Van Heusen India Mens Week 2011 concluded just a week back, and as a gestalt it seems more of a bipolar kind. At one moment, it gets too hackneyed, and at the very next, it’s surprisingly new. This delightful-depressive parade marched with drums and trumpets throughout the three days. From depraves to geeks, to poetic warriors, it had all. So were the collections. So was the crowd.
Now, when it comes to select the best few of them, what we technically call trends, it turns out to be a hard call. The ensembles en route to the high streets will go through many cuts and add-ons. As of now, we can bet that linen with hints of leather, denim and velvet is the ‘it’ fabric for men next Spring Summer. Most of the designers played with this carefree yet classy fabric.
As far as silhouettes are concerned, then there was not much experimentation, barring Ankita and Anjana Bhargava. All in all, they are structured and well fitted, with sporadic flows. The runway indicates that the slim fitted-cropped-pleated trousers and shorts, and jodhpurs along with drop crotch pants are the bottom wear of the season. Further, go for checks, stripes and prints.
Our designers are somehow determined to give that dapper element to Indian men. Jackets are the new shirts. Ranging from long bundhgalas to cropped waistcoats, fitted jackets are screaming for attention. Arjun Khanna, Krishna Mehta, Shantanu & Nikhil and Troy Costa are the few names who by every inch had the jacket exhibition. Further, slim fitted shirts, short kurtas and t-shirts with cowl necks were galore on the ramp. Shorts with jackets followed suit.
Now, when it comes to colors, then this mens week qualifies to be brighter than ever. Though most of the designers played it safe with black, beige and grey but the way Ashish N Soni pulled off orange, pink and yellow together is extraordinaire. Besides, Sanchita Ajjampur and Manoviraj Khosla played freely with the colors and tried to psych Indian men that pinks are not patented.
Any ensemble is incomplete without proper accessories. It’s the soul of the look. Thus, we witnessed a lot of brogues, from floral printed (Ashish N Soni) to two toned (Varun Bahl + Karan Johar). And, one of the ubiquitous elements was hat. From bowlers to fedoras, teamed up with everything that could be possible, hats are mandatory this season. In nut shell, Woody Allen with thick framed glasses, but all structured garments is the new fashion cult, not to miss his repertoire.
