Following an absence of almost a decade, the designer duo made a triumphant return to New York, unveiling one of their most audacious collections to date. Their masterful fusion of feathers and bold graphic cutouts conveyed a compelling narrative that encapsulated the essence of the present moment in Falguni Shane Peacock’s.
In 2004, Falguni Shane Peacock made their inaugural appearance at the Lakmé India Fashion Week, where expectations for the husband-wife duo were modest. However, their runway debut that year introduced thongs in a manner previously unseen. Meanwhile, Rajesh Pratap had showcased a goth-inspired collection, humorously alluding to it as ‘suicidal’ in nature.
In their inaugural collection, FSP embarked on the journey to establish a distinctive voice, crafting a singular vision characterized by opulence, including crystal-embellished pants and beaded blouses. This marked the birth of a theme that has remained a cornerstone of the designer duo’s work ever since: the harmonious fusion of Indian sensibilities with Western consciousness, executed with a seamless grace that avoided appearing forced. This fusion was evident in their floral-print dresses, leather-fringed ponchos, and ruffled skirts. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the renowned retail giant Harrods was so impressed that they acquired the entire collection.
Nineteen years later, as the designer duo unveiled their collection at New York Fashion Week, they continued to articulate the sensibilities that had originally stirred on that hot July day in Delhi. Under the creative direction of Law Roach, the show masterfully conveyed the contemporary narrative, exploring silhouettes that deftly balanced form and function, showcasing the harmonious fusion of feathers and graphic prints.
“It’s not merely about aesthetics; it’s about celebrating diversity and individuality,” the Peacocks assert in their conversation with Vogue India. This commitment to inclusivity was evident even in their recent India Couture Week show, where the queer model Rabanne Victor adorned a resplendent gold-fish lehenga paired with a sheer veil and a majestic train. “New York’s vibrant culture infuses our designs, seamlessly blending tradition with modernity. In 2022, we achieved a significant milestone by establishing our first international office here, signifying a momentous step forward. Our connection with New York will only continue to flourish with time.”
Even on the global stage, this is not their inaugural venture. Their odyssey began in 2008, when they made their debut appearances at both Miami Fashion Week and LA Fashion Week. The following year, in 2009, marked their debut at London Fashion Week, where they continued to showcase their talents for six consecutive collections.
“In our previous show, we celebrated the vibrant tapestry of cultural exchange through our design language. Now, with ‘2.O,’ and the creative direction of Law Roach, you’ll witness an even deeper exploration of the fusion of diverse influences, skillfully woven into a cohesive narrative,” they share. “In this collection, we persist in exploring the interplay between contrasting elements, embracing the raw edginess of street aesthetics and seamlessly blending it with the intricate grandeur of high-end demi couture.”
It was a deliberate choice on their part not to confine themselves to a particular cultural identity. The NYFW collection embraced abstraction, featuring forms open to diverse interpretations. In a journey spanning decades, the inclusion of Law Roach as the creative director represented both the culmination of numerous runway experiments and a forward-looking vision with unwavering clarity.
“Under the creative guidance of Law Roach, our collections have undergone a unique fusion of streetwear and luxury, offering the audience a fresh perspective on styling our signature opulent pieces. Picture a sweatshirt paired with a luxurious skirt or a lavish jacket complementing sweatpants,” they elucidate. “This season, we’ve curated a NYC narrative that harmonizes luxury with street style, all while keeping the spotlight on the richness of Indian craftsmanship in the heart of NYC, exemplifying a vibrant cultural exchange. Law Roach has truly breathed new life into this season’s looks, seamlessly blending opulence and urban chic to infuse our brand’s identity with a revitalizing tone.”
This new dimension, where opulence and urban chic effortlessly intertwine, breathes a revitalizing tone into our brand’s identity.”
As per various reports, it’s anticipated that luxury spending by Indian consumers will more than triple by 2030, with the majority of it occurring abroad among tourists and expatriates. Achieving significant success for global brands in India has been well-documented as a challenging endeavor, marked by operational and bureaucratic hurdles. From their perspective, what distinguishes Indian craftsmanship is not only its rich historical heritage but also its remarkable diversity. Indian artisans possess an unparalleled skill set that encompasses a wide array of techniques, ranging from intricate hand embroidery to textile weaving, block printing, and much more.
“This diversity enables global fashion houses like ours to tap into a profound source of inspiration, crafting designs that pay homage to the rich tapestry of cultures, traditions, and art forms within the country,” the duo emphasizes. “Our artisans are the custodians of time-honored techniques that are not only exquisite but also increasingly rare. This contribution enriches the global fashion landscape, imbuing garments and accessories with a profound sense of history, artistry, and authenticity.
