High flyers of Fashion

On the brink of an eventful 20 years this summer, Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna make waves in the contemporary fashion industry with their brand, bearing their signature style all over.

The word in the circles is that they have been exemplifying a lively combination that blends contemporary and chic style with comfort and ease being the USP. The designer duo specialises in western wear and creates clothing that is comfortable and also stands out in the glitz and glamour world.

It was way back in 1997 that Rahul and Rohit joined hands and they have not looked back ever since. Rather, they have been rising in terms of brand identity and value, so to say.

With western wear being their forte, the designer-duo puts in great emphasis on styling the attires in such a way that they retain the unique sharpness for years together besides being in sync as envious status symbols.

“Both of us were very clear on what we wished to deliver-no Indian clothes. In order to survive in the ruthlessly competitive industry, we endeavoured to evolve and grow as designers who created something differently out-of-the-box.

We were clear that our products would not to be the run-of-the-mill variety, not the regular Indian lahangas or traditional clothes,” points out Rohit retracing the commencement of the partnership.

“I think our journey has been steady and smooth. We have seen the country and fashion grow almost together. When we started, men usually went in for baggy clothes with an overbearing liking for blue shirts.

In those days, women, be it mother, sister or wife, would choose dresses for the men. Today, the tastes have changed and men, keen to look dapper and fitter, have become conscious of the trends in vogue. They know what they want while women understand fashion.

In a way, it should not sound as an exaggeration if we are credited with being pioneers of sorts with regard to designing clothes that are wearable and affordable in the sense that what one sees on the ramp is available across the counter.

This was in contrast to the creations by designers, who had a penchant for bridal collections. In a way, the regularity of fashion weeks has brought about a global visibility for Indian creations,” explains Rahul.

They feel that everybody wishes to emulate the dress-sense of the celebrities to get a feel of being acceptably stylish. People want similar collections. That explains the duo’s quest to ensure that their collection is the same all over the world. The styles available abroad are also sold in the neighbourhood market.

On the trends and their acceptance levels in Hyderabad, they say, “The city is fashion-conscious. We came to Hyderabad after five years. The response to a recent exhibition drew people with varied interests. Yet each knew what he or she wanted from our collection. They are aware of the different themes that are the current rage,” explains Rahul.

Being designers by choice that is driven by an overwhelming passion, they point out that managing the store is not their cup of tea.

About their present Winter Collection, they say, ‘Metallique Maze’ is “greatly influenced by modern contemporary art. We have placed great emphasis on detailing, drawing inspiration from linear structures and geometrical lines.

This collection reinvents cocktail dressing and makes for a telling style statement. Blenders Pride Fashion Tour, which is all about ‘taste life in style’, is the perfect opportunity for us to showcase the same.”

Where do they see India in the present day fashion world?
“It is ‘India shining’ all the way. Indians flaunt their heritage that gets reflected in the latest collections. Indians travelling abroad take pride in wearing clothes that bear the hallmark of desi designers,” says Rahul.

On what an individual should prefer, Rohit avers, “go for a dress that suits your body. Comfort ought to take preference over fashion. After all, today’s designers give you multiple choices, including those that are almost like getting customised attire,” reasons Rohit.

They also recommend the need to understand the body types. “It should be the deciding factor, After all, what fits one can look clumsy on the other. Our brand comes in five sizes. They are different for the Indian and international markets. We believe in sizing and that is our unique proposition,” declare the two in unison.