When Delhi-based designer Nitin Bal Chauhan saw Cutty Sark, an iconic ship in the United Kingdom, he was simply bowled over by its majestic beauty, aura and old world charm. Little did he realise that one day he would be assigned the challenging task of creating a women’s wear collection inspired by this legendary ship. And its lieutenants, the sailors, as well as its bête noire, the pirates, depicted in innumerable portraits, would soon become his source of inspiration.
Interestingly, the whisky brand, which roped him in for this project, also shares the same nomenclature as the British clipper ship.
“While working on the women’s wear, I have drawn inspiration from the bygone era, that generation which sailed in big formidable ships like the Titanic. And those free spirited yet highly professional artistes who performed in skits, musicians and happy-go-lucky sailors who had a knack to entertain themselves as well as those around them. As a designer, I am keen to push the envelope and come out of the comfort zone.”
Surprisingly, Nitin, who loves experimenting with his outfits, accessories and has made a place for himself in that genre, did not travel to the U.K. or some European nation to buy the paraphernalia for his collection.
Instead, he went to the nearest and his most frequented destination – the Walled City.
“I bought discarded watches, which are remnants of those good old days, from the scrap market at Lal Quila and Chandni Chowk. And then embossed them on the costumes. These old watches showed some picture and they were used as cyber punk and steam punk.”
But he hasn’t come with a collection which has classic written all over it but a melange of old world style dresses and modern silhouette.
Since he wanted to embellish his costumes with heavy objects, Nitin procured high quality fabric. “I have sourced high performing fabric used by sportsmen. I will make the female models wear pirates inspired headgears and broad shouldered outfits, which were popular during 1980s.”
Nitin, who keeps shuttling between his hometown Shimla and Delhi to strike a balance between his other interest and fashion, says Cutty Sark is an iconic brand which embodies the spirit of fearlessness.
The brand philosophy “Raise your bar” finds resonance with Nitin, who will present his collection in the Capital this Friday.
“I also share the same philosophy. My vision is to raise the bar every time I have to create a new collection.”
