Fashion split is immature: Manoviraj Khosla

As yet another edition of WIFW begins in Delhi, designer Manoviraj Khosla tells us what’s in store this season.

Shashank Chouhan

Manoviraj Khosla is a pioneer in men’s clothing in India. Having worked for over two decades on impeccable designs, Khosla is known for couture as well as prêt for both men and women. He started out in 1990 after completing his studies from the American College in London. Khosla’s designs for men are anything but usual- he likes colours like pinks and oranges, believes in the institution of metrosexual, apart from experimenting with fabric. As yet another edition of Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week begins in Delhi, he speaks with Shashank Chouhan of spicezee.com on what’s in store this season. Shashank: What are you bringing to this Winter collection of WIFW? Manoviraj: I am bringing an eclectic mix of men and women’s wear and it is going to be a mix of winter and summer clothing. There is going to be a lot of silk, linen, synthetics, suede and other variety. There is going to be minimal embellishments. The silhouette will be completely western but the detailing will be Indian. For example, there is going to be men’s jackets with Indian theme on it… Shashank: Your take on the deadly split in the fashion industry… Manoviraj: Completely immature thing to have happened. The other side (Sumeet Nair’s FFI) is undertaking a pointless endeavor. The fashion week organized by FDCI is very professional and enriching for the industry. The other side is on the other side just for the sake it. They are trying to take on the FDCI. They can show anywhere they want, it won’t affect us. Shashank: Is it difficult to dress up men as compared to dressing up a woman? Manoviraj: Yes! Well, at least as compared with women. But men have these days become more conscious about their looks. They are helping themselves quite readily and moreover every body wants to look good. But the men- and indeed women- need clothes as per their age and lifestyle. So if given the right choice, there is ample scope for dressing up men well. Shashank: You always use unusual colours and cuts for men. You seem to believe a lot in the metrosexual… Manoviraj: Completely. What is metrosexual- dressing casually, dressing up in contemporary style. That is what I have been doing since I was 14! I am a metrosexual man, my target is metrosexual men as well. Shashank: Is India ready for an exclusive Men’s fashion week being organized by FDCI this year? Manoviraj: Oh yes it is. There is a huge market if it is done in a desired fashion. I am quite excited about the first Men’s Fashion week being organized by FDCI. I will showcase a lot of linen and mixed fabrics. Its going to be almost fully western. Shashank: What are your designs for the Kolkata Week, being held for the first time? Manoviraj: The same as in at the Delhi showing. Shashank: What’s the trend for men this summer? Manoviraj: Cool and casual but narrow silhouette. Shirts with jackets and a lot of colours. Let’s leave the blacks and greys for the winter. Shashank: Has recession hit the industry in anyway? Will it show in your collection? Manoviraj: Recession is for everyone but people are still buying clothes and they always will. It will not have any impact on the runway or in our collection- we are going to rock the show like always. But the bottom lines may be affected. Shashank: How can the guys be still dressed up for any occasion despite the financial pinch? Any tips… Manoviraj: Well, I think those who are into stylish dressing will always find clothes to dress-up. The average Joe can just venture out to his flea market and pick up interesting combinations and carry them well. There are products for every pocket in the market, there are enough brands for every taste.