Nicobar’s decade of design

All that you should know about India’s modern but conscious lifestyle brand

13 Mar 2026

A decade after it first entered the Indian design landscape, Nicobar recently marked its tenth anniversary with a celebratory expression of its universe. Founded in 2016 by Simran Lal Rai and Raul Rai, Nicobar folds in its boundaries a medley of design experiences: home, textiles, furniture, accessories, gifting and fashion. The currents of modern Indian design continue to shape the journeys of the subcontinent along with its legacy of fine craftsmanship and contemporary living. What started as a fashion label steadily grew into an evolving design ecosystem and even after a decade, the brand’s philosophy remains the same: longevity over momentary trends. As the brand steps into its second decade, that philosophy continues to guide its next chapter. Earlier this month at Tulsi Garden Studio in Delhi, Nicobar’s creative hub, the brand gathered its extended community for an intimate evening of celebration marking the milestone.

Framed by the idea of Ubuntu — the belief that “I am because we are” — the gathering emphasised the collective ecosystem, from artisans and collaborators to the patrons who have shaped the brand over the past ten years. Continuing its exploration of contemporary Indian living, Nicobar will soon unveil its first home collaboration, bringing together co-founder Raul Rai and designer Rajesh Pratap Singh. The forthcoming capsule translates into premium soft furnishings. The collection pairs indigo denim with hand block printing, embroidery and metallic accents, extending both brands’ Indian material aesthetic into interiors.

Rajesh Pratap Singh X Nicobar collection by Nicobar; Photograph courtesy Nicobar

A new chapter

The evening also served as a platform to unveil several new initiatives. Among the most notable was Nicobar’s first-ever eveningwear line designed by co–creative director Aparna Chandra in collaboration with the in-house design team, comprising 22 looks for women and 18 for men.

Rendered in black, silver and muted metallics the collection reinterpreted Indian textiles such as brocade through silhouettes that balances tailored structure with fluidity. The collection approaches occasion dressing with understated silhouettes designed for intimate gathering and evenings.

Another highlight was a forthcoming collaboration with acclaimed designer Rajesh Pratap Singh. The capsule menswear collection brought together sculpted bandhgala jackets, bib-front shirts and indigo denims paired by home pieces rooted in tradition. Beyond design, the anniversary also introduced NicoEco, a conservation-led initiative conceived by the brand. Centred around a restoration project in the Nilgiris the effort focuses on reviving fragile shola forest landscapes to protect the local biodiversity. Alongside these initiatives Nicobar also revealed a renewed edit of NicoBaraat, its wedding offering, signalling a deliberate approach to festive dressing and gifting. Altogether these announcements mark more than an anniversary. They reflect the creative expansion of the Nicobar universe guided by design, community and ecological care.