By Rashi Wadhera
Even though most men’s idea of fashion starts and stops at checks and stripes, the truth is every man, preppy or classic, is following some sort of trend. Although most men assume staying fashionable would involve a lot of non-wearable, OTT clothes, the truth is far removed. We asked designer extraordinaire Dhruv Kapoor to give us the dirt on trends to own this Spring/Summer. Far from V-necks that reach your navel, and rhinestone-encrusted tees, we present seven trends that will take you through this season.
Put your Back into it | Since murses can be a tricky trend, especially the man clutch, SS 14’s got your back. Perhaps another victim of masculinity, the man bag has {almost} been replaced by a more functional accessory - the backpack. The backpack is a sturdy male companion, and has consistently evolved over fashion seasons, across trends and between styles. It’s comfortable, functional, and manages to take the load off our shoulders in terms of trying to stay on trend. Another huge trend: Camouflage!
Couture: {L-R} Givenchy, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Valentino, Alexander Wang
Cop the look: Herschel Heritage Backpack, INR 5,500 {approx.}, available at asos.com
Denim on Denim | Doing denim on denim has earned itself a pretty bad reputation in fashion circles, second only to pairing formal shoes with tracksuit bottoms. This season, though, fashion houses decided to invite denim on denim to redeem itself - and it managed. Dominating the runway, and a major theme across street style, from Balmain to Louis Vuitton, models were seen wearing not only denim, but also shirts with prints that replicated the fabric. The trick is to either go for a contrast with different hues of denim, or channel the same color.
Couture: {L-R} Carven, Valentino, Balmain, Valentino
Cop the look: Western Shirt, INR 1,550, available at bhane.com
Exoticism | A more encompassing label for the floral trend this season, the trend is by its very nature not the shy, retiring types. Majority of the male population believes you have to be flamboyant, brave or feminine to pull it off. Although a little male bravado will always be useful in pulling this off, try and stick to a subtle approach when working with florals. Experiment with a floral shirt under a casual suit, or a more understated printed T-shirt.
Couture: {L-R}Prada, Prada, Dries Van Noten, Gucci
Cop the look: Flower Bomber Jacket, INR 4,990, available at Zara {Select Citywalk, Saket, DLF Promenade, Vasant Kunj and Ambience Mall, Gurgaon}
Stringing us Along | The fashion industry’s currently obsessed with sports luxe, and so a lot of the silhouettes find inspiration in sport wear. Like the drawstringe-d, cuffed pants. A more relaxed version of the trouser, the drawstrings can take you from day to night, and are far more weather-friendly, now that temperatures are starting to rise. Pair with a casual T-shirt and summer blazer for a more formal look, or dress them down with a cotton T-shirt.
Couture: {L-R} Fendi, Emporio Armani, Z Zegna
Cop the look: Jack and Jones Pants, INR 3,500 {approx.}, available at asos.com
Block your Colours | Showing its staying powers since SS’13, colour blocking isn’t going anywhere. Deep, bold reds, pinks and a lot of blues dominated designer runways. Layering your blues is a key to staying on trend this season. Big bright yellows, pantone colour of the season purple, and olive and khaki tones are all colours you’ll see spilling over in stores. Although a universally accepted way to follow the trend is pairing separates in block colours, attempt a two-tone shirt for a slight spin.
Couture: {L-R} Burberry Prorsum, Lanvin, Carven
Cop the look: Blue and brown colour block shirt, INR 3,350, available at perniaspopupshop.com
Double Trouble | Coats and trenches were huge stars across shows, and although we associate S/S with shedding layers, many a designer did summer jackets, available in lighter fabrics, catering to varied climatic conditions across countries. For cooler Delhi months, summer jackets are a huge trend, especially the perennial double breasted. A traditional trend, the double-breasted jacket can be seamlessly integrated with casual ensembles, just as easily as with a more formal outfit.
Couture: {L-R} Yohji Yamamoto, Gucci, Prada, Costume National
Cop the Look: Blue double breasted blazer, Price on request, available at Tommy Hilfiger {Select Citywalk, DLF Promenade, Vasant Kunj and South Extension-1}
Pumped about the Kicks | They say you can tell a man by his shoes, and if that’s true, perhaps the shoe should be your most worthy investment. Consider the sneaker your only steady fashion accessory. From the sportier Nike manufactured ones, to the more slick Aldo versions, the winner this season is definitely the more colourful and bold sneaker.
Couture: {L-R}Nike Roshe Run, NIKE Roshe Run, Lanvin, Valentino
Cop the look: Fielden, INR 4,000 available at Aldo. {Select Citywalk, DLF Promenade, Vasant Kunj and Ambience Mall, Gurgaon}