Tracing Taimur Ali Khan’s style

Some might argue that the mammoth pap attention the little Prince of Pataudi is getting isn’t fair to him, but one can’t help but go weak-kneed at the very sight of the dapper baby boy. Any international baby couture campaign would pale in comparison. The national obsession has shown an uncanny ability to make everything ultra-cute and impossibly chic. Be it the red converse sneakers he wore to the Kapoor X’mas dinner or when he was spotted in a puffer jacket ready to take off at the airport. Some style arbiters feel that baby Taimur’s style reflects his father Saif Ali Khan’s suave and sophisticated appeal while others opine that the munchkin is already a sartorial wonder, who can rock just about anything under the sun — from a cartoon print onesie to a Ralph Lauren polo shirt to a traditional Raghavendra Rathore bandhgala. 

Check out the video posted on Instagram few days ago, where he’s seen trying out a pair of sunnies surrounded by his extended family and it’s likely to make your day. Not a surprise since Kareena Kapoor Khan and Saif have always been known for their incredible style, carriage and the ‘X’ factor they bring to every ensemble. It’s a treat to see all three of them impeccably colour-coordinated or twinning — sporting matching styles at the airport.

Made-to-measure, bespoke and one-of-a-kind are some of the phrases which come to mind right off the bat! The Pataudis could easily be India’s answer to the ever-so-stylish Beckhams and their brood. Stylist Isha Bhansali sees the little munchkin as the metaphor for the new-age royalty, who is also the most influential trendsetter. “One day you see him in a onesie and next day, he’s sporting a bandi jacket. He’s clearly not one of those kids who are camera-shy or uncomfortable with attention. I’d love to see him more in kurtas as they are airy and breezy. Since babies have a soft skin, they need that comfort. Also, I’d like to see him sporting a baseball cap,” says Isha. 

OUR NATION’S BABY

Designer Arpita Mehta hails him as the “biggest and most adorable celebrity!” “He’s more like our nation’s baby. I feel his dressing sensibility is a reflection of his dad’s style, rather like a baby Nawab, from matching his kurtas to his dad’s to exuding the relaxed polo T-shirt vibe,” opines Arpita.

HANDLES PAP ATTENTION WELL 

Parents usually dress their kids the way they deem appropriate. Your child’s sartorial style reflects your sensibility. Designer Payal Singhal observes, “Taimur’s style is a combination of both his parents — classic and elegant. It goes with their lineage — one is Bollywood royalty and the other is royalty in every sense of the word. I am amazed how he’s handling the pap attention. Usually, it’s a difficult situation for kids as a lot of them get petrified of shutterbugs.”

One can easily see him growing into a dapper young man with an impressive style and individuality. “It will be hard for him not to be super handsome as the apple doesn’t fall very far from the tree. Honestly, I’d love to see him having fun and playing. Kids look cute in anything and fashion is secondary to children. As long as they are having fun, they look good,” she adds.   

TAIMUR IN A DHOTI KURTA

Stating that Taimur is impossibly cute and he makes any outfit impressive would be stating the obvious. Designer Nishka Lulla says, “I think the snowman T-shirt he wore for the X’mas lunch was cute. He looked like a little Nawab in that outfit. I’d love to see him in a mulmul dhoti kurta.” Stylist Eshaa Amiin seconds that. “He looks so adorable in plain white cotton kurta pyjama. On his first birthday, the little Nawab wore an off-white Nehru jacket teamed with a baby pink shirt and a pair of white pants, which was a cool look. His picks of Burberry blue jeans, a denim on denim polo shirt and striped pants are some of his cool airport looks,” she adds.  

One can’t help but wait for many more Taimur sightings. Right now, the baby Nawab is chilling with his parents in Europe and we’re waiting for the Insta updates with bated breath.