Dhruv Kapoor's Milan Fashion Week collection is a heartwarming ode to his childhood

On a flight back home, while watching the animated film Soul, Dhruv Kapoor came up with the idea of creating a collection inspired by his childhood memories. And this led to a stunning juxtaposition of the ‘then and now’ of fashion at the Milan Fashion Week Men’s Spring/Summer 2025. 

Held from June 14 to 18, 2024, the showcase featured some of the biggest names in fashion, including Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Prada, and Moschino among others. In addition to all the key fashion moments during the five-day exhibit, Delhi-based designer Dhruv Kapoor's collection stood out for us.

In an exclusive interview with Harper's Bazaar India, the designer who continues to surprise and remain unpredictable, shares insights about his collection, the inspiration behind it, and what we can anticipate next.

Harper's Bazaar: Your collection projects harmony and balance of styles and forms. Is this something that new-age fashion designers are consciously incorporating in their designs? Is there a message that the industry is giving the world? 

Dhruv Kapoor: The message is always to project oneness: a mix of culture, origin, gender, and lifestyle that belongs to the world and comes from the world. We are one, after all.

HB: What was the most unexpected source of inspiration you drew from when you were creating your Fall/Winter 2024-2025 collection and how did that inspire your collection?
 
DK: I dreamt of the concept while on my flight back after our show in January. I was watching the animated movie Soul and was pondering how, when we are younger, we wish to look older and more responsible, but as we grow, the system around us supplies elements to make us look and feel younger. I thought about what I would redo from my childhood, what memories I would want to spark in the audience, and what the contrast would look like if a child dressed their parent and the parent dressed the child. These ideas eventually became the keynotes for styling.

HB: Which piece from the latest collection is the closest to your heart and why? 

DK: I doubt I can ever choose just one favourite. Ideally, all the embroidered pieces and the bunny pyjama set are my favourites. The giant shoulder bombers and the Terry tracksuit are my new uniform.

HB: Over the years in the ever-evolving and dynamic fashion environment, what is the one element that has remained a constant in your brand identity and holds the most value to you? 

DK: I feel our multicultural approach and spiritual undercurrent make our work unique. It is always exciting for me to blend contrasting elements together. There is always a point of union where polar concepts meld seamlessly. That said, I would never want our audience to predict our forthcoming shows, except to expect a playful mix of global cultures and a constant play on past and future through the Kapoor lens.

HB: What about Milan city resonates with you the most? Can you describe the city in three words? 

DK: Food, culture, and tailoring. 

HB: If an Indian figure were to wear the iconic pieces of your collection, who would it be and how do you think they would style it? 

DK: If I have to name one, it's KJo (Karan Johar). As part of the design process, each product is developed separately and later put together. Thus, every piece is well thought out and can be dressed up or down. They are all easy to style and can transition seamlessly from day to night.

HB: Were there any meaningful insights from the Milan Fashion Week that motivated and inspired you for your future collection? 

DK: My team and I were brainstorming on the next show before I left for Milan. It is a constant dialogue, and we keep building on the previous messaging. I always learn from our shows—what we can do better, and what to negate, add, or refine. It's a continuous learning process. 

All images: Dhruv Kapoor

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