TheGlitz chats with designer Karan of the Karan & Moin duo, who embarked on A Journey of Legacy as Villa Appearances in 1982 and thereafter rebranded their namesake label Karan & Moin in 2002. Their designs depict the ultramodern guy in a tuxedo, bandhgala, suit, blazer, sherwani, kurta pajama, and shirt, all making for an exciting silhouette.
Despite the incredibly forward-looking appeal of Karan & Moin’s bespoke designs, the emphasis has always been on tailoring the garments with detail and quality in mind. It’s fascinating to hear the outspoken Karan share his career-defining vision of fashion. Read our exchange below.
“The joy of dressing is an art.”
John Galliano
THEGLITZ.MEDIA: Welcome, dear Karan… Three decades at the helm of Karan & Moin, Can you give us a bit of your personal background and your journey through the fashion and menswear landscape, from styling former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee to the Indian T20 League franchise, Delhi Capitals?
KARAN: Coming from the humble roots of a farmer family, I chanced upon my passion when I watched my brother Moin Sabri at work crafting fabric. I knew then that designing was my calling, but watching Moin, I realised that until I understood the canvas, my painting would not go far. Then I set out to learn the basics of fabric crafting. After that, I pursued design courses to become a professional fashion designer.
We initially set up a tailoring unit because of our intrinsic skill and craft. The fabric came in later. As passionate artisans, our goal was to introduce the finest designs from around the world to India. Keen learners that we are, we travelled to the fashion capitals—Milan, Paris, and London—to learn skills from the experts. Came back, localised, and implemented our learning. Today, we offer the best fabrics from around the globe with styling to match.
What is your vision of fashion?
The Indian fashion and garment market is set for exponential growth, inculcating designs and inspirations from across the globe, making the new fusion of designing and styling in India extremely exciting. We are looking forward to it and are very excited to ride this wave. We are curious to see what this blend and fusion of West and East is going to bring forward, both for designing and styling.
What have you been up to this summer (both professionally and personally)? And what’s next at Karan & Moin for the remainder of the year?
This summer we are occupied with our summer wedding lineup, and we are thrilled to be collaborating with the Delhi Capitals as their official styling partner.
Being in an industry primed for exponential growth, we have all hands on deck. While we operate nationally, based out of Delhi, we plan to have a wider footprint across the country with studios in all metros and be the top brand in men’s luxury wear, not only in our existing segment of power dressing but in celebration wear as well.
Take us down memory lane to your earliest memories of fashion?
Witnessing my brother engage in the art of cutting and tailoring during his learning phase remains one of my earliest memories. I was captivated by the realisation that a simple idea could be transformed into a tangible reality through the skillful craft of tailoring. It was truly a remarkable and awe-inspiring experience.
“The secret to getting ahead is getting started”.
Karan & Moin
How would you describe luxury and who are your fashion icons?
To me, luxury is all about achieving the perfect fit for each individual client. Every body is unique, and creating a garment that not only fits perfectly but also flatters the wearer’s individual shape and style is the ultimate luxury. We understand that true luxury is in the details, and we pride ourselves on our ability to create garments that are not only perfectly tailored but also exquisitely finished. We believe that there is no greater luxury than the feeling of confidence and pride that comes with wearing a perfectly tailored garment that fits like a glove.
What are your USPs in bespoke fashion?
Karan & Moin is defined by its flawless, 30-year heritage of customization across genres like bespoke, made-to-measure, and floating canvas that ensures your wardrobe does not just fit you but syncs to your body language, making the style you wear yours. Our USP is that we adapt the style to become uniquely yours to complement your stature and make you look better than your best. Our designs have a minimalistic, classic, evergreen style that transcends time.
What should every Indian man have in their closet?
We believe that every Indian man should have a few key pieces in his closet. First, a well-tailored suit is a must-have for formal occasions. It should fit perfectly and be made from high-quality fabric. Second, a classic white shirt is a versatile piece that can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. It can be paired with a blue or grey suit for formal events or worn with jeans for a more casual look. Third, a pair of well-fitted jeans is a wardrobe essential.
They can be worn with a t-shirt for a casual look or dressed up with a blazer for a smart-casual outfit. Fourth, a quality pair of shoes is crucial. A classic pair of black or brown leather dress shoes can be worn with a suit or dress pants, while a pair of sneakers is great for a more casual look. Lastly, accessories such as a good-quality belt, watch, and pocket square can elevate any outfit and should not be overlooked. These essentials will ensure that an Indian man is always dressed well and ready for any occasion.
Quickfire
Your favourite brand.
Tom Ford – time less classic
One accessory not seen without…
Watch
Faux leather or For leather?
Faux leather
Preferred fashion fusion – Sherwani Barbeque or Tuxedo Bhangra
Tuxedo Bhangra
Extravagant style or subtle elegance.
Subtle elegance
Most inspiring? MET Gala look or Cannes look.
Yeah this is gonna be tough as I haven’t seen the MET or CANNES
Adjective to describe Karan & Moin.
Timeless
Must find garment in your wardrobe.
A good set of shirts, a jacket/blazer and good pair of denims
Favourite fashion muse.
Saif Ali Khan
Your dream dinner party guest.
Tom Ford
