Mumbai-based designers Jigar and Nikita have been together since 2012. Driven by a joint pursuit of passion, they dropped out of their respective professions and established their labor of love – Bindani. Founded in the year 2015, sophisticated yet elegant, the ensembles bring contemporary aesthetics and constantly push the boundaries of affordable luxury. Clean lines, delicate details, and a hint of drama are Bindani’s impressions that have made the brand stand out in today’s crowded marketplace.  The label focuses on producing an array of delectable couture pieces for men and women and tries to find a balance in creating timeless pieces that are forever treasured. Jigar and Nikita have designed for a plethora of Bollywood celebrities.

The duo believes one should wear a brand and not the other way around. They meticulously plan their labels to cater to the different needs of the customers. Special attention is paid to the selection and sourcing of contemporary fabric that meets the quality standards, hence making Bindani the ultimate platform for elegance and grace that it is.

In an exclusive conversation with us, Nikita chats about her ideas, passion, childhood memories and much more…

How do you get your best ideas?

Well, as a designer I believe inspiration can be developed from anywhere and at anytime. It may arise from a dot of prehistoric elements to motifs, from anywhere we wish to see and observe.

What’s something they don’t teach you in University that you should probably know?

Be true to yourself and your work.

First thing you do as soon as you wake up?

Be thankful and grateful for how far I’ve come.

What do you hope to see happen in the near future for small businesses in the country?

Small businesses provide the feeling that a real person is behind it all, someone who cares more about giving us a quality product or service. Small businesses are the bedrock of entrepreneurship. Therefore, I hope they get the support they require from the community to grow.We personally hope that all small businesses should grow and prosper in their own field, hoping they bring more and more variety in the market and help all the local artisans providing good job opportunities.

What was your biggest stroke of luck since the launch of Bindani?

To be very honest Covid. It gave me a better perspective to do things.

How do you maintain work/life balance?

I enjoy my work so it doesn’t really feel like a task and I have a great team so it gets easier.

A childhood memory that shaped something you do in your business today?

Every time I went on a school trip or Family outings to Rajasthan and explored the Indian heritage, art, architecture, it all had me thinking about how all those designs and carvings on palace walls/doors would look on an outfit.

If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be?

Face everything with a smile, there’s always a reason to do it.

Rapid Fire

What’s your favourite app?

Instagram. It’s super informative and helpful.

Your favourite fashion trend of all time?

Dramatic Trails.

Best fashion advice you’ve ever received?

Own your own personality!

Trend you would like to see disappear forever?

Trying to ape other people’s style/outfit for your own wedding. I believe brides should have their own style and wear something unique instead of making something that’s already been worn.

It is your best friend’s wedding, what would you be wearing?

I’d wear a lehenga

A celebrity you’d love to dress?

Kiara Advani

If you could time warp yourself to any point in history when it would be, who would you hang out with?

Would love to hang out with Coco Chanel. She’s always been my role model.