Menswear is going through a
revolution. It’s becoming increasingly androgynous and fluid. We talk about
some designers who are leading the revolution.
By:
Soumya Jain
Solids,
checks and straight. That was the essential checklist of a man’s wardrobe. Not
anymore. The millennial man is experimenting with colors, patterns, silhouettes
and styles like never before. And there are designers and brands that are
fueling this trend with creations that are vibrant and creative in
never-seen-before ways.
Of crazy designs
Alessandro
Michele, perhaps, has especially revolutionized menswear in an unprecedented
manner. His men sport gowns, long wigs, cloth dungarees, blood red jackets with
pink collar, loafers with heels, kohl-lined eyes, ill-fitted trousers – and
many other such non-traditional elements. Ever since Alessandro
Michele joined Gucci, he has honed on his skill to shock with his
collections, and I don’t hear anyone complaining. Catapulting Gucci into one of
the highest grossing brands in the Kering portfolio, Alessandro Michele has
successfully taught men a new kind of bravura, which is an equal mix of
millennial and hippie style.
Of men’s accessories
Fendi,
on the other hand, has always made clear distinction between men’s and women’s
collections. There is no blurring line between the two. Even then, the iconic Fendi
Baguette has been given new design and proportions for men. Men can now
carry a Fendi Baguette – it is no longer the domain of women only. Started as a
tiny bag inspired by the French bread of the same name, Fendi Baguette was made
famous by Sarah Jessica Parker on the show ‘Sex & The City’. But the men’s
Fendi Baguette seems to be a tad bit larger than the usual. In any case, we are
in an era where men can also carry purses now.
Of floral interpretations
In
India, the definition of menswear has especially been cut quite clearly. It has
to be simple, elegant, manly. Colors are welcome, but no crazy silhouettes or
patterns. Having said that, Indian menswear is also going through a pleasant
transformation. Indian designer Payal
Singhal has recently forayed into menswear, and her bandhgala jackets have
defied the norm by displayed floral patterns in muted, elegant shades. Yes,
there are pink flowers on the jacket, but in an extremely elegant, stylish way.
Just the first of Payal Singhal’s menswear collections, we are excited to see
what she will bring forth next.
There
are many other designers who have given menswear a new outlook and
characterization. With designers like Alessandro Michele, Payal Singhal and
Silvia Venturini Fendi supporting the movement, menswear is soon going to be
redefined.
Soumya Jain is the Chief Editor &
CEO of LuxuryFacts.com – the first and only luxury blog and magazine in India. She is also the
Co-Editor of ‘The Luxury Market in India: Maharajas to Masses’, published by
Palgrave Macmillan and launched in September 2012. The book is a window into
the highly complex Indian luxury market. Soumya is also a visiting lecturer for
luxury marketing and online journalism at leading educational institutes in
India. She has been invited to speak at conferences and address industry
colleagues about the Indian luxury market. Recognising her knowledge of the
market, she has been quoted by media such as Fast Company, Wall Street Journal
& Financial Times among others, while also contributing articles on luxury
in various publications.
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