Kunaal Kyhaan Seolekar is much more than just a designer; he is a creative polymath whose journey spans architecture, interior design, art, fashion, and even acting. At the heart of his work lies an authentic connection to his roots, a deep love for Indian culture, and an unwavering passion for innovation. From his formative years to founding two iconic brands—KOY and KOYTOY—Kunaal’s creative evolution has been marked by an intriguing blend of personal inspiration and professional exploration.
A Creative Beginning: Family and Early Influences
Kunaal’s path to becoming a multi-disciplinary artist was not by accident but shaped by the powerful influences of his upbringing. Born into a family where creativity was deeply embedded, Kunaal’s early exposure to art and design came from two exceptional women: his mother and grandmother. His mother, an alumnus of the prestigious JJ School of Arts, was an entrepreneur with a keen sense of design. She introduced Kunaal to the world of creativity, making him her apprentice at the tender age of 14. It was under her guidance that he began to explore the nuances of art, design, and aesthetics.
His grandmother, too, played a significant role in nurturing his artistic inclinations. From an early age, she encouraged him to engage in various creative activities, from glass painting to weaving traditional Chindy rugs, as well as fostering a love for storytelling. These early experiences laid the foundation for Kunaal’s future, cultivating a deep respect for Indian traditions, craft forms, and the endless potential of artistic expression.
Kunaal’s exposure to these women and their creative energy forged a unique perspective that continues to inform his work today. When asked about his journey, he often credits their influence as a driving force behind his desire to blend tradition with modernity, referencing ancient Indian art and craft forms in his designs.
Academic Pursuits: The Foundation of a Global Vision
Kunaal’s formal education took him across the globe, from his home in India to the bustling streets of New York City. He pursued architectural design at the renowned Parsons School of Design, a period in his life that exposed him to a global perspective on design and craftsmanship. At Parsons, he honed his skills and developed a deep appreciation for the technical and artistic aspects of architecture, learning how spaces, objects, and aesthetics interact.
This period in New York was transformative. Being immersed in a melting pot of cultures and cutting-edge design philosophies allowed Kunaal to cultivate a unique approach, blending his Indian heritage with contemporary global design influences. His time abroad also sparked his interest in experimenting with diverse materials, forms, and textures, which would later become a hallmark of his brands.
However, despite the international exposure, Kunaal’s connection to India never wavered. He returned to Pune, India, in 2012, and soon after, founded studioHAUS, a bespoke design studio specializing in architectural and interior design. This marked the beginning of his journey as a professional designer, but it was only the first chapter in his creative evolution.
The Birth of KOY: A Love Letter to Indian Craft
In 2017, Kunaal’s passion for Indian art and craftsmanship took shape in the form of KOY, a contemporary Indian furniture brand that celebrates the cultural richness of the Indian subcontinent. KOY was born out of his desire to bring India’s deep artisanal heritage into the modern age, to create luxury Indian furniture that speaks to both tradition and contemporary aesthetics.
KOY is a true reflection of Kunaal’s design philosophy—each piece is handcrafted with a focus on materiality, individuality, and cultural heritage. The brand is known for using traditional techniques and materials, from marble and wood to iridescent metals, yet it presents them in strikingly modern forms. KOY is more than just a furniture label; it is a statement of Kunaal’s belief in honoring India’s artistic traditions while pushing the boundaries of design innovation.
Kunaal often travels across rural India to work with local artisans, sourcing materials and techniques that have been passed down through generations. By employing artisans from different regions, KOY not only celebrates Indian craftsmanship but also provides economic opportunities to local communities. This deep-rooted connection to Indian craft is a personal mission for Kunaal—to sustain the country’s rich cultural legacy through his designs.
KOYTOY: A Bold New Frontier in Fashion
If KOY represents the meeting of tradition and modernity in furniture, KOYTOY is its counterpart in fashion. Launched in 2021, KOYTOY is Kunaal’s exploration of visual storytelling through clothing, a world where fashion becomes an artistic expression of identity, individuality, and rebellion against societal norms. The brand’s first collection was unapologetically bold, designed for those who reject conventional expectations of color, gender, and sexuality.
