He’s everyone’s favourite social media hottie, and that’s why Rahul Khanna is giving us advice on how to make your gifting season full of style and sass. Men, take notes
Rahul Khanna at Galeries Lafayette Mumbai. Pic/Atul Kamble
Rahul Khanna is far more than a thoughtful dresser. Impeccably mannered, he acknowledges our handwritten interview notes and apologises for Mumbai traffic. He then speaks softly, so much that we edge the recorder closer to cut through the music at Galeries Lafayette, Mumbai. He’s here for a masterclass on styling and gifting for a select audience at the luxury store.
Culturally fluent, Khanna bypasses small talk in favour of observations: a reference to author Fran Lebowitz and her allegiance to traditional menswear; a quick, generous appreciation of our pinstriped blazer-and-shirt pairing. This discernment makes him a reliable guide to style and gifting — especially in a space dense with brands. Khanna shares notes from his style diary.
How does one build their wardrobe like Rahul Khanna?
I am a bit of a minimalist. So I build around basics and essentials. Everything in my wardrobe is very similarly toned, a lot of white, grey and navy.
How do you layer these basic colours for a look that’s not monotone?
Rely on your instincts, and put a few combinations in different silhouettes together. It’s about trial and error. See how each combination makes you feel. Trust your gut. What makes you feel best and is what makes you look best. Don’t try something just because it is trendy. If you look in the mirror and find that it makes you look good, go for it.
How do you choose jackets?
My personal preference is a very unstructured jacket, so I don’t like padding, I don’t like fusing, I don’t like anything too stiff. But I like them fitted. Not stiff, but fitted, without shoulder pads.
Most precious pieces in your wardrobe?
Special pieces for me are always pieces that have a story behind them — pieces that I have inherited from my grandparents; cuff links and watches. I like vintage, so there are a few items that I have purchased, like vintage clothing items. Gifts from friends — a friend’s father passed away, and she gave me something from his wardrobe. I really treasure such things.
Wardrobe essentials, other than a white shirt and blue jeans?
A white button down shirt — I have around 15. I like white pants, I have so many white pants. Anything in cotton; a navy jacket. A nice pair of smart sneakers, sneakers that you can even wear with a suit like this [points to his Adidas pair]. A nice piece of luggage.
A common fit mistake that men make?
Pieces that are too big or too small; it has to fit you properly.
Advice for picking gifts for women?
Ohhh. Women are tricky. Because they are confusing to shop for. I would say a gift card from a store like Galeries Lafayette, Mumbai, so then they can come in and choose.
Advice for festive dressing for Christmas and New Year?
It’s very simple, keep it clean, keep it elegant. Make sure everything is ironed properly, and make sure you smell nice.
Advice for men who are interested in skincare and makeup?
Less is always more when it comes to everyday makeup. It’s great that men are becoming more conscious about their appearance. But again, less is more. Go with what feels right to you and is authentic to you. For skincare, I really like the sheet masks that they have over here. I find sheet masks very refreshing. Sometimes when I have a shoot in the morning and another event in the evening, it’s nice to put on a sheet mask during the afternoon break, take a nap or meditate, and it really refreshes you. I am also keen on trying the face wand [points to a Medicube facial wand] as I have been hearing a lot about it.
Your thoughts on brother Akshaye’s viral look from Dhurandhar?
I haven’t seen the movie yet, I’m waiting for him to show it to me. But anything he wears looks great, I’m sure he looks fantastic [smiles].
What can women buy for men?
Buy something classic that the men can then build around. I would suggest a classic leather or canvas toiletry bag. Later on, you can gift a duffle bag that matches it, a tote bag that matches; so that you will eventually have a set of really smart luggage. And if it’s good quality, it can last decades. A nice, basic navy sweater (that can be layered and paired in multiple ways) in cashmere or quality wool will never go out of style. A jacket that he can travel in would be great.
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