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'I respect the sense of freedom as shown by The Artist Formerly Known as Prince': Arjun Saluja

The designer behind the fantastic structure and tailoring of the label 'Rishta' on things that move him

My personal style is: I would say it leans on being eclectic, contradictory and nonconformist.

My personal style icon: There are many fashion icons that have influenced my thought process. They used clothing as a medium to alter the social construct as a whole. The Artist Formerly Known as Prince is one of them. His music, his concepts, he’s a phenomenal guitarist (sometimes we overlook that) and his sense of freedom that I really respect. He is timeless, by just being authentic.

An item in my wardrobe that means a lot to me:A friend of mine gifted me a pair of Comme Des Garçon trousers years ago which I still keep with me. The construction is insane.

The Comme Des Garçon trousers gifted to Saluja by a friend

My favourite souvenir from my travels is:I think more than souvenirs, it’s when I used to play music I would invariably end up at the record store to pick up vinyls. That’s a passion.

Saluja's vinyls collection

The best gift I have received: A really touching gesture from my father when he surprised me on one of my birthdays with a set of turntables.

The turntable gifted to Saluja by his father

The best gift I have given: I think it’s the little things that matter. If one can just observe and do something for someone that alters or helps them in any way you in turn feel good. So I give gifts constantly.

The last thing I bought: Socks.

The last book I read:Japanese author and poet Mieko Kawakami’s ‘ All the Lovers in the Night’.

'All the Lovers in the Night' by Mieko Kawakami

The last film I loved: I’ve liked a few films recently. ‘Perfect Days’, ‘Joyland’ and ‘Laapataa Ladies’.

A still from the movie 'Perfect Days'

My Spotify list would include these songs: My Spotify list is pretty varied. From Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan to Rubii to Erykah Badu, also Digable Planets, Celeste, Benjamin Clementine, Nayyara Noor, Little Simz, Bjork, Abida Parveen and the list goes on.

My beauty/ wellness routine is: A very simple routine: clean, moisture and go. More than just a skincare routine, gut care is primary, as they are correlated.

My favourite holiday destination: I would love to travel to South America, Africa, and explore the north east and south of India.

I love to collect: Vintage pieces for work and research, and vinyls for the soul.

My fridge always has: Dark chocolate.

Minimalism or maximalism: That’s limiting. I try to be as free in my expression and keep learning. It really also the headspace one is at. So I would say I am somewhere in between.

My home looks like: chaos at the moment, as it’s under renovation.

The interiors of Saluja's home

My favourite mix of traditional and contemporary is: When films, music, and fashion take their inspiration from the past and translate it into what today’s zeitgeist is consuming. So it’s interesting to see how influences from past decades make their way to the current times.

My best ideas come when: I’m in silence.

The best way to spend Rs 20,000 is: to get away into nature and breathe again.

My idea of happiness is: When there is no thought, and you can just flow.