Untapped men’s segment a big lure for designers

Men’s fashion is witnessing rapid change with rising number of men ready to experiment with clothing styles on different occasions. They are even seeking exclusive designer wear with bright accessories and footwear as a part of their wardrobes. No wonder, Indian designers are taking note of this change and making a foray into this so far ignored segment.

Designers sight opportunity in men’s wear

In the past, a line dedicated to men on ramps was so limited that male models looked like supporting actors in a woman-centric film. Utmost focus of fashion weeks in India have been on women’s wear, whether her bridal, ethnic wear, casual or formal wardrobe. But of late, a number of designers have started turning their focus on the men’s segment and this is evident by the fact that renowned designer like Manish Malhotra, who completed 25 years as a costume designer and 10 years of his label, showcased his men’s wear line 'The Gentlemen's Club' for the first time at Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai recently. The range consisted of a festive fusion of Indian and western couture, focusing on shades of emerald green and adorned with botanical motifs. He will launch the menswear line in November this year at his exclusive store

Many others are planning to dedicate a collection to men. Designer duo Shantanu & Nikhil are set to launch a men’s wear store in Kolkata this October. Paresh Lamba has been pleasing male customers with designer wear since last two decades. With ecommerce opening doors to more designer brands both international and Indian, men are loosening their purse strings and shopping more than they did in the past. Whether it is for international designer brands like Giorgio Armani, Emporio Armani, Tom Ford and Burberry or works of collections by ace designers such as Raghavendra Rathore, Rohit Bal and Tarun Tahilani.

Fashion bug hits male consumers

Indian consumers, be it men or women, love bright colours and vibrant designs. Designers are trying to create collections using fabrics, shades and embellishments of their choice with a modern twist. Rocky S, for instance has launched a prêt collection of printed T-shirts, sweatshirts and comforting inner wear for men. For the forthcoming Festive/Winter, men’s wear designer Varoin Marwah has create ensembles in self-patterned jacquards like jackets, wool suiting in colours on the lines of neutral palettes and waistcoats with a high necks. Even designer Piyush Dedhia has unveiled a line of colourful suits, bomber jackets, oversized tops and men's jumpsuits for the season. To complete the look, designer Sahil Aneja also has on offer matching shoes, belts, pocket squares and bow ties.

Ecommerce has played a big role in changing the way men shopped for clothing. A recent e-commerce report from Ibis World too confirmed the trend, which said that online sales of menswear have grown at a faster rate over the last five years than every other category measured, including computers and tablets, cosmetics, shoes and even online groceries.