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Shantnu & Nikhil scripted history as they became the first Indian designers to have been invited to participate in The Big Egg Hunt held at London’s Kew Gardens on May 13.
Shantnu & Nikhil with King Charles and Queen Camilla in London.
In a moment of pride for Indian fashion on the global stage, acclaimed couturiers Shantnu & Nikhil unveiled Valour’s Vessel, a sculptural couture installation, as part of The Elephant Family’s ‘Wonders of the Wild’. Held at London’s Kew Gardens on May 13, Shantnu & Nikhil scripted history as they became the first Indian designers to have been invited to participate in The Big Egg Hunt, in collaboration with Clarence Court, Chopard, and the British Asian Trust.
The Big Egg Hunt brought together art, design, and conservation to spotlight endangered wildlife and human-wildlife coexistence across South Asia. Shantnu & Nikhil’s Valour’s Vessel is rooted in military precision, heritage insignia, and a narrative-driven approach to design. Adorned with military brooches, coins, and buttons, each element reflects the duo’s belief that history isn’t just remembered, it’s worn with intent. True to their philosophy of disrupting traditionalism, the egg-shaped artefact becomes both a canvas and a statement, honouring the past while looking toward a more conscious, hopeful future.
Talking about their design, Shantnu & Nikhil said, “It is a true honour to represent India at The Big Egg Hunt, a platform where art becomes a catalyst for change. For us, Valour’s Vessel is more than a relic. It is a sculpted story of nostalgia and national pride. It speaks to the strength of our identity and serves as a call to nurture the natural world we share. We are proud to contribute to a global movement that celebrates coexistence and protects the diverse beauty of our wildlife.”
The egg, a universal symbol of origin and renewal, served as a natural starting point for the installation. Designed by Shantnu & Nikhil, a brand known for its military influences and structured storytelling, Valour’s Vessel channels precision, archival detailing, and symbolic form to reflect on identity and conscious design. As part of a sustainability-led initiative, the piece stands as a beacon of India’s creative presence on the global conservation stage.
The Big Egg Hunt is the world’s largest wildlife-themed public art exhibition. This exhibiton features monumental egg installations displayed across London’s iconic landmarks, culminating in a charitable auction supporting the Elephant Family’s mission to protect endangered species and champion human-wildlife coexistence in Asia.
- Location :
Delhi, India, India
- First Published:
