Fashion goes remix: retro & trendy

Fashion goes remix: retro & trendy

Naveen Namboodiri
Past simple present progressive — that’s the story of men’s fashion this year. Vanity is alright so long as you are okay with it. Be fashion-conscious — it’s in. And don’t worry too much about becoming a fashion victim. There’s a potpourri of styles to keep up with and anything practical — or practically anything — goes. All said and done, follow these dos and dont’s prescribed by Bangalore’s well-known fashion gurus.

Paresh Lamba Minimalism is in, but don’t let it stop you from being innovative. The retro look is back but don’t get trapped in a time warp. Mix it up with something trendy. There’s lot of “de-construction” happening in men’s wear. Shoulder pads are out and the slimmer silvet is in. Be practical and wear something you are comfortable with. Try contrasting colours. Darker shades like charcoal grey, black and blue still hold good for formal wear, but it’s okay to have purple and pink stripes on black suits. You can be more adventurous with colours in casuals. Colours like olive green and peach will rule the roost this summer. Start growing your hair. The short, gelled look is slowly fading out. Practicality is the new watchword. Try creating looks that you can carry with elan. Thanks to more exposure to world fashion, men are bothered about their looks. This has given a fillip to the fashion industry. Guunjan Sandhu Men of substance are staging a comeback. So, go out clean and well-groomed. Use moisturiser and after-shave lotions to look metro-sexual. Style your hair in whatever way you feel like — ironing, streaking or dyeing. Thanks to fashion divas like Manish Malhotra, being stylish is now acceptable. Skin care and grooming regimes are going to take up a lion’s share of men’s lives in 2006. At parties, formal suites are out. So, dazzle in kurties, smart shirts with toned applique, striking leather arm bracelets, beaded chains and shoes with colours that go with your outfit. Prasad Bidapa 2006 is going to witness a riot of colour. You will have men sporting pink, lavender, lime, cream and golden yellow colours. Ties will become narrower. As far as shoes are concerned, go for international brands. You get some classic varieties at Clark’s. The messier you hair the better.