A few weeks ago, I met the charming Khan brothers (Amaan and Ayaan Ali) at the lovely Oakwood Hotels in UB City, Bangalore. It was when the three of us were chatting about, what else, but fashion that I realised how grounded the sarod geniuses are. They both agreed that it’s important to know what you can carry off and what you can’t before you go about picking your outfits and push yourself too hard, be it on stage or off it. You have to be realistc about what you can wear and what you can’t.
Turns out the brothers are very different in their sense of styles. Amaan, the elder one (he never forgets to mention that), loves the cowboy and biker look. He likes Harley Davidson jackets, boots and watches. The younger one, Ayaan, is more of a casual dresser. “He likes keds, I don’t,” points out Amaan.
Amaan is basic in his taste (likes blacks and whites) and doesn’t care much about designer wear. “Most of the stuff I wear is given by friends. I like designers like Rohit and Rahul Khanna, Shantanu and Nikhil, Rohit Bal, but can even shop from Sarojini Nagar in Delhi. I can shop from the biggest to the smallest brands,” he says.
The brothers look their best in the traditional Kurta Pajama, which is their stage staple. But even there, their sartorial senses are slightly different. “Ayaan wears churidars while I wear the baggy loose pajamas with Kurtas,” says Amaan, adding, “We practice for four five hours a day wearing a kurta pajama, so it’s become a part of our lifestyle now.”
They are regulars in the Delhi party circuit and feel basic grooming goes a long way in making one look and feel good before a big night.
“Shave, cut your nails, groom yourself if you’re going out, be a little conscious of yourself. And by that I don’t mean spending the whole day at the spa. But a little bit of effort is important,” says Ayaan.
Amaan’s advise includes brushing your teeth, using a good cologne and staying fit.
Here are some pearls of wisdom from the brothers.
Amaan: You should not make clothes your personality, the clothes should become a part of your personality and enhance it. Disasters have happened to me when I have tried too hard. That’s when you ruin it. Just a white or a black tee shirt with a pair of blue jeans and jacket can sometimes do the trick.
Ayaan: Your work can make you look good or bad. Mix and match and do something new. I am open to change.
Hope you enjoy the video.
