Lights, sound, camera, action... And the dazzling spotlight opened the runway for glamour extraordinaire. Haywards Black India Men’s Fashion Fair 2007 (HBIMFF) kicked off at the Bangalore Palace with thirty-odd male models sashaying down the 80-feet runway, welcoming the audience for a four-day fashion blitzkrieg. Indore-based designer Asif Shah kickstarted the show with his line of classic black suits, a tribute to the sponsor. Well-constructed and tailored, the trim suits flaunted bling in the form of tie-pins and cufflinks, truly celebrating ‘man’. It was impressive to see such a clean collection from a lesser-known Shah.
Known for her love affair with folklore, Bangladeshi designer Bibi Russell, came in next with her wearable collection. The song ‘The Bong Connection’ playing in the background truly reflected the east and the west amalgamation in Bibi’s line. Casual in temperament, the collection comprised breach pants, jodhpuris, patiala salwaars teamed with angarakha-style kurtas and tops sporting vegetable-dye prints. Some of the trousers flaunted interesting pocket detailing. Earthy colours like indigo, green and white dominated the collection.
Masters of modernism, Abraham and Thakore, showcased their collection, truly created for the global Indian. Male models sporting kajal displayed the duo’s trademark minimalism. From trim suits, skinny trousers, loose-fitted shirts to jackets - the collection was primarily in black and white, accompanied by denims in metallic sheen.
New-age designer Samant Chauhan’s creative genius was effectively spelt out in his collection. Using his trademark Bhagalpuri silk, he beautifully contemporarised the Indian fabric to the western silhouette. In all creme and beige, Samant’s line experimented with a variety of silhouettes like jodhpuris, overcoats, including skirts for men!
Brand Allen Solly launched it’s ‘Solly Youth’ label, complete with trendy youthful clothes. Labels like Omair by Mohammed Omair showcased his line of linen suits and Laboratory displayed its beach wear and free-spirited garments flaunting nautical, angelic prints and falcon motifs.
Day one ended with ace designer Rohit Bal’s ‘Siyahi’ collection. Istanbul-inspired, Bal’s beautiful play with blues, spelt opulence and grandeur with elan. Models sporting the ‘nath’ and blue sindoor looked like desi versions of Neos from ‘The Matrix’ - attempting to introduce the new Indian male.
Day two was quintessentially the day of the brands. From export garment house Gokuldas Exports, Levis, Adelchi shoes, Louis Philippe to Bare Body Essentials - all showcased their latest updates. From dhoti jeans to classic styles, one saw a whole new breed of silhouettes in trousers.
Parisian label, Lecoanet Hemant (LH), soon followed. Unlike the quirky Standard Fireworks collection last year, LH served minimalism this time. Ruched pants, fitted jackets and trousers in solid colours with a little dose of gold and black sheen comprised their collection. They forayed into the Indian market a year ago through IMFF and attributed their success to the show.
Another international designer participant was Darshi Keerthasena from Sri Lanka. Her trademark batik prints beautifully embellished the fluid fabrics to form shirts to women’s dresses and sarees. All hand-made, the batik styles were pretty yet repetitive.
Bangalore-based Ayaz Khan of Khanate fame, put in some more effort in his collection this year, with a range of bridal wear for men. Nonetheless, the line was very niche in nature.
The finale slots were taken by top-notch couturiers, Krishna Mehta and Tarun Tahiliani. Krishna’s line of ethnic men’s wear was well-accessorised with scarves. The silhouettes were conventional but the use of rich fabrics and great colour combinations made for a visual treat.
Tahiliani ended the event introducing the belt-over-the-kurta look, trademark digital prints and jewel embellishment, textured jackets with interesting drapes, tie-up and button detailing. Each designer took the opportunity to showcase small doses of women’s wear as well. Organised and choreographed by Prasad Bidapa and crew, the show had models like Aryan Vaid, Acquin Paes, Mr India Kawaljeet and runners-up Freddy and Mohsin among local models like Rakesh, Carun and Imtiaz walking the runway. The event ends on October 27 with more of the creme de la creme of the fashion fraternity showcasing their men’s line. C'est la mode!
