Shane Peacock on his label’s collection Bonjour Amer, dressing global icons, and bridal trends for 2019

In response to a question about the celebrity that he dreams of working with, Shane, of the husband and wife designer duo, Falguni and Shane Peacock, is quick to point out that they’ve already dressed ‘everyone important’. This is not him being boastful, but just honest. When you’ve had the pleasure of seeing Beyonce in one of your designs, and not to mention a string of others including Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Katy Perry and Nicki Minaj, it’s practically the truth. “Whether in India or internationally, we have managed to dress most of the global icons,” begins Shane. Described by many as maximalist, goth-meets-red-carpet and ‘glam rock’, it’s the designers’ ability to strike the perfect balance between western sensibilities and Indian craftsmanship, with a generous dash of drama, that makes the label appealing to the stylists of Hollywood’s and Bollywood’s A-list stars. The label, which turned 15 this year, recently unveiled its couture collection, Bonjour Amer, which Shane says is their most iconic yet. We talk to him about his recent work, their flagship store in Mehrauli, Delhi and more. 

As you turn 15, tell us about how the label has evolved over the years. 
Over the last 15 years, our brand has grown exponentially, which is exactly what we would like to see for the next 15 years. As a brand, we have always pushed the envelope, and we would like to continue with the same vision that keeps us ahead of the curve. Culminating ideas that will be game-changing in fashion, incorporating advanced technology and growing our brand from strength to strength are some of the milestones for the coming years.

Tell us a little bit more about Bonjour Amer.
The collection exudes high-octane glamour and grandeur. Each ensemble is inspired by fort Amer’s ornate architecture, comprising resplendent domes, imperial carvings, nondescript doors, intricate frescos, imposing gateways and paintings that depicted the sublime beauty of the palatial city in its magnanimous glory. Every garment is painstakingly constructed with elaborate trails and asymmetrical fronts.

 
You've dressed a lot of international and Indian celebrities over the years. Whom did you enjoy working with the most?
Working with each and every celebrity was a unique experience because they are all iconic, but dressing Beyonce for the Wearable Art Gala was one of the most memorable experiences for us — right from conceptualising a garment that perfectly befitted the theme to working personally with her team to incorporate her ideas into the garment, and creating a couture masterpiece that came to life once she stepped into it.
   
While designing, what are the important factors that you keep in mind?
During the design process,  it is very important for us to remain true to our aesthetic, because our brand has an distinct identity. We are the true creators of the maximalist dream, and that’s our DNA, which we consistently maintain in our design philosophy. Having said that, we are constantly pushing the envelope in terms of design, construction and innovation but it all has to align with the core value of our brand.

For the forthcoming wedding season, what are the biggest trends in bridal wear?
The ‘heavier than your bodyweight lehengas’ are something to move past. The trendsetting new age brides are going for outfits that are comfortable yet chic. The palette will see a lot of muted tones like soft pink, rose gold, lavender, champagne, powder blue, mint green and peach – as these colours are fresh and will look ethereal. A lot of contemporary brides are looking for embellishments and embroideries that have a westernised appeal – with the infusion of crystals and Swarovski beads, which effortlessly create an unorthodox look. 

Give us a peek into your new flagship store in Mehrauli. 
Launched with its current collection, Au Revoir Phool Mahal, our newest luxury store is situated in Ambawatta, Mehrauli. The store is spacious and has the dreamiest décor; it is the perfect blend of minimalism and understated glamour. The sublime colour palette of the store shuttles between ivory and gold, giving it a contemporary and modern aesthetic. 

Tell us about both of your personal styles. 
We like to dress sharp but there is always an unconventional element in our look. We are known for our signature looks — formal suits for me and gowns for Falguni, for black tie events. Our casual, everyday style is norm-core and laid back.