Men in style

He is one of the most idolised fictional characters and is not just known for his detective skills, but also for his unique fashion choices.

Setting global trends of the Victorian era, the fictional detective Sherlock Holmes has many fans who go gaga over his astute skills and even his unconventional dressing style. Getting this ‘Sherlokian Style’ — the coat and the dressing gown — to the fashionistas is Narendra Kumar, the creative director of Amazon Fashion India.

Adhering to the English style, Sherlock is incomplete without his long grey cloak, an overcoat, a scarf worn as a cravat and a baseball cap. This dandy Victorian look is designed in an identical manner by Narendra, who says, “One can pair a wool pea coat with formal trousers, a woollen scarf and gloves. They not only enhance your look, but also keep you warm during the chilly weather. All this is available at the Amazon site at an affordable price. ”

 A well-known name in the glamour industry, Narendra has lent his creative hands to many international brands after establishing his eponymous label.  With philosophy that adheres to perfect cut, unparalleled fit and skilled craftsmanship, his design skills have been honoured at many international fashion weeks including the ones that happen in Australia and Los Angeles. Also known to style bigwigs like Akshay Kumar, Priyanka Chopra and John Abraham, his Bollywood projects include movies like ‘Fashion’ and ‘Alladin’.

A witness to the evolution of fashion in India, he says, “Fashion has moved from being restricted to just occasion wear to an everyday element. Now everyone wants to look trendy and fashionable — be it at work, lunch or a party. From picking the colour of one’s car to the dress or shirt one plans to wear, everything is driven by fashion, which is a good thing to witness, mainly among men.”  He adds that fashion has seen a great explosion in the last decade and has become an integral part of one’s lifestyle — not only in the metropolitan cities but also in remote cities and towns as a result of e-commerce.

With the Indian fashionistas’ growing confidence and experimental mood, he opines that India is at par with the global fashion industry and explains, “I have been a part of many international fashion weeks and I can say that India is not lacking talent in terms of fashion. There is much top level and fresh talent in the country and there has been an aggressive evolution of fashion. With exposure to global trends, markets and reports, fashion here is headed in a new direction.”

It is the current global trends that inspire him and he makes sure to give them to his clients in an affordable package. With his design philosophy being “change”,  he describes his personal style as “jeans and a classic shirt, as it can transit from day to evening just by changing the accessories like shoes, belts or bags.”

He also suggests a perennial style for women and describes, “It has to be a block- printed sari that would be worn traditionally as it is an epitome of elegance.”  Surviving the test of time in the glamour industry for over two decades now, he signs off optimistically, “Have a sense of obsession, conviction and evolution for your craft and nothing will stop you from being successful.”