The Evolution Of Couture

What started out as a brand to bridge the gap in the market soon lead to the hottest trend in the industry—Indian prêt fashion. Over two decades, stalwarts Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna have changed the way we dress. We explore their journey, inspiration, and vision.

- Nirja Dutt

The year was 1997, the trend was heavy couture and the audience was hooked to womenswear; two young and enthusiastic design graduates from the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) New Delhi were planning their next move. “The idea was to set ourselves apart, make something we would wear, and something that matched our aesthetic,” says Rahul Khanna. Enter H2O, the country’s first menswear prêt label with an aesthetic that promoted clean lines, minimal embellishments, and great cuts. Within months it became a raving success and everyone wanted it.