(Image Credits: Instagram)
In an interaction with The Times of India, Indian designer Pawan Sachdeva explains how men’s fashion has transformed since he started his label in 1999 and why craft-based innovations need to evolve with the times. As men in India continue to make deliberate but important changes in their clothing style, their fashion industry is changing. Instead of relying on traditional styles like the kurta, sherwani, and formal attire to guide their fashion sensibility, men are exploring the latest fashion trends. Apart from this, he also spoke about his latest collection, RECAST, and gave us an insight into this new journey. Pawan Sachdevaa: The biggest shift has been the confidence of the Indian man in expressing his individuality through clothing. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, men’s fashion was about norms and occasions. Nowadays, men are more open to different silhouettes, colours, materials, and their own styles. They are prepared to go away from traditional menswear and to wear what they like, instead of following trends. In my opinion, the readiness to go beyond the boundaries of conventional ideas is the greatest change in Indian men’s fashion. Pawan Sachdevaa: Definitely! I think that clothes should be capable of taking shape in any situation without losing their soul. I am interested in developing pieces that are versatile thanks to the clever design of shapes, comfort, and detailing, which help the garment shift in one stroke from daywear to evening attire and from informal clothing to formal wear. For me, modern menswear is about abolishing hard divisions and enabling the consumer to create his own interpretation of the garment.
Today, menswear boasts a much more playful way of dressing, which strongly impacts my design process.
