Designers Rohit Gandhi And Rahul Khanna Want You To Experiment More
The designer duo talk about their new collection, Akoya, showcased at FDCI India Men's Fashion Week and how Indian men are now creating their own unique style statements
At the heritage Diggi Palace in Jaipur, white marble accents highlight the jharokhas and doorways. If you’ve been, you must have noticed what a striking impact they make against the walls. You can almost hear the architecture purr like a sun-warmed cat.
The cat is presumably beige or cream, like the regal interiors of the palace. In the right lighting, you can mistake it for being rose-hued.
It is here that designers Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna showcased their menswear collection, Akoya, at the FDCI India Men’s Fashion Week. The palette was refined and rich - mocha and ivory, playing against each other. The textures alternated between the smoothness of marble and the ruggedness of sandstone.
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If one had to imagine a man wearing Akoya, it would be a quick trip from the halls of Diggi Palace to the craven caves of Wattpad.
In an interview with Esquire India, the designers discuss fluidity, opulence and the softer man.
Esquire India: Akoya reimagines the matador jacket and shifts from skinny to relaxed silhouettes. How do you modernize classic menswear without losing its timeless appeal?
Rohit Gandhi & Rahul Khanna: Modernizing classic menswear is about respecting its roots while infusing contemporary sensibilities. With Akoya, we’ve retained the iconic structure of timeless pieces like the matador jacket but introduced bold cuts and fluid fabrics that resonate with today’s men. Our transition from skinny to relaxed silhouettes reflects a shift towards ease and versatility, ensuring that while the essence of classic menswear remains intact, it evolves to suit modern lifestyles.
ESQ: Your collection plays with fluidity, both in fabrics and fit but keeps a sharp, refined edge. What’s the secret to making menswear feel effortless yet powerful?
RG & RK: The secret lies in balance. We’ve carefully curated fabrics like lightweight silk that offer fluidity and comfort while maintaining precision in tailoring to ensure every piece fits seamlessly. This blend of softness with structure allows our designs to exude both ease and authority, making them effortlessly powerful.
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ESQ: Pearls, palatial tones, and intricate embellishments bring an understated opulence to Akoya. Do you think men are becoming more open to softer, more decorative elements in their wardrobes?
RG & RK: Over the years, men have become significantly more fashion-conscious. But today, the narrative has changed significantly. Men are no longer just followers of trends—they’re creators of their unique style statements. Each individual now combines pieces that resonate with their personality, resulting in an expression of style that feels both authentic and innovative. Men are open to experimenting with their looks and this collection reflects this shift, blending heritage with modernity through pearls, rich neutrals, intricate embellishments, and relaxed silhouettes, encouraging men to embrace refined, expressive fashion. This evolution signifies a growing acceptance of elegance and artistry in menswear.