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 quiet corner of a South Mumbai department store surrounded by an array of CK shirts, bags and jeans. Carrigan, much like his design philosophy, is simply yet sophisticatedly clad in a pair of jeans, a crisp white shirt and a smart grey jacket, a style he terms ‘effortless modernity’.

An explorer at heart, Carrigan has travelled 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 surfing 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 everyone wants their five minute audience with him. Reacting to this adoration, he says, “For me design is imperative. It’s something I am very passionate about. One doesn’t necessarily like all this but it’s 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 the 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.