Cotton-eyed Khan

Khan’s entry into the fashion world was as a model in 1990. A lot of TV ads and ramp shows came his way,but after all the profession has a short shelf-life. “I didn’t want to die from the industry,so I started coordinating for fashion shows. From there,I became assistant to designers and today,I am at the same level or even higher than those who I worked under,” he says. Scanning the city’s model brigade,he added,“When I was a model,we had to carry our own shoes and socks,and do our own hair and make-up. Today,the business has changed. It’s so professional.”

His expectations from the show in Pune are high. “I studied at The Bishop’s School,and it feels so special to come back to this city and showcase my work here,” he says. He has participated in fashion weeks in Bengaluru,Chennai,Ahmedabad,Ludhiana,and Kolkata. “Going to each city and showcasing there helps not only the designer,but also the people of that city. They don’t need to go to Delhi or Mumbai to shop,” he says.

While Khan usually does couture,the Pune show will see his pret collection. “I will be showing summery,ready-to-wear attire. Cotton is my favourite fabric and I’ve used it at the Lakme Fashion Week from 2008-2011. This time too,the clothes will be in cotton,but more textured and stylish,” he says. He is working with rust,sea green,orange and blue for the show. “My clothes will speak for themselves. I don’t have a showstopper; I don’t believe in that concept anymore,” he adds. In the past,his shows have featured actors like Sushmita Sen,Shilpa Shetty,Lara Dutta,and Saif Ali Khan. He also designed for Urmila Matondkar before her role in Rangeela. “But the attire should be such that anyone can look good in it,not only a celebrity,” he says.

The designer is currently not retailing anywhere in India. “I have previously focused on retailing in Dubai,Quwait,Nairobi and Paris. But India is my focus now,and within a month,you will see me retailing in 16 different cities,including Pune,” he reveals.