It wasn't love at first sight.
When I showed people the fabric, most reactions were polite variations of, "Do you have any other options?"
But I had faith in her.
I knew people would eventually see what I saw. I believed they'd get the vision. So I trusted my gut and sent her into production.
When the shirts arrived, I was thrilled. Also terrified.
Not because I thought the shirt was bad, but because I was afraid of hearing, "I told you so."
As she hung on the studio rack, somehow making everything around her feel brighter and more summery, I found myself talking to a shirt.
"You have to work," I told her.
Every morning, our local coconut water vendor, Robin, knocks on the studio door with his signature smile and asks, "Haanji? Le aau?"
One morning, wearing the shirt and sipping on my daily nariyal paani, I caught my reflection in the mirror.
That's when the bulb went off.
I immediately texted a friend.
"What do you think of naming it Nariyal Paani?"
The response was instant.
"No."
Now, I've never been particularly famous for listening to other people's opinions.
So once again, I trusted my gut.
And that's how The Nariyal Paani Dual Shirt was born.
Today, it's become a staple in many wardrobes. Paired with blue jeans, linen trousers, shorts, or thrown over a swimsuit, it somehow makes every summer outfit work.
An unexpected favourite.
A companion to many, expected by none.
-Antaraa Sabharwal
(the stubborn co-founder)
