Last year, I sat front-row for Kunal Rawal’s Couture Week stint and let me just say, I had a blast. From some smashing original music to Ranbir Kapoor’s showstopping walk and a varied lineup of gender-fluid looks, the show was easily one of the biggest standouts of the edition. As he now gears up for yet another showcase titled Sehra at India Couture Week presented by FDCI, we delve deeper into the brand’s DNA, the traditional techniques set to be on display, alongside another musical gem in the works this season.
ELLE: What’s the name of your collection and will this one also embrace the gender-fluid mandate like your previous ones?
Kunal Rawal: This year, we proudly present Sehra, an exciting new collection that pays homage to our culturally rich and immersive country. This couture story is deeply inspired by the heritage of craftsmanship that we, as Indian designers, are fortunate to inherit. Sehra reflects the positivity of centuries-old rituals and traditions that make Indian weddings truly unique, reimagining these elements within our signature aesthetic.
A gender-fluid design ethos has always been integral to us. This season, we explore this narrative by introducing traditional weaves with a new twist into men’s occasion wear. Our latest collection reimagines classic techniques and traditions through a man’s perspective, featuring luxurious silks, brocades, and intricate craftwork originally invented for women.
ELLE: Give us a peek into the inspiration of your collection.
Kunal Rawal: Sehra draws its inspiration from the rich traditions and deep-seated beliefs that infuse the festivities and culture of Indian weddings. It beautifully intertwines age-old rituals with modern nuances and auspicious concepts with legends and lore. It tells the tale of love’s beautiful union and the blessings and positivity that surround it, all interpreted through our signature aesthetic.
This collection reimagines traditional techniques, blending them across eras and introducing weaves traditionally crafted for women into the realm of contemporary menswear. Expect to see bandhani, gara work, dhup chao threadwork, ikat, Lucknawi chikankari, zardozi, raffia, Gujarat’s tangaliya weaves, gota, Kashmiri embroidery, and more, all skillfully adapted for a modern, gender-fluid sensibility. Sehra challenges norms in craftsmanship, creating a discerning shift in menswear couture.
ELLE: What are the silhouettes, colour palettes and embellishments utilised?
Kunal Rawal: We are unveiling a collection of new cropped jackets, bundis, and reimagined silhouettes, including a new version of our beloved deconstructed sherwani, fresh undertones of androgyny, and an exciting line of bandhgalas, all tailored to suit the varied personalities of the modern man. We’ve introduced hems inspired by our signature bucket hem, enhancing functionality and comfort for ease of movement and access to pockets. Continuing our love affair with drapes, which began with Ranbir Kapoor’s lungi pants last year, we have pushed the boundaries further this season.
We are excited to present our unique take on patialas, pleated pants, kadhi dhotis crafted in our signature style, ensuring they feel as luxurious inside as they look outside. This year’s collection bursts with vibrant colours. Each design features an exciting play of hues—you’ll find touches of pink in green, hints of silver in blue, and accents of white and off-white in maroon and deeper reds. We’ve also ventured into brighter shades for the first time, incorporating hot pink, sage green, and a diverse palette of reds. When it comes to embellishments, you will see new versions of our signature French knots, bigger and bolder micro motifs, mirror work and much more.
ELLE: Your presentation at India Couture Week last year was a resounding success, especially with that soundtrack. Anything new in the works music-wise?
Kunal Rawal: Once again, we have teamed up with Akshay and IP, drawing inspiration from the rich anthology of festivities that define the great Indian wedding. This year, we’ve created a wedding album for our collection, with each song’s lyrics composed from the groom’s perspective. The album captures the energy, mood, and celebratory spirit of each festive event, reflecting the vibrant blend of modern and traditional elements in contemporary Indian weddings.
ELLE: Name a yesteryear Hollywood muse who would do justice to this collection.
Kunal Rawal: Imagine the iconic Elvis Presley donning one of our jackets. And Coco Chanel embracing our androgynous designs would truly be a sight to behold!
ELLE: If these pieces were to be styled in an iconic Bollywood movie, which one would it be and why?
Kunal Rawal: When I think of iconic Bollywood movies, my mind immediately goes to the all-time favourites I grew up watching and loving. Films like Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham truly capture the power of cinema. Another standout is Mr. India — its rich character development is something I deeply admire. The modernity, the occasion wear, and the storytelling in these films resonate with our brand’s ethos. There are so many synergies between these movies and our latest collection; pieces from our new line would seamlessly integrate into their iconic styles.
Also Read: ELLE First Look: Siddartha Tytler Takes Us Through His India Couture Week Showcase
