The black-and-beige 3rd edition of Van Heusen India Mens Week 2011, one of the most awaited event in the Indian fashion calendar culminated here on Sunday, on the much expected note, as men like to keep it; sober, mellow and focused. But, the hidden non conformism in every move ended up demarcating new lines in men’s fashion in India, as 17 creative geniuses let their imagination run riot on the ramp.

Short of drama queens, shockers and ‘I-love-nonsense’ vibes, this three-day soiree lacked the theatrics and bizarreness of any women oriented fashion week. Vacant seats, bland green rooms and easy going backstage spoke of men in length; they love to be found more in bars and beds ( Spa, in this case). Though few were really a feast to one’s eyes but few walked in with the beards, and left with the longer ones and few incorrigibly, kept the blinkers on (call it the 17-debutantes effect). But, all in all they were strutting for a same delightful cause; fashion.

The week started with a grand opening. Designers making entry into the premises of The Grand on the Harleys and other mean machines with the babes as pillions vouched for the ensuing machismo over the three days, and somehow Arjun Khanna’s opening show presenting bad men on the ramp went with the flow. But, Tarun Tahiliani’s elegance and artistry turned the direction of the winds. The following day further screamed loud that designers wanted to break Indian men free out of that cloying masculine image.

By the end of the second day it was clear that jackets, cropped pants, hats and colors are what we will witness on the shelves this coming Spring Summer. Sanchita Ajjampur’s chic geeks and Ashish N Soni’s flamboyant philanderers of French Riviera infused substance, playfulness and frivolity in the environment. Similarly, designer Krishna Mehta’s contradicting printed and embroidered jackets with bowler hats and boots should be granted the paradox of the week award.  

Breaking the set mould was Ankita and Anjana Bhargava’s collection of topsy turvy knits. Playing with the silhouettes the duo was most experimental and innovative in the whole bunch of designers. And, definitely the best show of the week was the well- tailored, fit freak extravaganza by four stalwarts of Indian fashion; Rohit Gandhi & Rahul Khanna, Rajesh Pratap Singh, Abraham and Thakore and Abhishek Gupta, showing back to back.

The last day was dedicated to Bollywood. Firstly, it was Irfaan Khan and Dino Morea for Rohit & Abhishek’s vintage inspired collection portraying gallant men on the ramp. And, there came Grand Finale with Imran Khan and Katrina Kaif walking the ramp for Varun Bahl and Karan Johar, and there were sighs galore. Stoking the fire further was a parade of topless men in boxers. Meanwhile, Manoviraj Khosla’s tie dyed separates, Troy’s love for black and Shantanu & Nikhil’s wrapped and stitched shawls helped culminating this mens affair with a bang.Posted by : Chaitanya Garg at 03:02 PM