SILHOUETTES THAT SPEAK

Shades of India’s design director Mandeep Nagi has long since been involved in textile innovation. Meera Warrier engages her in a conversation regarding her design processes.

- Meera Warrier

Mandeep Nagi, the internationally acclaimed designer, has worked in close conjunction with David Housego, husband and chairman of Shades of India, one of India’s premium brands specialising in apparel, home furnishings, and accessories.

Having begun from the iconic Meherchand Market in New Delhi in 2017, Shades of India has expanded operations in Gurugram as well as Mumbai. Today, the brand is renowned for the trends that it has set in textiles for fashion, home decor, unique texturing of fabrics, colour coordination and contrasts, and the inventive use of surface treatment. Additionally, the company has also set up an interior-design service that works with architects and designers to craft and execute soft furnishings for homes and offices. Shades of India endeavours to adorn and bring character to the spaces and garments it works with. The brand has won various awards at major international trade shows (particularly in Paris and New York) for its product offering. And Mandeep has also (thrice) won the Elle Decor Design Award in India for her innovative streak in the realm of fabrics.

Having been initiated into the world of textiles at a tender age (her memory of playing with her mother’s saris is vast), Mandeep is deeply inspired by the traditional craftsmanship that is prevalent in the country. She has travelled across India and other countries, especially spending time with craftsmen on ground, to understand the intricacies of handicrafts.