The dapper metrosexual man

Trendy Menswear

Saunter in a men’s clothing section of a store, and one is delightfully surprised by the medley of colours, all that dominate the scene.

Over the last few years, things have moved dramatically from an all-out monochromatic range of tones to bright and vibrant shades, and this holds true for an entire ensemble, from tip to toe, in the men’s clothesline. We speak to experts to hear what they have to say about the trend and if it is closely linked with the idea of metrosexuality. 

Denying any specific segmentation in the market for this vibrant range of mens­wear, designer Raakesh Agarvwal, says, “The colour rage is equally catching up with all kind of men. In fact, the corporates have caught up with this trend so brilliantly by adding colourful ties, cravats and pocket squares. The trend has become huge in accessories. I’ve seen men wearing red, purple, lime and aqua shoes, bags and belts. We can safely say, whether it is athletes, corporates, designers, politicians or even a simple common man, all are adapting to this trend very easily.” 

Citing an instance from the fashion world, Raakesh says, “The recently concluded Pitti Uomo, in Florence, called the men there peacocks! And it’s just not now; the future seasons are going to be much more colourful yet masculine. It was bound to happen,” adding that “For long, men, especially in India, have lived in sombre colours. Colours were either taken by women or the LGBT community. But now, the mainstream men too feel comfortable in colours. In fact, I just met a handsome politician in purple pants. So after a long hiatus, colour is here to stay and how!”

Designer Mannoj Mehrra from Study By Janak owes the influx of colourful menswear collections to “international men’s fashion news that’s doing the rounds on internet and all the glossies. Indian men have become more aware about fashion. The trend of coloured chinos that sparked last year has been one trend that has been carried on and doesn’t look like it’s going to die shortly. Apart from that, there is this rage for all the colourful accessories to pep up your look.

 Even the ones who are conservative about their dressing style, are picking up vibrant pieces to add zing to their look.” To put together a snazzy ensemble keeping these colourful elements in mind has to be a hard nut to crack for starters. Why? Well, haven’t monochromatic and rather subtle shades defined ‘dapper’ in the men’s collection for far too long? “These colours need to chosen in a very balanced way so as not to make you look like a starry night. 

If you choose deep, sultry colours like rust, maroon, greens then the shirts paired up with them should be light colours like beige, champagne pink, pastel shades,” say the designer duo Sonia and Ankur from Charas.