The birth of KOYTOY was sparked during Kunaal’s travels through rural India, where he observed a distinctive style among the youth, blending traditional accessories with contemporary clothing. Inspired by their fearless approach to self-expression, Kunaal set out to create a lifestyle brand that merges the luxury of craftsmanship with the edge of modern street fashion.
KOYTOY made a powerful debut on the fashion scene, earning recognition through INIFD’s GenNext Designer Program in 2023, and staging a memorable runway debut at Lakmé Fashion Week in partnership with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI). Kunaal’s Maharaja by the Bay collection was a nod to Indian royalty, blending historic motifs, jewel tones, and opulent prints with modern silhouettes. The collection exuded luxury, but it also carried an air of nostalgia, evoking the lavish lives of Indian monarchs through a contemporary lens.
Through KOYTOY, Kunaal continues to challenge the fashion industry’s rigid boundaries, blending the regal with the rebellious, and ultimately redefining modern Indian luxury decor in the world of fashion.
Acting and Beyond: The Many Faces of Kunaal Kyhaan
In addition to his work in design and fashion, Kunaal Kyhaan Seolekar is also an actor and model, adding yet another dimension to his multi-faceted career. His foray into acting stems from his deep love for storytelling and the ability to embody different characters. Just as he does in his designs, Kunaal approaches acting as a form of creative expression, allowing him to explore new narratives and communicate through a different medium.
Despite his many ventures, Kunaal remains deeply grounded. He credits much of his creative success to his early influences—his mother and grandmother—and the deep respect he holds for India’s artistic traditions. For him, design is more than just a profession; it is a way to explore identity, push boundaries, and challenge perceptions. Whether through his sculptural furniture pieces or his vibrant fashion collections, Kunaal’s work reflects his personal journey of self-expression and artistic discovery.
Personal Life and Inspirations
Though Kunaal is often surrounded by the fast-paced world of design, fashion shows, and creative collaborations, his personal life remains a source of calm and inspiration. He finds solace in nature, frequently escaping the city to immerse himself in the natural landscapes of India. These moments of peace and reflection often spark new ideas, whether it’s through observing the patterns in nature or finding inspiration in the textures and colors of the environment around him.
Kunaal’s work is also shaped by his love for travel. His global experiences, from New York to remote Indian villages, have exposed him to a variety of cultures, design philosophies, and artistic practices. Each place he visits leaves an imprint on his creative process, informing the way he approaches materials, forms, and narratives in his designs.
Despite his growing fame and numerous accolades, Kunaal remains committed to personal growth and self-discovery. His ever-evolving journey is a testament to his belief that creativity knows no bounds. Whether in the form of a luxury dining table crafted from exotic Indian marble or a couture garment that tells the story of a modern Maharaja, Kunaal’s creations are a reflection of his own life—complex, multifaceted, and always pushing the limits of possibility.
Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter for Kunaal Kyhaan Seolekar
As Kunaal Kyhaan Seolekar looks to the future, his ambition remains as strong as ever. With KOY continuing to make waves in the world of contemporary Indian furniture and KOYTOY expanding its reach in the fashion industry, there is no telling where his creative journey will take him next. Kunaal’s ability to balance his multiple passions—architecture, interior design, art, fashion, and acting—is a rare and remarkable feat.
What sets Kunaal apart is his relentless pursuit of authenticity. Whether it’s preserving the legacy of Indian craftsmanship through KOY or breaking down societal barriers with KOYTOY, Kunaal’s work is a true reflection of his personal journey—one that is deeply connected to his heritage, yet unafraid to embrace the future. As he continues to explore new creative horizons, Kunaal Kyhaan Seolekar is undoubtedly shaping the landscape of design, both in India and beyond.
