Kunaal Kyhaan Seolekar, product and interior designer, expands into fashion with his label, Koy Toy Boy, inspired by the uninhibited workers at his construction site, who also model the radical garments for his campaign. He conceptualized this brand to celebrate the sense of style Indian men have as he felt they lack representation in fashion.
Seolekar is well known in the design community for being the creative director and founder at both architecture and product design space Studio Haus and the interior design studio The Koy Store.
While working on one of his projects at a construction site, the labourers’ fascinating and extravagant printed shirts caught his attention. The people he is used to interacting with, believe in minimalistic sartorial dressing, anything outside of this constraint is considered tacky, unless created and endorsed by renowned designer brands.
Kunaal created an Instagram account as a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community to interact, engage and revel in their sexuality. Although, he’s using it to advertise his brand, he’s maintained that sense of mystery and humor, combining pictures of his clothes with tongue-in-cheek photos. It serves as a platform for acknowledging the uninhibited, subversive India where bedazzled men appeared decked out in heavy jewellery.
He launched collection of jewellery, including chains, pendants, necklaces and studs crafted from semi-precious coloured stones. The brand’s aim is to pay homage to India’s cultural bedrock, taking reference from the vibrant lives of Maharajas, as well as their exotic rituals and gem philosophies.
Presenting our country’s rich cultural deposit in a contemporary light. It is distinctly different from Studio Haus as the former is print-based and over the top while the latter is solid and minimalistic.
He used the logo and the words “koy toy boy” to create an identity for the brand. Koy Toy Boy is to connect with individuals who have their own innate sense of style. These desi men are trend-centric and don’t shy away from flaunting vibrant colours and bold prints.
During his museum visit in Delhi, he came across terracotta sculptures of Bankura horses of West Bengal, whose patterns are used in the collection. On first glance, it looks like blocks of colour variation. On closer inspection, a spread of miniature horses appear, forming a three-way colour palette, like a traditional houndstooth pattern.
Blending of pop colours with ironic graphics. Celebrating diversity, individuality and sexuality in order to enable inclusiveness and non-conforming values. The Koy Toy Boy fit is universal and gender fluid. The shirts are over-sized and can be styled according to the tastes of the user. It embodies a quintessential desi vibe.
References:
Verve magazine
