He has royal blood and it often shows in the majestic clothes that he churns out at regular intervals. Raghavendra Rathore is a first cousin of Maharaja Gaj Singh of Jodhpur.

Raghu, as he is fondly known, likes to keep his designs 'modern and simple'. He uses fabrics like polyester blends, jacquards, linen, silk and wool. His colours are also muted. Black, white, grey, beige, navy blue and burgundy are his favourites.

While his designs have attracted media attention, gossip columns were, till recently, agog with his 'affair' with former model and now choreographer Mehr Jessia. Jessia eventually married model-actor Arjun Rampal and Rathore tied the knot with Kavita Singh, daughter of Thakur Uday Bahn Singh of Nana.

'I find myself far more focussed, far more harmonious after I got married. Kavita finetunes me terrifically. Now one feels good coming back to a nest,' he had said.

rediff.com caught up with Rathore during one of his fitting sessions.

What was he wearing: A dark blue full-sleeved shirt, from the 'Indiepret' line which he showcased at the India Fashion Week,  and blue Pepe jeans. The shirt is a cotton-lyrca mix with a satiny sheen that he says is ideal both for the day or a night out at the club.

What defines his collection: Lots of cottons and a new design for the choli. "I am inspired by the cottons of India. I believe it is the most sensual fabric and apt for this weather," he says. The new choli is a replacement for the 'kurta, jacket and the blouse,' he adds. The choli is short at the back with high slits on the side and long at the front.

The colours: Dark, solid tones.

His fashion tip: A handmade white shirt, a black shirt and a blue one are the three essential pieces that he puts on the must-own list for any self-respecting male. "It has to be the best you can find," says Rathore.

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Photos: Jewella C Miranda