FDCI: MEN’S WEEKEND AT GOA

The Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), the apex body of Indian Fashion Designers hosted a new initiative- FDCI India Men’s Weekend, dedicated exclusively for menswear fashion. FDCI hosts the bi-annual India Fashion Week, the annual India Couture Week, amongst others.

Rohit Bal, FDCI 2023

The inaugural Men’s Weekend was kicked-off with much fanfare at the scenic Aguada Port and Jail Complex in Sinquerim, Goa. Indian designers who have exclusive menswear lines were in attendance to support and participate in the event. 

Rohit Bal, who has been away from the ramp for a couple of years, was a pleasant surprise in the designer line-up. There were JJ Valaya, Ashish Soni, Arjun Khanna, Rajesh Pratap Singh, Abraham & Thakore, Manoviraj Khosla, Rohit Gandhi & Rahul Khanna, Shantanu & Nikhil Mehra, Abhishek Gupta and Varun Bahl. These designers are iconic names in Indian Fashion and have an exclusive menswear line under their respective labels. Menswear and Womenswear have equal rack space in their flagship stores across the country.

Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna, FDCI 2023

“Menswear is growing at an exponential rate and it is the right time to restart the menswear fashion week, to showcase how it has evolved from conventional attire to more refreshing representation of style”, said Sunil Sethi, the Chairman of FDCI. Call it the increased demand for fashionable menswear or the emergence of metrosexual male, designer menswear is definitely making for a good business sense. More and more designers who started with womenswear fashion have been diversifying into menswear fashion.

 Varun Bahl, FDCI 2023

Varun Bahl, FDCI 2023

The pier on the Arabian Sea served as the infinity ramp on which models showcased the latest in men’s fashion. Bal showcased well- fitted denims. Models in bare torsos with beaded necklaces strutted the ramp in style. Rajesh Pratap Singh showcased well-crafted coordinates in handwoven fabric with metal threads. Cropped double-breasted jacket with high-waist pleated pants was dapper. Ivory fleece jacket with embellished yoke over flared ivory pants by Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna was perfect cruise wear, ideal for the holidays. 

Shantanu & Nikhil, FDCI 2023
Rajesh Pratap Singh, FDCI 2023

Shantanu & Nikhil put forth a preppy look with a chequered double breasted jacket over slim pants. Abraham and Thakore showed a textured chevron shirt with soft printed shirt-jacket. Bomber jacket with ‘suspender’ detailing and multi-pocket utility trousers with sheer peekaboo style from Varun Bahl was absolutely sporty. 

Ashish Soni is known for his well-tailored suits. He showcased candy coloured suits in esoteric hues, paired with sneakers for a sporty edge. Arjun Khanna showcased a rugged look, complete with printed multi-utility pants, sleeveless jackets with epaulettes and laced-up boots. Colour-blocked bomber jackets with stitching details and cascading pants from Manoviraj Khosla, and impeccably tailored sherwanis by Abhishek Gupta and JJ Valaya completed the evening’s show.

Rohit Bal, FDCI 2023

The India Men’s Weekend will be annually held at Goa and broaden the horizon of the Indian Fashion Industry. “Men love to dress-up and are getting more aware of trends and are demanding for better fits and styles”, said Ashish Soni.

Abhishek Gupta also added, “At my store when men accompany women to shop, they occasionally end up shopping more.

The global fashion trends for menswear are established in these fashion weeks and FDCI hosting it around the same calendar schedule will keep Indian menswear fashion in sync with the global scene.

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