- Fashion visionaries Shantnu Mehra and Nikhil Mehra inspire the next generation of designers during a special edition of ‘Decoded with Dr. Chandni Kapadia’
- Students engage in candid conversations on creativity, entrepreneurship, branding and innovation
- Design icons urge young creators to embrace experimentation, resilience and lifelong learning
- Interactive sessions blend fashion, business and self-expression beyond the glamour of the runway
- GLS University reinforces its commitment to nurturing fearless, globally relevant creative talent
NE EDUCATION BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, JULY 16
Can creativity be taught, or is it unlocked by the courage to question convention? That compelling question echoed through GLS University as celebrated fashion designers Shantnu Mehra and Nikhil Mehra challenged aspiring designers to look beyond trends and build identities rooted in originality, resilience and purpose. Their inspiring interaction transformed the campus into a vibrant forum where fashion, entrepreneurship and fearless creativity converged.
GLS University hosted renowned designer duo Shantnu Mehra and Nikhil Mehra, Co-founders and Creative Directors of Shantnu & Nikhil, for a special edition of ‘Decoded with Dr. Chandni Kapadia’, a flagship interaction that formed a key highlight of the Faculty of Design orientation programme.
Hosted by Dr. Chandni Kapadia, Executive Director, GLS University, the session offered students a rare opportunity to engage directly with two of India’s most influential creative entrepreneurs, whose label has redefined contemporary Indian fashion through its signature blend of heritage aesthetics, military influences, fluid silhouettes, meticulous craftsmanship and bold experimentation.
Sharing the remarkable story behind their journey, the designers reflected on how two contrasting career paths—one rooted in finance and the other driven by artistic passion—came together to create one of India’s most distinctive luxury fashion brands. Their conversation extended far beyond fashion, delving into originality, entrepreneurship, criticism, collaboration and the importance of cultivating an authentic creative voice.
One of the session’s defining moments was the enthusiastic participation of GLS University’s design students, who presented their concepts, displayed their creative work and engaged in open dialogue with the designers. Impressed by their originality and willingness to challenge conventional thinking, Shantnu and Nikhil applauded the students’ imagination and experimental approach to design.
The interaction also reflected GLS University’s academic philosophy of encouraging students and faculty to question established norms, embrace curiosity and develop independent creative identities. The visiting designers praised the University’s culture of innovation, openness and creative freedom.
Adding energy and spontaneity to the event were interactive segments including ‘Trend or Timeless,’ ‘Style Tips for Gen Z,’ ‘Mood Board Round,’ ‘Drape or Drop,’ and the signature ‘Decoded’ conversation. These engaging sessions provided valuable insights into creative processes, fashion branding, entrepreneurship, social media influence and balancing timeless tradition with contemporary innovation.
Maintaining that every brand should have a distinct identity while sharing a common creative philosophy, Shantnu Mehra said: “For us, building a brand has never meant creating only one label. It has meant developing distinct identities for different audiences while preserving the same creative DNA. Shantnu & Nikhil Couture represents our most refined and expressive design vision, S&N by Shantnu Nikhil brings that language to a younger and more contemporary audience, while Shantnu Nikhil Cricket Club reflects our passion for sport, culture and modern Indian style. Each brand has its own personality, but they are united by one belief—that Indian design can remain rooted in tradition while being bold, youthful and globally relevant.”
Encouraging students to embrace experimentation and lifelong learning, Nikhil Mehra observed: “To every young designer, we would say: do not be afraid to experiment, make mistakes or question what already exists. Innovation begins when you move beyond the comfort of tradition while continuing to respect its roots. People often see the final collection, the runway and the recognition, but they rarely see the years of discipline, failure and constant learning behind it. Success is never built overnight; it comes from believing in your vision, adapting to change and continuing to create even when the journey feels uncertain. The future belongs to those who are willing to think differently, remain curious and keep learning every day.”
The programme concluded with a symbolic student showcase built around an unfinished garment—an evocative representation of evolving ideas, emerging identities and limitless creative possibilities. The presentation reinforced the central message of the session: creativity is not born from perfection but from curiosity, courage and continuous exploration.
With another successful edition of ‘Decoded with Dr. Chandni Kapadia,’ GLS University reaffirmed its commitment to creating meaningful industry-academia engagements that empower students to learn directly from accomplished professionals, showcase their own talent and confidently shape the future of design.
