Arjun Khanna is the Indian designer who created a niche for himself as he went on to become the passionate perfectionist.
Graduating from the American College of fashion in London, art had always been Arjun Khanna`s first love - the only subject he excelled in since childhood. Then followed a course at the Blackheath College of Art in London and a photographic course from Pillia`s school of photography. Arjun`s Khanna`s return to India in 1989 evoked a major change in his approach to fashion.
Arjun Khanna started off with men`s wear. His first collection was aimed at a limited audience - men`s western wear featuring the Oxford look followed by the Dick Tracy line of 30s and 40s. A true artist, not restricted by limits or boundaries, Arjun Khanna is a passionate perfectionist. This would describe both the designer and his label perfectly! Experiments with trends have always interested him. His silhouettes vary without prior warning. The garment appeal is not restricted to its outer appearance only. The lining of the garment plays a major role so do the seams hems fusing and the internal mechanisms.
Arjun Khanna participated in LlFW 2003, where he presented his entire men`s wear collection. Thereafter, he was chosen as one of the Designers` to present the Lakme Grand Final collection entitled `Treasures`, which was held in October 2003. This also involved working closely with Lakme on creating and endorsing a range of their products; which were then retailed under the Arjun Khanna label. He has been extensively involved in designing, styling and executing the `Raymond Suiting Campaign`.
Starting with a mens line at `Ensemble`; Arjun Khanna has spread his collection to Vama in Mumbai and Santoshti in Delhi. Arjun Khanna has designed for Padamsee`s production `Begam Sumroo` and styled for the winners of the `Graviera contest. Garments with clean styling and cut, embroidery used judiciously and a good finish make an Arjun ensemble. Arjun Khanna ` clientele includes Shekhar Kapur, who wore an `Arjun Khanna` creation for the Oscars and Zakir Hussain, the tabla maestro, who is habitually outfitted by him. Arjun Khanna believes that clothes are an extension of one`s expression.
Fashion Shows
LIFW 2003
In Arjun`s collection was a blend of Indian and western silhouettes. The workmanship in the embroidery on the Indian range was exquisite, as was Arjun`s colour sensibility: duck egg blue kurtas under navy sherwanis embellished with duck egg and multi-coloured embroidery. The western range in particular showed great personality. The suits, in nark or black flashed brilliant red silk linings and red or multi coloured buttonhole and `perfect release` cuff details. The jeans were given that special touch; they were hand painted by Sunil Padwal.
LIFW 2005
This year`s presentation was a preview of AK`s Fall / Winter `05 Collection. The inspiration came from Morocco and Marakesh. An all `Man` collection, it was a bold - trendy - and a very Funky collection! The designs were meant to be light hearted and for the bolder guys.
Wills Lifestyle IFW 2006
The theme was the New Indian Maharaja - It celebrated the opulent and luxurious lifestyle of the Indian Maharaja. Inspired by their decadent and lavish lifestyle, the collection was bold and eccentric, blending lush textiles with rich embroidery. The Safari, a Maharaja`s den, the darbar, all came together in a sexy, masculine and decadent collection that is contemporary yet timeless.
