Fashion, with a twist of patriotism

It was a show where even the models had goosebumps. Designers Shantanu & Nikhil pay tribute to newly Independent India.  

When Amaan Ali Khan walked the ramp wearing a revamped version of the Nehru jacket, he was filled with nostalgia.

And why wouldn't he be?

The sarod master was part of the The Cabinet Mission 1946 show (part of the Van Heusen + GQ Fashion Nights 2015), an ode to newly Independent India by designers Shantanu & Nikhil.  

Nehru jackets, Gandhi topis and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad's karakul hats occupied pride of place on the runway.  

Post the show, Amaan reportedly told the media, 'I had goosebumps while walking on the ramp.'

He wasn't alone...

Almost everyone present among the audience applauded the fashion designers' effort -- as the show came to a close, the audience were up on their feet to cheer for Shantanu & Nikhil.  

The Nehru jacket gets a makeover as Amaan Ali Khan walks the runway for Shantanu & Nikhil. 

An impressive grey buttoned-up jacket, aviators, a topi and slim-fit pants. 

This asymmetrical bandhgala and karakul reminds us of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. 

We can literally hear him saying ‘Inquilab Zindabad’, can't you? The leather jacket gives this outfit a rugged feel. 

Word has it that the designer duo dived into their history books to pull off this show. And they sure didn't disappoint. 

Bhagat Singh’s legendary turban finds it place on the runway. 

Wonder why this outfit reminds us of a young Mahatma Gandhi!

Retro-patriotism at its best... Just to brush up your history, that's one of the two ways in which Sardar Vallabhai Patel wore his shawl. 

Here's the second one... This cape jacket is inspired by the way Sardar Patel casually threw his shawl over his shoulder. 

Photographs: Pradeep Bandekar