Celebrated Indian fashion designers Rohit Gandhi & Rahul Khanna, whose eponymous label has long married architectural precision with refined tailoring, have unveiled their latest couture vision titled “Abyssal” for Spring‑Summer Couture 2026. In an exclusive interview conducted by ELLE, the duo shared insights into the inspiration, craftsmanship and evolving philosophy behind the striking new collection.
Drawing on the silent intensity of the ocean floor, Abyssal explores structure, layering and subtle light in a season typically dominated by bright colours and overt celebration. Instead of surface glamour, the designers focused on depth and restraint — creating garments that reveal form and texture gradually, much like the way light behaves beneath the sea’s surface.
Gandhi and Khanna described the ocean floor as a metaphor for quiet strength and unearthed complexity, steering away from literal marine motifs toward an aesthetic grounded in sculptural silhouettes and mineral‑inspired tones. The muted palette of deep, earthy hues allows the garments’ architectural shapes and layered translucency to take centre stage.
Craftsmanship lies at the heart of Abyssal. According to the designers, working with transparent and semi‑sheer fabrics posed technical challenges — every seam and contour had to be flawless, with surface treatments such as tonal embroidery, crystals and pearl‑like elements integrated into the structure rather than applied superficially. This meticulous attention ensures that the pieces feel cohesive as much as they evoke atmosphere.
The interview revealed that the “modern client” the duo envisages today values intentional design and personal expression over theatrical display. With this in mind, Abyssal prioritises quiet elegance, letting refined tailoring and nuanced surface work speak for itself. The result is a couture collection that resonates with wearers seeking purpose and poise in occasion wear, transcending the momentary demands of fashion fads.
Having established themselves over decades with a signature blend of sculptural lines, precision tailoring and contemporary sensibilities, Rohit Gandhi & Rahul Khanna continue to push the boundaries of Indian couture with Abyssal — marrying tradition and innovation while anticipating evolving global tastes.
