Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kochi
Men with METAL
|
Use of jewellery in male dressing is making a slow but sure entry into the psyche of men here, finds VIJAY GEORGE
|
Model: Vimal
THIS IS one territory that women have claimed as their own for ages now, without any major threat to their almost complete `monopoly'. And the gentlemen, for that matter, have always acknowledged this fact without creating any fuss or resistance that is usually associated with them. Perhaps, they have this notion that it's brain and brawn that matters in this tough world. And that, trends, fashion, designer outfits and jewellery exists mainly for those humans with more perfect curves.
With everything from films to Fashion TV prompting the gullible audience to emulate what they show, men of today have realised the importance of presenting themselves well. The brands vie to give them the looks that they want. Men have all these in mind when they opt for jewellery too _ rings, bracelets, chains, pendants, cufflinks and tie-pins.
"Today's men are fashion conscious and like to look good," smiles ace fashion photographer Rajhen Paul. "And in fact, men in Kerala have a tradition of wearing some jewellery. Though we have a genuine interest in gold, of late, men have started wearing silver, diamond and even platinum. Some men wear jewellery as part of status symbol to show off their opulence."
He should know. His photographs of a macho-hero posing with loads of gold ornaments for a jewellery ad had generated wide interest. "Usually one relates jewellery with women only. We just wanted to go against that myth. And it did become a hit," he says.
Geejy Rajhen, his wife, and a noted model co-ordinator feels that "the trend of wearing birth stones is really on the rise these days."
She adds, "These days men are keen to have a good physique. And they wear the jewellery that suits their style. But the craze for wearing a single ear-ring, which was widespread until recently, among the youth is not much seen now."
"Such styles are generally created by the films. The youngsters like to follow what their idols wear on screen," believes Sajeev K. Varghese of Josco Fashion Jewellery.
"Jewellery often gives that masculine look," states model turned fashion designer Dilip Gladin. The `one-ear-ring' and the chains and bracelets on finely toned bodies of hunks on the ramp always get noticed, he thinks.
Sachidananda Pai of A. Geeripai Jewellery, an expert on gems and other precious stones, feels that the latest trend in men's jewellery is adding a `raksha' to the chains. "Men also like to wear rudraksha, tulasi or sandal beads strung in gold."
He explains the scientific aspects for wearing jewellery. "The concept of wearing a kadukkan (men's ear stud) in earlier days was regarded as a method to get rid of evil charms. The bangles were gifted as recognition for expertise in some field. Still, people tend to wear the navaratnas and also diamonds. Though the trends keep on changing, old styles do return often."
Diamond designer Shibani Perinchery feels that compared to the north, men in South India tend to wear less jewellery. "But generally they like to dress well and do follow the trends." She has designed wedding bands, kurta buttons, rings, chains and pendants for men but agrees that, "most of the designs in her exhibitions are aimed at women."
"The jewellery ads most often feature women's jewellery only," says Rajhen Paul.
The designer cufflinks and buttons are not much seen here as the climate of the State limits the number of those who wear suits.
Well, in short, `though people eat what they like and wear what others like, when it comes to jewellery, men generally prefer to gift it to their loved ones.' Women power, what!
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kochi
|
