Gauri & Nainika Karan, two girls at the age of 25 and 24, were born and brought up in New Delhi. They studied economics but were always fascinated with fashion. Their inspiration was old movie star glamour - actresses from the 50s and 60s such as such as Hedy Lamarr, Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, they considered all these stars as prime examples of high style. After studying at the National Institute of Fashion Technology, they soon created their own label, Magnetic Rag. The name was suddenly derived from a piano piece composed in 1914 by Scott Joplin, the famous composer of ragtime. Launched in December 2001, in New Delhi, Magnetic Rag is a label of day-into-evening wear created for young women.
In 2004 they launched the new label "Gauri & Nainika" which has a slogan "dress up & be beautiful!". Its design aesthetic incorporates a feeling of romance and glamour combined with sleek elegance to create classic styles that never date. They paid a huge attention not only to the identity of a person for whom they are creating their art of piece but also to the space where the dress should be worn. They think that the space you inhabit is an extension of yourself. That is why Gauri and Nainika have extended their fashion line to home decor as well. “Just like our fashion, our furniture line is also very Western, classic and timeless,” says Nainika. The pieces have been curated from across the world and have been inspired by their travels to Europe. “We love the history of fashion and architecture. So we have taken classical designs such as porter chairs, Chesterfields and trestle tables and created our take on them with leathers and velvets,” says Nainika.
This year the evening dresses by Gauri and Nainika were shining on the Grammy red carpets on Monday evening, on 15th of February. British presenter Carly Steel picked a white applique ankle-length dress and paired it with emerald and diamond jewelry and a pair of black pumps.
Singer Tori Kelly walked the red carpet wearing an emerald green gown and wore with it pink accessories.
