“A classic brand like Calvin Klein doesn’t need reinventing, just taking forward,” says Kevin Carrigan who was in the city recently to do just that.

“As you know, I’m a fan of ‘SEXY’,” Smirks Kevin Carrigan, creative director of the iconic fashion brand, Calvin Klein Jeans. We are seated in a quite corner of a South Mumbai department store surrounded by an array of CK shirts, bag and jeans. Carrigan, mush like his design philosophy, is simply yet sophisticatedly clad in a pair of jeans, a crisp white shirt and a smart grey jacked, a style he terms ‘effortless modernity’.

An explorer at heart, Carrigan has traveled all over the world but prefers places with a rich and colourful history places like India and South America. On his recent trip to Mumbai Carrigan was eager to see the usual city sights, particularly the local cuisine. He takes the help of Google to zero down on a good place to eat. A few minutes of sifting and he is still undecided but is determined to end the meal with his all-time favourite gulab jamuns. Carrigan is here to offer Mumbaikars a sneak peek into the new CK Underwear line for those who appreciate the simplicity of style in inner wear, and CK Jeans, a sophisticated line of clean and bold clothing for those who want an edgier look. With interviews lined up back to back, it seems every one wants their five minute audience with him. Reacting to his adoration, he says, “For me design is imperative. It’s something I am very passionate about. One doesn’t necessarily like all this but its part of the job.”

“Emerging markets like India and China are very important to us” says Carrigan. India he observes is very rooted in tradition, but at the same time it has a very strong celebrity following with films and music playing an important role in shaping modern culture. This balance between the old and new, the modern and the classic, makes the country the perfect place for CK to be in. A strong sense of style guiding an aware consumer is what makes conquering the Indian market a challenge.