KL Rahul has the kind of swagger that comes natural and his personal style is indicative of that. Considered among the most stylish men in the country routinely, KL Rahul knows how to rock a tuxedo, dhoti veshti or some baggy pants paired with an oversized shirt. And over the years, his picks for collaborating with brands has only cemented this reputation. On the pitch, Rahul is currently enjoying a solid run this IPL season with the Delhi Capitals, bringing consistency and composure to the top order. Off it, he’s moving with equal intent—stepping in to create a capsule collection with Paul & Shark, featuring a reimagined bandhgala, cricket-white knitwear, and climate-conscious outerwear tailored for India. We spoke to him about his latest role and here’s an excerpt from our chat.
You’ve always had strong sense of personal style—at what point did fashion start feeling like a space you wanted to actively shape?
Style was always personal, but it became more intentional over time. Travelling, being exposed to different cultures, and understanding how people express themselves through clothing made me look at fashion differently. It stopped being just about what I liked and became about what felt true to me and that naturally made me want to be more involved in shaping it.
What were your thoughts behind this collection for Paul & Shark?
I was involved in shaping the silhouettes, designs, and material choices. It was important to me that the collection truly worked for everyday life, particularly in a warm climate like India’s, that’s why we focused on lightweight, breathable fabrics and versatile pieces that combine comfort with refinement. The goal was to create a collection that is authentic, elegant, and easy to wear.
What made you want to create a bandhgala for this collaboration with Paul & Shark?
Reinterpreting the bandhgala felt like a natural way to express my roots through a contemporary lens. It’s a highly symbolic garment in Indian culture, so the idea was to make it versatile and suitable for everyday wear, without losing its original elegance. Bringing it to a global brand like Paul & Shark means exactly that: respecting tradition while adapting it to an international lifestyle.
What’s your favourite piece from the collection?
The V-neck pullover stands out for me. My experience on the field has definitely shaped the way I approach design. In sport, you learn how essential comfort, performance, and lightness are, and I wanted these elements to be reflected in the collection. This is, of course, also a subtle nod to cricket and echoes the aesthetic of traditional uniforms in a refined way. It’s understated, easy to wear, and is the kind of piece that fits into different parts of your day without needing to be styled too much.
What’s something you learned about fashion or design through working with Paul & Shark that genuinely surprised you?
The level of precision stood out. Even the simplest pieces go through a lot of thought, from fabric development to construction. It gave me a deeper respect for how much effort goes into creating something that looks and feels effortless.
Off-duty, what are you reaching for the most in your wardrobe right now?
I usually lean towards a uniform, clean lines, comfortable fits, nothing too loud. But I do enjoy experimenting in small ways, whether it’s with textures or layering. It’s more about subtle changes than anything drastic.
