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f Jassi's designer saris were a craze with the female soap watching brigade, Arman Suri, of Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin fame's slim fit, flashy suits and opennecked shirts have not gone unnoticed by Hyderabadi men. From the prints to the cuts and even the final flourishes, men are asking tailors to design suits and styles influenced by TV fashion.
It all began with the beige and white-coloured suits of Kasauti Zindagi Kay's Mr Bajaj that were a hit among middle-aged men. Tailors feel Mr Bajaj's suits click because they break the tradition of dark, sober suits and offer a 'lighter' option
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Arman's jazzy shirts and embellished suits with stones and sequins on the cuffs and collars are what the younger lot want for formal occasions. Since these styles are not available at malls and boutiques, they are turning to tailors.
Startled tailors have adopted new ways to keep up with customer demands since these styles are not available in any of their catalogues.
"To know what our customers are describing, I started watching TV serials. I have also installed a portable TV set in the factory where my karigaars work. Initially, it was very difficult to figure out what these young boys wanted. Some of them finally came up with the idea of capturing images on their mobile phones. That made it easier for us," says Rajender of Sleek Tailors at Paradise circle, who has since become well versed with serials.
Imitiaz of Ultimo Tailors had a hard time figuring out what exactly his 12 customers wanted for a reception outfit. "They are regular customers and were trying to describe the suit worn by a TV character whom none of us knew anything about. Finally, one of the assistants told us that they were referring to a character in Saath Phere.
Imitiaz of Ultimo Tailors had a hard time figuring out what exactly his 12 customers wanted for a reception outfit. "They are regular customers and were trying to describe the suit worn by a TV character whom none of us knew anything about. Finally, one of the assistants told us that they were referring to a character in Saath Phere.
Another time, we were asked to stitch the jackets that Prem wears in Kasauti Zindagi Kay, which was very difficult. No doubt, Ekta Kapoor's men have become style icons." Asked what it is about his style that appeals to youngsters, and Manoj Bohra, who plays Prem in Kasauti… a self-described 'stylish, notorious boy' says, "I am not just a bad boy with the typical ragged look. I'm a stylish bad boy. My look is inspired by Usher, the popular R&B singer, and designed by my girlfriend Teejay Sidhu with a few modifications. Bling is part of the male wardrobe now. And I like it when men come up to me and ask me where I shop or who my designer is." For Manoj, it is flattering to be considered a style icon. Making copies of his jackets, however, was a Herculean task for Imtiaz as these had to be made of fine suede and velvet that are not easily found here.
Tailors, more than anyone, know the value of a stitch in time, and Maqdoom Brothers are a step ahead. They have begun making copies of the sherwanis and kurtas that are on air. "They sold like hot cakes during the wedding sea son.
Most of the sherwanis that we made were copies of what the character Anuraag wears on Kasauti… His Indian outfits are quite stylish." When dressing like TV char acters is such a rage,
we'll have to wait and see if the 'unique' fashions sported by Rosesh in Sarabhai vs Sarabhai will make him too a fashion icon someday
