F A S H I O N - Surekha Kadapa-Bose

Pour les hommes

Get all the dope from colours to cuts and much more for this spring summer, as leading design houses envisage what would be fashionable in a man's wardrobe

The saying ‘men can wear anything and get away with it’ has now been relegated to history books. Today’s men, from the age of 15 to 60, believe in being casually trendy, equally elegant and sporting a global look. And like women, men’s attire too varies with the season. That is one of the reasons why every international house of designs – Yves Saint Laurent, Dior Homme, Hermes, Givenchy, Jean Paul Gaultier, Louis Vuitton, Versace, Sisley and many Indian brands – have spring-summer collections for men.

Every designer and fashion house has its own style. While certain collections for menswear have more feminine traits, making men look almost ethereal by dressing them up in subtle shades, certain others make men look really rugged, enhancing their macho looks.

Predicts Delhi-based Dinesh Sehgal, Managing Director, Blues Clothing Company, a fashion and retail company responsible for bringing Versace to India, “Men this summer will be seen in shorter jackets with slim silhouettes in blends of silk and linen. The colour palette is getting lighter and pastels are making their way into men’s wardrobe.’’ Every bit of clothing and accessory from Versace is available in Delhi but unfortunately, Mumbai has only their accessories outlet.

Elaborates Smeeta Neogi, head of marketing at Westside retail outlets in Mumbai, “In trousers, the trend is going to be towards slim fit (which has a sharp cut and is tapered at the bottom) and special tailor-made bottom urban fit to suit Indian body type, in khaki, beige, tan, black, dark gray and navy. The texture is going to be 100 per cent wrinkle free cotton with soft hand feel’’. According to Smeeta, in the shirts department it will be once again 100 per cent cotton in bright and happy colours, like bright greens and yellows tinted with red and navy blue that will rule this season. These colours are more tuned to Indian skin tone. Of course, Westside outlets are spread all over Mumbai. Just like colours, patterns too reflect the international fashion scene, with checks and stripes staging a comeback. Tailor-made loose and comfort fit will be the cut of the shirts, which can be worn both with jeans and khakis. The House of Sisley from Italy has arrived in the Indian markets. Their Passion collection for men has sensuous clothing with bands and belts to emphasise the waist. In fact, accessories are going to be a huge trend this season.

“Bracelets, neck chains, wristbands and caps are some of the accessories for the younger generations. More and more jewellery brands internationally are coming up with styles for men now,’’ admits Sehgal.

Along with accessories, jackets are going to dominate men’s casual wear this summer. Fitted blazers with different types of cross-front fastenings, if fitted well, can be both casual and party wear outfit. Tommy Hilfiger has a range of such jackets, which can make a collegian most popular amongst his female friends.

Sisley-tailored cotton jackets are coordinated with plush shorts, worn in a military style, but worn over formal trousers in cotton and silk and the shirts, unique in their mix of fabrics, are embellished with a gothic feel.

T-shirts will have a universal appeal this summer. For the age bracket 25-40, the focus will be shirts while T-Shirts will cater to both college kids as well as office-goers who want to wear Ts on weekends and holidays. Deep V-neck, full sleeves and body hugging Ts will dominate both casual and formal wear. A well-cut jacket over the T-shirt will prepare the man for an informal get-together.

Neogi advises, “For office-wear, shirts/T-shirts can be integrated with office khakis, while college wear should be more jeans/shirts or T-shirts.’’

Though Indians aren’t comfortable experimenting, they are opting for slimmer pants and shorter jackets.

The one apparel that remains popular through all the seasons is the jeans. As Sehgal says, “Denims are always in fashion. Especially now the trend is to go for semi-formal looks by pairing denim with short white linen jacket. It’s a perfect look, which can work from morning to evening.’’

Smeeta adds, “We, at Westside predict two trends in denim wear. Comfort fit - straight leg and regular fit -mid-waist and tapered till bottom.’’

The new style mantra for men is semi-formal. A jacket can complete the look instead of a full suit. But even smart formals with slim silhouettes are making a great come back!