As told to Ankita Chaurasia (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 3, 2020)

We started working with Kartik Aaryan immediately after Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety released. He came to us with a brief. It wasn’t anything particular; he just wanted us to style him for a few events that he had lined up around the time. We have been working together for almost two years now.

The best thing about Kartik is that he is extremely open-minded. There has never been a time when we went to him with a look and he rejected it outright. At the most, he asks us the thought behind an outfit before trying it on. The only thing that he has a problem with is something that reeks of desperation. You can’t put five different trends on him because like his acting style, Kartik prefers keeping his fashion subtle and understated, yet impactful. That said, it’s important for him to be well-dressed. The point is, those who don’t know he’s an actor, should also think of him as trendy even if he’s in another part of the world.

For regular events, Kartik prefers street-style clothes and athleisure. He is usually always on the move, going from an event to dance practice to the gym, and his clothes should be able to keep up with him. The best part is that even when we are not dressing him, he opts for comfortable clothes that we would go for ourselves. He is a sweats-and-sneakers kind of guy which goes well with his guy-next-door image.

However, his career is going places—after an amazing 2019, he is poised for a glorious 2020—and his clothes need to reflect that. So, we’re going for more upscale, well-tailored pieces which look almost similar to his regular style, but are part of a discerning gentleman’s wardrobe. Think buttery soft suedes and rustling silk shirts which give a luxurious touch to an otherwise regular outfit. Since Kartik is not the sort of guy who would want his outfits to scream for attention, we need to make a statement with everything we put on him.

Over the last two years, we have got him to try several things which have gone on to become trends. Like recently, we put him in a pair of baggy jeans which haven’t been around since 15 years but are all set to make a huge comeback. If we opt for a double-breasted jacket, we trim the fat off it to keep the look lean. We also keep experimenting with colours, which he carries off well. Recently, we also put him in printed silk shirts, which could have looked sleazy on others but not on Kartik.

We are not looking to change perceptions here. Kartik has a huge female fan-following and he knows it is because of his affability. The idea is to enhance his already charming personality and lend it an air of cool sophistication.


TOUCH OF LILAC: A double-breasted suit elevated to another level with a purple cashmere sweater and a lilac pocket square


SKULLS N’ ROSES: If you’re going to do a silk velvet bomber, you have to find a tee worthy of it, and that’s precisely what this piece of art is


ROCK IT!: Not your standard printed shirt, this viscose whimsy brings in a sleazy rock n’ roll vibe. The rest of the look is simple


BIKER BOY: There’s some humour to be found in this ridiculously luxurious, buttery soft biker jacket paired with camouflage pants