Menswear not just an afterthought anymore: Kunal Rawal

Menswear fashion designer Kunal Rawal, known for his signature style of "cultivated imperfection", says that menswear is no longer an afterthought for any designer. He gives credit to the growing potential market for it.

"I think menswear is not just an afterthought anymore and there are many new talents in fashion industry who are specifically focusing on menswear. Earlier, it was different as they (designers) used to use the same material of women's wear to make simple motifs for designer menswear. In the last five years, the scenario has changed in India," Rawal told IANS here.

Being a menswear designer, he admits that it is more challenging to design a menswear than a women's wear.

"Yes, as a designer I know that the parameter to play with menswear is slightly narrow but I think that makes it more creatively challenging and exciting at the same time," he said.

The designer, who unveiled his new collection Gray Method at the Van Heusen and GQ Fashion Nights 2016 on Sunday, believes that there are many platforms like the event that is opening and creating more space for menswear.

"The market of menswear fashion is growing and it has a huge potential. Thanks to social media, we all know what is happening around the world and that makes all men more fashion conscious. Since there are well curated menswear fashion shows taking place, the visibility is increasing.

"On the other hand, on screen (film) fashion creates a huge impact. Nowadays, all actors are well educated on fashion and they are conscious about their looks," the designer said.

Rawal has worked with Bollywood actors like Arjun Kapoor, Shahid Kapoor, Ranbir Kapoor and Sidharth Malhotra.

--IANS

aru/nn/dg