Interview: Rikesh Chauhan ‘RKZ’, Social Media Manager, The Rake
To kick off a series of interviews with creatives, artisans and industry insiders, I caught up with Rikesh Chauhan ‘RKZ’ of The Rake. The aim of the Interview Series is to give readers an insight into the industries they most love and introduce them to the people which make it tick.
Singer, writer, photographer and social media at The Rake - where should we start? Perhaps an introduction of yourself in your own words?
You've covered it pretty much entirely, ha, so I'll just expand on it a little...I'd been working in London as a multi-disciplinary artist — singer, videographer, photographer and writer — for several years before channelling it into digital content creation. First, at an agency in East London, then in-house at British shirtmaker Turnbull & Asser, to where I am now at The Rake Magazine. On the music side, I've been a recording artist and writer since 2008 and have released several singles, EPs, mixtapes and an album along the way. The most recent stuff is all on Spotify.
RKZ? How did the name come about?
It's the stage name I use for my music, and it came about via an email from my cousin, funnily enough. My name is Rikesh, and he was the first person to nickname me Ricks (which is how you pronounce 'RKZ'). It was initially stylised as Rikz (because, teenager) but the way it looked on paper bugged me - 'Rikz' as a word sort of looks like it's trailing off, if that makes sense? So I dropped the i and capitalised it to RKZ. As mentioned, it's said as 'Ricks', but people also say Ar-Kay-Zee or Ar-Kay-Zed, depending on which side of the pond you're on.
When did your journey in menswear begin, and what made you take that path?
It started at the agency. My style of photography, and general sense of style, happened to suit the majority of fashion brands that we'd bring in. I ended up gaining a lot more experience in that area, and began developing a visual identity. It was strange, too, because I never thought there'd be a creative outlet I'd end up enjoying as much as, let alone more than, music. So when it started clicking, I pursued it vehemently. After three years at the agency I wanted to apply my skills in-house, and luckily Turnbull & Asser just so happened to need a social media manager — the timing couldn't have been better.
You’re currently looking after all things social media at The Rake - how is it going?
Quite well I feel. People have said nice things about our social since I've joined, which is always very reassuring; most people in creative fields suffer from imposter syndrome and I'm definitely no different. I still wake up some mornings quite surprised at myself that I managed to wrangle a gig at The Rake. I had read the magazine for years, and met all the people through working at Turnbull, but I never expected to have actually joined them so soon in my career. It's been an incredible learning curve — and an intense one — but being able to create original content for social and, now, the magazine, is pretty epic. It's especially surreal seeing my byline.
How would you describe your personal style? And is there any particular era and/or individuals from which you take inspiration from?
I'm not really sure how I'd describe my style, in all honesty. I find it all very subjective, so I leave it up to whatever others want to describe my style as! For example, I'd be more comfortable with you answering this question, ha. But with everything I wear, my main aim is to be comfortable and to feel good. I know what works for my body shape, and what I can and can't pull off. If you know this, it's quite hard to get it wrong.
In terms of what I'm inspired by, that's a little easier. I love relaxed tailoring and high-low style, if you will - think high-waisted, dramatic pleats and cuffed trousers, soft shoulders, unbuttoned button-downs, supple vintage silk ties, and nothing too fitted. It's all about the drape and movement - louche, in essence. In terms of people, Aleks Cvetkovic, André Larnyoh, Gauthier Borsarello, Alan See, David Nolan, the Anglo-Italian guys. The list is quite long.
Any particular menswear pet peeves?
When people get overly stuffy about the rules. I don't get why people, for example, have such an issue about unbuttoned button-downs. Yes, it's not how you'd originally have worn them, but you're also not likely to still be wearing a button-down on a horse playing polo with the collars flapping around everywhere. If you look good, you look good. That being said, there's really no excuse for an ill-fitting suit. Also skinny trousers need to be banned.
How do you see menswear style developing?
As I alluded to in the previous question, I hope to think that people will stop taking things too seriously. Rules are there to be broken, and we should prioritise what makes us feel confident and comfortable. I do hope high street consumer purchasing slows down, and people start considering the origins, labour, process and craftsmanship involved in things they buy. This extends beyond clothing, too. The mentality should be to buy less, but buy better. Look at the things you're missing and really need — only staples — and then invest in that item. A good coat, a good suit, shoes and so on, should last you decades, not months.
What's next for you?
Ask me next year.