In his three-decade plus run in the industry, Arjun Khanna has revolutionised men’s fashion, and today his namesake label ranks amongst the top tier brands in the country, with a growing global reputation. I met Arjun recently at his studio in Mumbai’s iconic Kala Ghoda for a freewheeling conversation, wherein we spoke about all things fashion, his famous clients and the evolving scene.
The last time I met Arjun, he had told be about Diljit Dosanjh and the singer-actor’s influence in the fashion industry. I picked up from where we left and asked him about his take on Diljit’s Met Gala dress this year, which also featured the Badshah of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan.
“Quite honestly, I must compliment India and us Indians who made a remarkable presence and it was a presence that was beautifully felt and admired and looked at at the Met Gala this year,” Arjun said, adding, “I must say, very humbly, I really truly think Diljit Dosanjh has come a long way.”
He said that Dijit’s influence has skyrocketed since the time we spoke last, and the artiste now wields a significant power in the world of fashion, with his confidence and charm.
“I thought his look was somehow just too cool for school,” Arjun said. “The guy does it with a flare. I don’t think he realises what he’s doing. He does it with a bit of a attitude without attitude. I think he’s a natural cadet. I mean, he’s really good. He’s solid with his art form. He’s risen from the ranks from nowhere and has become Diljit Dosanjh. I think he’s a phenomenon.”
Diljit stunned everyone with his maharaja look at this year’s Met Gala. Right from his looks to his posing, everything scored top marks from viewers and critics alike. But the man from Punjab wasn’t the only Indian who turned heads. King Khan scored some brownie points as well.
“Shah Rukh is Shah Rukh. He’s not King Khan for nothing. So, whatever the hell he wears, he does it with the flare as well,” Arjun said, complementing the actor.
Arjun, who honed his skills at the London College of Fashion, said the landscape has changed a lot in men’s fashion since the time he started. Men are now ditching the usual for something more colourful.
“Today, men are wearing baby pink. They’re wearing sky blue. They want to stand out. Men are into fitness. Men are into grooming. So, it’s a different ball game. It’s more challenging today,” he said, adding men are also better informed now.
Comparing mentalities between men and women buyers, he said, “Women buy as a sport. Men buy as necessity.”
During the course of the conversation, Arjun also spoke about his love for Amitabh Bachchan, dressing up cricketers and more. But to know it all, watch the @Work video below.
