: Keeping up with Kunal Rawal #IndiaNEWS #National,IANS Life By Nimerta C SharanNew Delhi, July 31 (IANSlife) Popular menswear designer Kunal Rawals mood board might alter every season, but there are

Keeping up with Kunal Rawal #IndiaNEWS #National ,IANS Life
By Nimerta C SharanNew Delhi, July 31 (IANSlife) Popular menswear designer Kunal Rawals mood board might alter every season, but there are some elements that stay intact versatility, gender fluidity, and functionality.
His recent couture outing at the FDCI India Couture Week 2022 also marked his 15 years in the industry. Taking inspiration from our diverse cultures and traditions, his collection, Dear Men was dominant in structured pieces finished with exquisite embroideries and smart layering. Actor Arjun Kapoor closed the show for the designer in a tone-on-tone sherwani.
In an exclusive chat with IANSlife, Rawal spoke about his brand philosophy, inspiration, and things that matter.
How would you describe your aesthetic?
Rawal: We are a luxury contemporary brand that highly values functionality. We dont like to box our product within a certain aesthetic we want to cater to each and every one.
Menswear is experiencing a wholesome shift. Whats trending according to you?
Rawal: There are always new, different trends coming to the fore. However, being true to your own style is something that truly reigns supreme. Covid has made us introspect deeper into our lives and as a result, weve become more in sync with ourselves. People are dressing for themselves and not just following fads. Mood Dressing is big as well people are wearing what makes them happy. Lastly, I think functionality as people are looking for products that are luxurious and versatile. They want something that gives them more value for their buck; something that can be reused and repurposed.
Your style inspiration?
Rawal: I get inspired by people that I see or interact with. Its a very layered approach but we try to incorporate this into our storyline. India has such an authentic street style which is so fascinating. Every state has a different language, culture, and clothing. Also, I am hugely inspired by Mumbai its people, architecture, sea, and everything in between.
Please elaborate on the glow-in-the-dark technology.
Rawal: As a brand, we love playing with technology. Since childhood, Ive been fascinated with textiles – what more can be created, and what can be done using technology. Weve been exploring the glow-in-the-dark collection for the past year and a half and have been playing with pigments and mixing it with our threads to create unique hand embroideries. Its been a lot of fun!
Your top three best-dressed?
Rawal: Well, it keeps changing. I think a lot of people dress well. Ranveer Singh because he dresses according to his mood and for himself. Miles Teller from Top Gun dresses really cool. And, Im dressing not too badly myself right now. So maybe me?
Whats your take on sustainable fashion?
Rawal: Its the need of the hour.