A fashionable innings

KL Rahul

Those who follow KL Rahul on social media will know that his love for the game is only paralleled by his passion for fashion. The cricketer's off-pitch aesthetic is very much ruled by athleisure pieces, to the extent that it even inspired him to launch a sub-brand in collaboration with PUMA named 1DER that is dedicated solely to the trend. We caught up with him for a quick chat about this dual role as a comfort-loving, jet-setting style icon that he essays so effortlessly.

How would you describe your personal aesthetic?
I am a fan of keeping it casual. Except for formal events, you'll find me in athleisure and streetwear. For me, being comfortable in what you're wearing is very important as with comfort comes confidence. That said, although I veer away from very flashy clothes, I am still drawn to pieces that have unique design elements, which will make people take notice.

Who do you consider your style icons?
I grew up idolising David Beckham and remember being especially drawn to his tattoos and funky hairstyles. Today, I look up to the style of Justin Bieber and Travis Scott. Although they are musical artistes, they've also channelled their creativity into fashion to pursue it in addition to their main line of work. This has also influenced me personally to venture into creating my own lines.

Are you a risk-taker when it comes to fashion?
Being adventurous has always come quite naturally to me. Playing sport at the level that I do, if you don't take risks, you won't get very far. However, I am also quite confident in who I am, and this reflects in the clothes I wear. I will personally steer away from wearing what I consider loud or attention-seeking prints or colours.

What are the most cherished items in your personal wardrobe?
My friends and family think that I am a shopaholic. Shopping gives me joy, and I really enjoy buying cool things. I am fortunate that my game takes me to different countries around the world. During my time off, I enjoy exploring vintage stores and picking up unique pieces. I have several jackets I've picked up that I'm really fond of. I am also quite picky about not sharing my clothes with anyone.

What inspired you to start your own line?
I have always had a keen interest in fashion. This was my first time designing and learning the nuances of picking colours, styles and fabrics, with the help of a team. From personal experience, I know that shopping for cool pieces online can be very expensive and typically involves long waiting periods. My goal was for people to be able to get their hands on stylish pieces, at affordable prices.

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Cool like Rahul

>> I typically plan my outfit based on the shoes I want to wear that day. I would advise people to have a few really good pairs of shoes that will go with most of your clothes
>> Skinny jeans are on their way out - instead, invest in well-fitted (but not skin-tight) pairs of jeans and smart chinos
>> I am partial to hoodies and wear them with shorts or jeans, or even to the club
>> I have always been a big fan of bomber jackets