In Candid Conversation With Kunal Rawal

This dashing designer needs no introduction to the fashion scenario. He has made news for making his debut as a Gen Next designer at Lakme Fashion Week to the man behind all of Shahid Kapoor's wedding looks. Kunal Rawal has a unique way of combining traditional sensibilites with an edgy modern touch for the 21st century man. Here's everything else you need to know about this designer that every stylish man is talking about!

1. When you are not working, what do you love doing? Watching TV shows and spending time at home. I’m currently hooked to the ‘The Night Of’, that I just can’t get enough of. I have this tendency of always watching something before I go to sleep. 2. What is your favorite holiday destination and why? I absolutely love travelling all over the world. But my all time favorite destination has to be London, because I have studied and lived there for a couple of years. There is always something new and refreshing happening every now and then, which is highly captivating about the city. My other favorites would have to be New York, Amsterdam, Ibiza and Goa. I am particularly drawn to places that have a balance of the city and beach. 3. Three things you cannot live without. My family is number one and will always be. I cannot move a muscle without them. I also cannot make do without my phone because it has become a life manager more than just an electronic device that stores my schedule of important appointments, check ups etc. The third thing that I absolutely need wherever I go is my WD player that keeps me busy on the move with my favorite shows and movies. 4. A fun fact about you that few people know. I like to live life king size, on my own terms. It simply means that I like to make the most out of life and make my life as busy as it can be. I like being surrounded by a hectic life where I am constantly on the move delivering and producing something.  But on the other hand, there are days when it is also important to just concentrate on being relaxed, letting go and taking it easy. 5. The most stylish woman you have ever met. Being in the fashion scenario, I have met so many stylish women that it’s hard to pick just one. With social media blooming, we are introduced to all kinds of stylish women around the globe. Today, women are open about their style choices and are willing to share tips and tricks with each other. But if I had to name just one or two, Sonam Kapoor and Kiran Rao are on the top of my list.

6. How would you describe your personal style? Easy, original and comfortable. It’s important to never look like you are packaged or trying too hard. I appreciate men who wear my clothes and showcase just that. 7. A style tip on how every man can dress up a kurta. There are plenty of ways a man can style his kurta, the easiest way being a bandi that is a versatile silhouette. It has the right amount of seriousness when you need to step out to a formal occasion. For a casual version of the bandi, you can simply unbutton your bandi to look like a jacket, with your kurta sleeves tuned up. For a semi formal look, simply shut the middle button to make it look like a waistcoat.

8.One staple piece every man must have in his wardrobe for the festive season. The bandi is definitely your go to! I would suggest a tone on tone or solid colored bandi. You can never go wrong with a solid statement black bandi with festive buttons paired with a colorful kurta. For a causal look, you can always pair your favorite bandi with a T-shirt and a pair of jeans. If you are travelling, one can always wear an unbuttoned bandi worn over a kurta. 9.What’s your favorite menswear trend? Tone on tone and monochrome are flattering and always on trend for any body type. 10.Your most memorable moment at fashion week. It has to be my first bow at fashion week, when I was a part of the Gen Next designers. This was almost 10 years ago and I was so excited that I bowed down to a ‘Namaste’ in about 4 seconds. It was a memorable and freaky moment all at the same time.

11.Your fondest memory at Aza? I have been a part of Aza for many years now and will never forget the initial days of our soft launches done at the stores. There is one particular memory I recollect while I was going through the racks at a store promo and a customer tried on a bandi and started styling it on the spot. That was a simple way of appreciation and he made the look his own in a second. Another memorable moment was the fun event that was held early last year with Devangi Nishar and Varun Dhawan. It was a fun fashion event because it embodied the spirit of the young generation making their entry to the fashion scenario.

12.What inspires you to design? I always keep myself in my mind with a punch and a take on things. This is what I seek in my collections and I always picture myself in something I have made. 14. Your motto for the Kunal Rawal collection. The collection is called ‘Roleplay’ that is suitable for men who want Indian outfits for any kind of function and want to have fun with their outfits at the same time. We try to concentrate on the detailing that men want and that is not necessarily similar to enhancement done on women’s wear. Men also want variety in design with a versatile touch to the Indian wardrobe. Men are waking up to this idea of what colors and embroidery they prefer. There is no less fun when it comes to menswear as compared to women’s wear. Always have fun with what you are wearing and that will reflect and connect with your overall look. 15. Tell us about your latest collection, which has just been launched at Aza. There are about 7-8 stories running through this festive collection with a deep and rich palette of wine, champagne, green and inky blues. There are a lot of lighter kurtas that are perfect for the mehendi and on the other hand, kurtas and bandis suitable for the sangeet. You will also find modern sherwanis for the contemporary groom with stoles and footwear made to match. I have a keen interest in designing as well as styling the entire look. Everything from the head to toe matters, from the saffa to the shoes. Clearly, it all lies in the details.

Shop Kunal Rawal's latest collection