Couture is rubbish for them. They swear they will never do a lehenga or a saree. Interestingly, it’s men’s wear they do with more enthusiasm. Under the label ‘Cue’, designer duo Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna have always played the design game their own way. Recently in the City for a men’s fashion event, Metrolife chatted with Rohit on his passion for fashion.

Men’s wear pret designers...
We kickstarted our career creating men’s line in 1997. Even before we became a brand, our social circle comprised Rohit Bal, J J Vallaya, Suneet Verma and Rina Dhaka. When I disclosed my plan of designing men’s wear, they said in shock, ‘What are you going to do because you will soon be bankrupt!’ But I was firm. And started designing fitted men’s shirts, that soon gained popularity. Today almost every designer has started a men’s label. I am having the last laugh.

Wearability, pricing and quality are crucial factors. So pret line became our focus. Designer friends would say, ‘We will sell one lehenga and make all the money. You will have to create 50 garments to make the same amount.’ But we stuck to our ground. We have decided never to get into couture. You will never see a lehenga nor a saree by ‘Cue’.

On India Men’s Fashion Fair...
Designers who are lazy, like my friend Wendell Rodricks, have been coaxed to design men’s wear. Business-wise, it’s not like other fashion weeks. But we have our store here and it’s a great opportunity for our friends to come and watch our latest updates. Bangalore is a great venue as the youth and expatriate population is huge. But again, the mishap is that there is no night life, which badly affects the market.

Designing for Bollywood...
We hate Bollywood. It goes against our concept of fashion. Designers are treated like crap. Quality is of last reference. It’s too time-consuming. You have to compromise on your design philosophy. In fact, we had started working on a movie, which was shelved. In those six months, we realised that we were not cut out for Bollywood. 

Working together...
It’s not easy. But we are the best critics of each other.
We fight a lot and it’s natural because here are two minds thinking for one. Nothing goes on the ramp till we both give a clearance.

It’s a bit scary but more often than not we land up saying the same thing (chuckles).

Palette art gallery...
Art was always taken seriously. We have changed that and made it into an enjoyable event at Palette. It usually ends up as a party.

Initially, there was an element of suspicion since designers were getting into art. But we are art collectors and were determined to open the gallery. Today we are rated in the top five galleries in India. Handling fashion and art, I am surprised we still haven’t had a nervous breakdown!

Projects in pipeline...
We are looking at a fusion upper-market line besides pret. With attention to detail, it will be an exclusive semi-couture line.

We are collaborating with Delhi-based luxury mall called Emporio. It’s by invitation only and houses labels like Tarun Tahiliani, Rohit Bal, J J Valaya, Rajesh Pratap Singh and top international brands.

Future of Indian fashion...
Many MNCs are investing in designers. It’s great because they look after departments like production, HR, shipping and sales.

Till now, we designers have been multi-tasking. But now we can concentrate on design. Many designers are scared that international brands will soon replace them. But today even Indians are doing well at international fashion weeks.