My personal style is: I would like to believe my personal style is full of smart designs and details that elevate my overall look and are comfortable. I always plan my look and outfit around the one-star element that’s special for the occasion.
My personal style icon: My father is my style icon, he has majorly influenced my fashion sense. I have learned much from him about fashion and textiles personally and professionally. From leather to corduroy, my introduction to this world was through him and his wardrobe. I have loved raiding his wardrobe in my teens and still continue to do so.
Kunal Rawal with his father
An item in my wardrobe that means a lot to me: The first kurta I designed under my then label Dstress, is something I still have and wear occasionally. It is of great emotional significance to me.
My favourite souvenir from my travels is: I splurge on clothes. I always attach the memories of a place to the clothes I shop from there. And definitely something related to food, it could be gourmet chocolates or popular local snacks from the region.
The best gift I have received: My wife Arpita used to write me long insightful letters back in the day, which I value a lot and still hold on to dearly after all these years.
Kunal Rawal with Arpita
The best gift I have given: My dad gifted me a car when I was much younger at the onset of my career. When I could afford one, I made sure that I gifted him one.
The last thing I bought: Rick Owens shorts in three different colours.
Rick Owens shorts
The last book I read: Sadly I haven't been able to read much for the past couple of years. I am more into audiobooks now and the last one I indulged in was George R.R. Martin’s ‘A Song of Ice and Fire’.
The last film I loved: I had the opportunity to watch ‘The Girl with a Dragon Tattoo’ last night on a flight. I thoroughly enjoy watching David Fincher’s work, definitely a big fan of his work. The movie is full of his signature style.
My Spotify list would include these songs: Currently, I'm listening to our album ‘Sehra’ which was the soundtrack to our show at India Couture Week. All the tracks are quite fresh in my playlist. I am in a back-to-college kind of zone, so there are a lot of 2000’s blockbusters in my playlist, featuring Usher, Timbaland, Blu Cantrell, Santana, and Wayne Wonder.
‘Sehra’ album cover
My beauty/ wellness routine is: I start my day with one strong moisturiser like Kiehl’s Facial Fuel. For evenings out, I swear by an under-eye stick, contour stick, and blush. My wellness routine would be a good steam before stepping out for an important event or plan.
My favourite holiday destination: They have to be Goa and London. I have studied and lived in London for a long time; it is my favourite shopping destination in the world.
Kunal Rawal in London
I love to collect: Metal and silver baubles or junk rings.
My fridge always has: Chocolate.
Minimalism or maximalism: I swear by minimalism on most days. I am not a maximalist. However, I do believe in attention to detail in a minimal aesthetic.
My home looks like: My home is a cocoon of white and brown textures.
My favourite mix of traditional and contemporary is: Modern India, whether it is with clothes, culture, food, aesthetics, convenience, and technology. There are so many developments in the country in each sector, and traditionalism is omnipresent everywhere. Everyone is following a contemporary route to stay relevant.
My best ideas come when: When I am super emotional.
The best way to spend Rs 20,000 is: Indulge in buying yourself something exciting to wear. But, I think the best way to go is to plan your budget, split it into getting yourself something good and comfortable to wear, a separate budget for movies, and invest the rest of it in some really interesting and mouth-watering food and drinks.
My idea of happiness is: Being around my family, my friends, my colleagues, my people, and my community.
