It's time for men to stock their wardrobes with separates and pair them according to the occasion. KAVERI WAGHELA speaks to five fashion designers a week before they showcase their latest collections at the Fashion Week and learns that this season's look is all about edgy pairings that reflect your individuality
‘A well-tied tie is the first serious step in life.’ – Oscar Wilde
Wilde sure hit the nail on the head with that statement. Aiming to wear a well-constructed tie looks simple but is actually difficult to pull off unless you are a Don Draper, from the hit show Mad Men of course.
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The first step towards a fashionable look lies in styling. Fashion designers claim that the secret lies in matching separates according to the occasion. So, pair a smart waistcoat with a plain white shirt for a formal evening; but add a quirky jacket to that same ensemble for a night out with your buddies. Here’s what five top designers have to say on the matter.
Quirky, edgy
What happens when a designer and an entrepreneur meet? Well, a fashion label is born. Rixi Bhatia along with her partner Jayesh Sachdev launched Quirkbox in 2008. The label, which is well known for its pop culture-inspired clothesline, is now showcasing in the Gen Next Category at the Lakme Fashion Week. “We are inspired by artistes such as Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali,” says Sachdev, adding, “Our collection is fun and edgy, so it goes well with colour-blocking, and simpler silhouettes that are easy to carry off without overdoing a look.”u00a0
Rixi Bhatia and Jayesh Sachdev take quirky dressing to the next level
Their label is focuses on colourful waistcoats and cropped pants, which go well with T-shirts, Tops and shirts that can be worn in the day as well as night.
The Indian punkstar
For young designer Nikhil Thampi, fabric such as linen and cotton are the way to go. His latest collection is inspired by his grandmother’s sense of style and also his south Indian background. He has also used Kathakali as a representation of Indian punk.Thampi explains, “This season, I am focusing more on the length and volume of my clothes.
Nikhil Thampi’s collection has strong influences of tradition and modernity
The collection will comprise palazzo pants, embroidered waistcoats and bandhgala jackets.” Thampi gives some handy tips on blending modernity and tradition.
“The key is to wear clothes as separates. A waistcoat is very versatile. Pair it with a shirt and jeans or even some well-fitted pants. It not only looks stylish but is also very easy to carry off.”
Kutchi motifs
Designer Gaurang Shah prefers to stay true to his Indian roots. His latest collection is inspired by the Patan Patola sarees of Gujarat, the traditionally hand- woven sarees that include traditional motifs, which are made of natural dyes. He explains , “I have designed a Patan Patola sherwani, dhoti kurta and a special Kutchi pagadi which is made of five and a half metres of fabric. A sherwani or even a dhoti kurta have enough embroidery and colour on them, therefore, it is imperative to keep it basic by not overdoing it. Ideally, there shouldn’t be any accessories paired with them except for a mojri or Kolhapuri chappals that can take the whole traditional look to the next level. “
Minimalist lines
Dhruv Kapur’s latest collection ‘Half Alive’ transforms you into a world that is all black and white. The clothes are mostly in monochromatic solid colours that follow a clean structure. These are mostly antifits (loose), the clothes follow clean lines and a deconstructed look. “It is easy for most men to carry off loose fits with élan, yet the overall effect is stylish and chic,” says Kapur.u00a0
Samurai saga
Delhi-based fashion designer Nitin Chawla’s collection titled ‘Tokyo Warrior’ is a modern take on the Samurai. The collection is an amalgamation of avant-garde silhouettes along with digital printing techniques.
“I imagined a samurai in today’s Tokyo. I haven’t used bright colours; and instead stuck to earthy tones such as grey, black and browns. One can pair a solid-coloured shirt with skinny jeans or a printed shirt with a plain trouser to create a contrast,”he explains.
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