Nikasha`s Spring/Summer 2007 collection is influenced by the international fashion trends that echoed in "Calcutta of the 60's and 70's". The inspiration comes from the creative garments that merged eastern sensibilities with western designs. 'The Great Eastern Hotel' forming the backdrop of her inspiration, was the venue where these fusion designs were modeled and often made style statements. The collection symbolizes a synergy of modern bohemia and feminine silhouettes, which oscillates between the bygone era yesterday and the existence of today; creating an edgy chic ensemble. This is a tribute to the colonial Anglo-Indian influence of prints, Mughal motifs and woven textiles; unique to the period which have been painstakingly recreated by the designer. Urban tones echoes the 70's style of strong cuts, controlled volume, fine pleats, pintuck details with a burst of pretty floral prints, nostalgic satin fabrics, romantic chintz and block printed paisley. Bright mood colors from white, pink, lavender, green to citrine blend harmoniously with colonial hues like khaki, beige, ivory and grey in fluid jerseys, kalamkari influenced georgettes and brocade details. The collection includes layered dresses, fitted jacket suits, wide legged trousers, wrap skirts, jump suits, pencil skirts, feminine blouses, off-shoulder tunics among others. Here is a strong Victorian influence softened a little, by relaxed layering in a world of mix and match patterns and easy chic attire with just a modest hint of shimmer and sparkle.

The Inspiration
Calcutta was known as the second city of the British Empire (after London ) and the Great Eastern Hotel, regarded as the Jewel of the East and 'the best hotel" East of the Suez " by Mark Twain , and was patronized by the extremely elite of Bengal. Calcutta was famous for its " Baboo Culture " incidentally a cross fertilization of English liberalism , European fin de siecle decadence , Mughal conservatism and indigenous revivalism, inculcating aspects of socio-moral and political change. This fostered the Bengal Renaissance , literally a revival of modern liberal thinking in 19th century Bengal, and which gradually percolated to the rest of India. Like the Italian Renaissance , it challenged orthodox social convention to usher in an era of humanistic idealism. The Fashion of this era mirrored these changes, which reached its zenith during the 60-70s with Calcutta at its helm as the culture capital. This similar sentiment inspires Nikasha's collection, paying a tribute to a period of revival and transformation. Her formative years were spent in Calcutta imbibing and absorbing the legacy of these changes. Using the Great Eastern Hotel as her muse, the creator symbolizes the coming together of the diverse Anglo-Indian ethos. Nikasha's creations are reflective of her own awakening through experiences of upheaval and her own private renaissance. This collection blends the elements of the past and future.. And seeks to establish a new order!