Being a lover of all things vintage, I was totally fascinated by Manish Bansal’s designs for men which he previewed at the recent Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai.
Hailing from the Capital city of New Delhi, the soft-spoken and petite boy showed a collection which had a lot of vintage elements which were reinterpreted in a modern context.
Here’s what he told me about vintage fashion…
Ranjit Rodricks: Is vintage fashion making a comeback in men’s wear in India as well as globally?
Manish Bansal: “Classics never die!” Any creative process starts with a classic and then transforms into something more contemporary. Vintage fashion has always been a starting point for any designer including myself. Back in the U.K., I discovered interesting vintage shops with timeless pieces including clothes and accessories. It is fascinating to know the interesting story behind each piece and how it still stands out in today’s time.
RR: What are the main vintage elements you have observed in men’s fashion trends?
MB: The half-rimmed club master and the round rimmed glasses are classic elements observed this season on the ramp. The classic Harrington jacket worn by the likes of Steve McQueen and 007 Daniel Craig is a popular fashion item in men’s wardrobes this season. In regards to vintage work wear, we have seen designers reinventing the boiler suit in new fabrics and colours.
RR: How have you incorporated a vintage vibe in your menswear?
MB: As mentioned earlier, I always look at classic shapes to begin my creative process. There is a classic vintage feel to every collection I do. The pieces used can vary from classic tailored single breasted jacket to a classic sportswear bomber jacket. I have a soft-spot for single pleated cuffed trousers.
RR: What accessories can Indian men wear to channel the vintage vibe?
MB: As shared above, the half-rimmed club master and the round rimmed glasses are a major trend this season. You can reminisce to a classic vibe by carrying a vintage leather briefcase. For the more dapper sorts, one can pick up a vintage walking stick with a classic bowler hat to make a vintage statement
RR: Seams For Dreams is a charity where Evelyn Sharma and her friends auction clothes & raise funds for charity. What do you think of the concept?
MB: I think it’s a great concept that Evelyn has come up with. In other parts of the world, there are specific vintage shops that run as charity shops. People donate old items for resale to the shops and the funds raised are used for good causes towards human as well as animals. I think in India, we should advocate this concept as second hand clothing is still frowned upon by masses.
RR: How would you promote “fashion for a cause” and which charitable cause is close to your heart?
MB: I think the sale of vintage items is a good way to raise funds for a charitable cause. There are plenty of items in one’s wardrobe that could be parted with and put to more good use for the needful. One cause that I would definitely like to get involved in is to get young children, who are forced to beg, off the streets of India.
Written by Ranjit Rodricks
http://hisstylecloset.blogspot.in/
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