Gone are the days when runways and fashion weeks were mostly about women’s couture. Since 2010, the emphasis on men’s wear has rocketed! Deepa Kalukuri writes about what’s hot and happening in men’s couture line this season
From Jaquemus in the West to Pero in India, many new designers have not only launched trendy collections for men but also have changed our perception on what a modern man wears. In India, the focus on sustainable fashion has taken prominence and both luxury fashion houses and upcoming designers are taking baby steps towards creating planet-friendly clothing options. However, it’s a long road ahead and we hope to see more fashion houses adapt these creative options.
A decade ago, there were a handful of exclusive men’s wear designers such as Rohit Bal, Raghavendra Rathore, and others. The millennial generation has welcomed new designers who continue to contribute to the fashion industry. We picked some of the best trends from these aces and newbies to help you pick the best this season.
Gully Gen:
Movies have a huge impact when it comes to hairstyles and clothing. One such movie was Gully Boy. This blockbuster team consisting of Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt and Zoya Akhtar teamed up with label Love Gen and launched Gully Gen, an athleisure collection that’s refusing to go out of trend. From hip hoodies to statement slogans, this collection is a must-have if you love a fusion of comfort and street style.
Rohit Bal:
If black is on your mind with a touch of zardosi, then head for the Fall/Winter collection by Rohit Bal. With over 20 years of experience in dressing the stylish Indian man, Bal has never disappointed his fans. The Delhi-based designer is one of the few in the country who introduced men’s wear collections when the fashion industry was focused on predominantly women’s fashion line. From pearl white kurtas to linen pants, his daily wear line has also gained huge popularity this year.
Sabyasachi:
The new age Indian man is not shying away from floral prints. Ask India’s beloved couturier Sabyasachi Mukherjee. Not only has he revolutionised bridal wear but he has also created collections for ‘him and her’ to go with wedding themes as well as resort wear. Classic floral pagdi, sherwani and maharaja jootis sum up the look for the trendiest groom this season.
Shantanu and Nikhil:
Asymmetric cuts and buttoned up bandhgalas are making a comeback in men’s collection this year. Shantanu and Nikhil aren’t reluctant in experimenting with unique cuts and fabrics. The two brothers will soon be available to a wider group of fashion lovers as Aditya Birla Fashion is set to acquire 51 per cent stake in the bespoke apparel brand. Their success has contributed to their popularity amongst the fashionable youth in India and it won’t be going out of trend any time soon.
Pero:
Founded in 2009 by Aneeth Arora, a NIFT graduate, Pero is one brand that’s working hard towards sustainable fashion. Her men’s collection is simple yet hip and is perfect for someone with an unconventional taste. If you want to court your love for cottons and linens, get yourself a pair of Pero shirts and team them up with baggy trousers or denims!
Before you decide your next outfit this year or for the upcoming festive season, try the newest designers who are adding a flavor of eccentricity to Indian men’s wear. The rules of formal wear and casual wear are blurring and it will be interesting to witness the evolution of men’s fashion in the centennial generation.
CosaNostraa:
Exquisitely crafted antique gold and brass cufflinks are one of the must-haves for the upcoming wedding and festive season. If you’re attending a pre-wedding party in a casual suit or a formal affair, add a touch of Jaipuri craftsmanship to your wrists. From shield motifs to lion-head cufflinks, CosaNostraa has a wide variety and you are sure to get some looks when you sport these funky accessories!