Arjun lends fluidity to ‘action men’

Van Heusen India Men’s Week 2011 took off to a dramatic start as the participating designers emerged out of stretch Limousine and Harley Davidson bikes, to meet a frenzied audience that waited in anticipation to catch a glimpse of their favourite designers otherwise known for their subtleness and sophistication.
The thunder of applause was the largest for designer Tarun Tahiliani who was all set to foray into the men’s fashion world.After a brief introduction by FDCI President, Sunil Sethi and his team, the crowd dispersed for the first show of the evening by ace designer Arjun Khanna.
Theme: Arjun showed on the Delhi ramp after five years, but what a worthy comeback it was! With a stylish yet simple collection lined with fine cuts, silhouettes and mature colours, the designer reiterated that creativity and exclusivity are no restraint even in a largely dreaded category such as men’s wear. The sheer fluidity of Arjun’s line describing ‘timelessness’ had interesting variations of the traditional Patiala salwar, tight around the hip and frilly down below, alternated with blazers, casual shirts, kurtas and sleevless coats. The opening outfit of the show, a navy blue Pathani salwar teamed with knee-length grey kurta and a waistcoat, set the tone for what was to come.
Collection: The timeless-feel came through rather easily as men strode down the runaway in a manly yet delicately stylish range that bespoke class and comfort. By showing an absolutely wearable line of Pathani salwars, kurtas – both long and short, shirts, Jodhpurs, fitted pants, blazers, waistcoats in comfortable fabrics like linen, wool and leather, the designer had his audience gasping for more.
Colour and accessories: Greys, blacks and indigo remained the order of the day with sudden bursts of sheer red and white. Men’s love for ‘cheques’ got a new breath of life as stylish chequered cigarette pants in beige were introduced over linen coats among other variations. Of the many props seen on the ramp, the monkey soft toy, the metal suitcase symbolising an eternal traveller, the fedora hat, vintage watches, broad leather belts, gun, umbrella and camera, stood out for their usage. With Boney M’s ‘Daddy Cool’ thumping in the background, the atmosphere was charged up as men carried Arjun’s fineries with easy grace.
Humbly accepting the congratulations, an ecstatic Arjun said post show, “It feels like coming home. Who says Delhi doesn’t have a good audience!” Talk about his collection and theme, he explains, “It was a combination of elements and uses of fabrics and tailoring.” And as for the props, the designer simply wanted to create a spoof on action men of all times in sartorial style, from Sherlock Holmes, rugged cowboys to Hollywood action heroes, more like a tribute to the ‘underground of style fashion mafia’.
Designers Poonam Bhagat and Wendell Rodericks were spotted enjoying the show as were a host of guests from Delhi’s social circle.
Rating: 8.5/10