The legendary suit maker P N Rao has evolved since its inception in 1920s. It continues to be one of the finest places for suits and formal wear. The brand has dared to experiment, and a walk around any of the P N Rao stores will prove that it has kept pace with the change in fashion.
When you think of suits you think of P N Rao. But the half a century old brand is bigger. In fact, P N Rao stocks the finest range of party wear, business suits and weddings trousseau. No two suits stitched at P N Rao would look the same and traditional wear too gets a novel look in the hands of its designers.
Naveen Pishe, partner P N Rao gave an insight into the making of the brand and how it still manages to stay at the top.
Naveen doesn’t think twice before he says that today most men are style conscious as they try to match their accessories with clothes. The latest line of suits at P N Rao are for those who like to dress up — and quite literally at that. Naveen points out that effort has been made to not only contrast the shirts with the ties and suits but match the accessories as well to ensure that the wearer doesn’t fall short of variety.
Having done a course in fashion design, Naveen was quite keen to bring some workable changes. Naveen explains that at P N Rao, a regular tuxedo comes with a glimmer around the collar, just to offer a brighter variation of the same. Naveen says that a light pink shirt is matched with a pink tie to give the regular suit a different look.
“Men no longer need to stick to the usual greys, black and blues, they can play around with the shirt and the tie to give the suit a different character. Now men don’t have to just pick up suits for their wedding and throw it away. It can be tweaked to suit different occasions. That’s what we do,” informs Naveen.
He says the brand identifies with those who want to get bolder with their choice of clothes. “In the degree of experimentation lies the look of every man.
It depends on every individual, to what extent they’re willing to experiment. Each one could identify what suits them the best. Our line is for those who can afford to be slightly different. The casual twist to every suit adds that extra zing to the garment,” observes Naveen.
Naveen points out that people could walk in to any of the P N Rao stores for tips on fashion trends, wardrobe makeovers, ethnic wardrobe options, accessories to complete the look. “There are about 1,000 suits to choose from. Each suit has five sizes.
It’s not just quality that we would like to offer, we want to satisfy the fashion conscious generation of today,” he sums up.
Jagadish Rao G, II semester (mechanical), BMS Engineering College wore an orange brocade looped bandgala suit from Narendra Kumar.
Punchline: “It is a great experience to wear something so well-fitted and neat in design. The colour and the contrast is good and it’s unlike the usual suit.”
Price: Bandgala suit: Rs 17,850
Anirudh G Lokkur, final year, general management, Jain College wore a designer Givo suit.
Punchline: “This brand has some great collection. One can be spoilt for choice. The suit is very comfortable and classy. It really makes you feel and look confident.”
Price: Jacket and trousers:Rs 29,999, shirt: Rs 2,099 onwards, tie: Rs 1,495 and pocket square: Rs 499 onwards
Atul Tripathi, VIII semester (mechanical), BMS College of Engineering slipped into a partywear tuxedo from VDot.
Punchline: “I always loved a party look and I think P N Rao has one of the finest collection of party wear. I feel quite comfortable wearing it and the fit is perfect.”
Price: Jacket and trousers: Rs 7,995, shirt: Rs 1,599 and white bow: Rs 299 onwards
Maheshkumar Shreekant Patil, II year MBA, Indian Academy School of Management Studies chose a summer business linen suit.
Punchline: “The suit is very comfortable and the material is just perfect. It is cut to perfection. I feel like a prince in this suit.”
Price: Jacket and trousers: Rs 9,995, shirt: Rs 1,795 and belt: Rs 995 onwards
Ralhan Vincent Pereira, first semester MBA, CMR College chose a summery casual blue linen jacket from Louis Philippe.
Punchline: “The combination gives a very casual feel. I really like the contrast and it’s perfect for a beach party. It’s pretty cool and I can’t think of wearing it anywhere else.”
Price: Jacket: Rs 6,995, trousers: Rs 2,595 and shirt: Rs 1,699