significance and serves as a fountain of inspiration for our collections. Exploring different places in India or internationally allows us to immerse ourselves in diverse cultures, traditions and architectural marvels. By journeying to places like Udaipur, Agra, and now Kashmir, we have the opportunity to delve into the rich heritage, artistic aesthetics and breathtaking landscapes. The vibrant colours, intricate craftsmanship and historical monuments and palaces in these places serve as catalysts for our design process. We like to observe local customs, interact with artisans and appreciate the craftsmanship that is indigenous to each region. These meetings provide fresh perspectives and a deeper understanding of the cultural tapestry that makes our country exquisite. The fusion of influences from various destinations enables us to translate the beauty and essence of different places into wearable works of art via our couture. 

We have plenty of anecdotes from our work or leisure travels that have influenced our designs, but one of the most recent ones we'd like to share is when our latest couture week collection, 'Love Forever,' drew inspiration from the French tapestries discovered at the House of Lords in London. This happened during our visit to deliver a speech around the time we received the NRI award. We were captivated by the tapestries lining the hallways of the House of Lords, prompting us to incorporate their essence into our collection. As a result, we infused traditional Indian garments with the charm of French tapestry.

Yes, we do! In fact, this time, we have something extraordinary in store for you. We have selected a location that holds an even greater significance and promises an exceptional experience. Stay tuned for more details!

After our stint at the Cannes Film Festival, we took a little detour to Paris for a few days, during which we had the pleasure of staying at the renowned hotel Le Bristol. Our experience here was nothing short of extraordinary, as it left us awestruck with its unparalleled luxury and impeccable service. The warm and attentive staff ensured that every moment of our stay was nothing less than perfect. We thoroughly enjoyed dining at the hotel, for their renowned restaurants served us impeccable culinary delights. We highly recommend Le Bristol as a must-stay destination for anyone visiting Paris!