If ‘modern Indian’ is the trend forward, then two homegrown brands are among its champions—Nicobar and Caara. While the former is the fashion and lifestyle brand from the Good Earth stable, the latter is known for its small plates and ‘flying buffets’ that caters for the capital’s swishest soirees. The two have now joined hands to appeal to a common clientele—the modern, urban Indian.Nicobar recently turned two, and opened their second store in the capital at the glitzy new Chanakya. The celebration was marked by their first ever in-store café in collaboration with Caara, resulting in a new collaborative space— NicoCaara. Both brands share a philosophy of focusing on seasonality, local artisans and sustainable choices.With a promise to transport you to the seaside of it’s namesake island in the Indian Ocean, the Nicobar collection offers a refreshing and contemporary collection of soft, eco-friendly clothing. Think breezy dresses, comfy tops and kurtas, luxe sleepwear as well as sarees and dupattas that suit the progressive mind-sets of millennials. Men are well catered for too with tony jackets and shirts, trousers and kurtas that they’ll be proud to sport on a hectic work day or an evening out in the city. In short, Nicobar makes ‘Indian’ look stylish and modish for a global audience! And if you thought we’re gushing so far, wait till you hear us talk about the homeware. From stoneware to marble accessories, rustic slate to glittering glass we’re spoilt for choice. Furnishings in organic cotton and soft jute as well as some colonial style furniture ensure that this is a one-stop shop. The design of this flagship store too echoes the aesthetics of the collections on display. The dedicated spaces for fashion, home and travel are organized around a tropical verandah complete with lush plants and a textile swing hanging from the ceiling, making browsing a laid-back, almost therapeutic experience.The small plates menu focusses on seasonal, local produce. Farm to fork cuisine takes on a literal meaning since most of the vegetables for the extensive choice of salads on offer come from Caara’s own farms. Breads and pastries are made fresh and by hand and only organic eggs are used in Caara’s kitchens.The intention is also to shy away from ingredients such as refined flour and sugar, and use local grains and sweeteners like coconut sugar and jaggery instead. However, this is not a ‘health café’. Expect indulgent Sri Lankan crab cakes; and turmeric and dil-marinated red snapper. New Zealand lamb chops and miso duck slice feature on the menu, next to kohlrabi and buffalo salad and coriander, corn and kale pancakes. We see ourselves going back for another round of the meringue pavlova with seasonal tropical fruits for its sweet and tangy goodness.Getting there:NicoCaara, 2nd floor, The Chanakya, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi.Meal for two: Rs 1,200++Timings: Monday to Sunday : 11am -10pmReservations: 97739-87430