Designer Kunal Rawal launches capsule collection

Menswear designer Kunal Rawal, a favourite with several Bollywood A-listers, has launched his first online capsule collection comprising of apparel and accessories. It is in collaboration with Koovs.

Known for merging international influences with Indian flavours, his latest collection is dominated by edgy styles and contemporary silhouettes.

In an interview with Surupasree Sarmmah, the celebrated designer talks about his capsule collection, his experience over the years and more.

Tell us about your collaboration with Koovs...

The ‘Kunal Rawal X Koovs’ collection is young, versatile and global in it’s aesthetic. We’ve played with washes and varied fabrics to create cusp ‘bundi’ jackets and mock leather jackets. The collection of about 40 styles has a bunch of cusp pieces.

I’m excited about this collaboration because I got to create casual contemporary styles, with many elements from my label embedded in each design.

What was the idea behind the collection?

The collection is about pieces that can be worn in multiple ways and for multiple occasions. A significant influence was knowing that men out there are looking for styles to match their sensibilities.

They are open to experimenting and are aware and confident of what they want to wear and what colours work for them. This is something that really inspires me.

How is it working with Bollywood celebrities?

I have been fortunate enough to work with a lot of celebrities in the industry, including Amitabh Bachchan, Ranbir Kapoor, Anil Kapoor and Akshay Kumar. I enjoy designing and styling the look keeping their personality and requirements in mind.

One yesteryear actor you would like to dress up?

Vinod Khanna. He definitely is the style icon for me.

Any plans of venturing into womenswear?

As of now, we are doing androgynous fashion (a style that aims to avoid gender stereotypes). We will look at venturing into womenswear sometime in the future.

How has menswear industry changed from when you started out?

There has been an evolution of the overall aesthetic. Men are looking for versatile pieces with functional design and comfort. They like to wear styles suited to their personality now and pairing things in their own unique ways. They are well researched and hence aware of the options available in the market, their body types and the trends prevailing globally.

When it comes to trends, we see more of tone on tone and modern silhouettes and patterns working for men these days.

What is your biggest fear when it comes to work?

Copies of my product; they definitely affect the business. However, I try to look at it a form of flattery as long as it doesn’t dilute my brand.

One advice you would like to give yourself?

Be grateful. I tend to be self-critical and focus too much on the details. I realise it is important to enjoy the journey and not just the destination.

Time management is another advice I would like to give myself.