A melting gold Birkin and the art of styling

Four lessons from Karan Johar's closet

KARACHI:

Love him or hate him, there's no denying that Karan Johar is Bollywood's OG "nepo kid" who's built an empire on glitz, gossip, and sheer confidence. He's stirred plenty of controversy with his outspoken views and unabashed favouritism toward star kids, making him one of the most divisive figures in the industry. But while you may have your reservations about his Bollywood politics, you've got to hand it to him when it comes to fashion—Karan knows how to turn heads.

His style mantra is loud and clear: why just attend an event when you can make it your runway? At the opening night of Art Mumbai, he reminded everyone why he's Bollywood's undisputed style icon. Karan turned heads in a cream Kanika Goyal suit, but it wasn't the suit that had fashion insiders buzzing—it was his accessories. Specifically, a melting gold Birkin sculpture by Sanuj Birla, held with the poise of a man who knows his way around a statement piece.

The choice was no accident. Karan's style evolution has been one for the books, transforming from "filmmaker with flair" to Bollywood's very own couture connoisseur. And what a journey it's been—from experimenting with flashy jackets in the early 2000s to becoming a walking lesson in high fashion and self-expression.

When in doubt, stand out

Karan's early years taught us to own our quirks. For him, fashion was—and is—about being memorable, not necessarily relatable. Long before "KJo" became Bollywood's fashion blueprint, he was already making waves with his bold sartorial choices. Think loud prints, striking colours, and cuts that felt more "fashion week" than Bollywood backlot. While other men in the industry stuck to safe black suits or traditional wear, Johar was fearless, unapologetically putting his spin on everything he wore.

If you're going to go all out, commit

Then came the era of luxury. As his films dipped further into cinematic opulence, so did his wardrobe. Gucci, Balenciaga, Louis Vuitton—you name it, KJo wore it. Enter his legendary collection of Hermès Birkins, which cemented his reputation as Bollywood's high-fashion icon. He wasn't just dressing to impress; he was creating a persona.

Karan's style journey shows that a personal brand is only as strong as its consistency. Luxury wasn't just a trend for him; it was a lifestyle.

Accessories equal unforgettable

Johar doesn't just wear accessories—he uses them to define his entire look. Take his Schiaparelli brooch at Art Mumbai, a nod to his love for whimsical pieces, or his signature oversized glasses that have become a staple. But his accessory game reached a whole new level with Birla's melting Birkin sculpture, a statement piece that's not even a functional bag. It's art. It's intrigue. It's peak Karan.

And for him, accessories aren't just an add-on—they're the exclamation mark. Karan's accessory choices remind us that a single bold piece can redefine an entire outfit. Why blend in when you can make an unforgettable statement?

Wear your confidence

Karan knows he's not everyone's fashion icon, and that's the point. He's aware, playful, and unafraid to challenge norms. The man didn't just carry that melting Birkin; he owned it, with the kind of swagger that only comes from knowing—and loving—who you are.

Confidence isn't just a trait; it's an accessory. When you wear something with conviction, you don't need people's approval—you already have your own.