Growing up in Delhi, Nikhil Mehra's path seemed set after studying humanities at Delhi Public School. However, his passion for fashion led him to the Pearl Academy in 1994 during Indias liberalization. After earning a Masters from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandise in Los Angeles, Nikhil worked for St. John Knits in Hollywood. In 1999, he returned to India, launching the House of Shantnu and Nikhil with his brother, blending androgyny, modernism, and respect for Indian craftsmanship.

The year 2008 marked a pivotal moment with the introduction of the Drape Kurta, becoming an iconic product in the Indian fashion industry. Nikhil's creative vision expanded globally, collaborating with Adidas in 2010 and designing jerseys for the Mumbai Indians. His ventures extended to partnerships with BMW, Audi, Porsche, Airbnb, and Obeetee, showcasing his diverse creative endeavors. In 2019, Nikhil spearheaded the launch of S and N by Shantnu Nikhil, a bridge-to-luxury celebration-wear brand, rapidly expanding across major Indian cities despite the challenges of the global pandemic.

Nikhil's designs have garnered attention from top tastemakers globally, including Amitabh Bachchan, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Serena Williams. His accolades include the GQ Men of the Year award in 2016 and a place in Hello magazines Hall of Fame in 2018. Beyond accolades, Nikhil's recent high fashion presentation at FDCI X Lakme Fashion Week for Fall 2022 received acclaim. As he collaborates with global music superstars and expands his brand's retail presence, Nikhil Mehra remains a dynamic force in the fashion industry.