Rohit-Rahul bring classic, quirky collection to Dubai
IT’S BEEN TWENTY years since Delhi-based Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna first entered fashion, starting with a label known for their men’s shirts, and the duo became known for adding that bit of flair into one of the basic items in a man’s wardrobe. Tailoring and finish were something they got right and they soon started their own eponymous label. As women’s wear became their mainstay, they stayed true to their roots. The label is known for its Western cocktail wear, and there is a feel of glamour in everything they do.
Actress Bai Ling has even worn a sequinned dress by them at the Cannes Film Festival. For eleven years now they have been coming to Dubai, and they are back again today for a pop-up presented by Dubai-based Glam Closet. Says Rohit, “We will be bringing to Dubai a mixture of the classic with the quirky. Our muse is the global traveller, who would find herself comfortable in the streets of London or Dubai. Yet for this preview, we have decided to bring out more distinctive pieces, some with classic RGRK silhouettes and some reminiscent of intricate Indian craftsmanship. Dresses, tops, jackets, kaftans, kurtas, waist jackets etc. are all integral parts of the collection.” The clothes will be tailored for the festive and holiday season and there is something for both men and women.
Dubai an important market
And soon, Rohit and Rahul will become a more permanent part of the Dubai fashion landscape. Indian designers have always come to Dubai for pop-ups - but now many are looking at a more permanent base, and Rohit and Rahul seem to have found theirs. Explains Rohit, “Indian designers have for far too long worked on achieving success on the Western frontier. Yet, one can now see a clear shift in the mindset. Due to a certain similarity in culture between India and the Middle East, we feel our design sensibilities are understood and celebrated here and we look forward to opening a store soon. Currently we retail through Salam Studios in Dubai.”
For India now, Dubai is as important, if not more, than Paris, London and New York. Says the duo, “The Dubai market has become more experimental. There is an appreciation for understated glamour and adapting to distinctive silhouettes. There is now a clear amalgamation between culture and fashion; an individualistic expression of style exists in the form of full-length dramatic cape sleeves or high collars with embellishment.”
They come to Dubai with a curated collection of what is in their stores in Delhi right now and similar to what the duo also just showed in London. The AW17 collection is called an ‘Ode to Zaha’. The collection is abstract, influenced by various design capacities around us, and is dedicated to the architectural prowess of the legendary architect late Zaha Hadid. Asymmetrical hemlines and voluminous sleeves and strong winter colours like charcoal, mineral, cement and ink make this an on trend collection. Since Rohit and Rahul are open to customisation, and will be at the pop-up to personally attend to clients, designs can be made more modest, more blingy or more toned down. It is Rohit and Rahul’s openness to listen to customers, which has made this brand so popular in the region and this is why the two designers keep coming back.