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Think pink

What? Men wearing pink? Yes, why not, say today's trend trackers

AMBASSADOR FOR PINK Saif Ali Khan

Five years ago, appearing for an interview in a lavender shirt would have been considered hara-kiri; today it adds to the candidate's confidence.

Before, even Govinda's ardent fans would not have dared wear pink on a date, now they say that it supposedly brings forth a man's sensitive side.

Yes, it's raining colours in the male wardrobe. Last year when an international magazine, "Man's Health" did a survey on colours in which women liked their men, pink topped the list. Pink is universally said to have a calming effect.

Traditional twist

"Pink and purple which used to be considered hi-fashion colours have now become classic," says Munish Rishi, a merchandiser for Marks and Spencer. He says with the environment at the work place changing men are getting adventurous.

From Friday dressing to smart dressing, concepts are plenty. Jobs in PR agencies, media and BPOs don't require you to dress like babus anymore.

Says Rajeev Choudhary, a senior PR executive, "I realised the importance of smart dressing when I saw my boss coming to office in jeans and T-shirt. Employers no longer expect you to come to office in neutral colours." Rajeev says there was a time when his wardrobe was stacked with shades of blue.

"Now blue is there just in the form of denims."

Rashid Suhaib, a media executive who doesn't mind sporting any colour from green to yellow, says, "The biggest thing these days in certain jobs is packaging and dressing. I want to get noticed and these colours really help. But one must have the confidence to carry them." Munish says film stars are a big influence. "These days Saif Ali Khan has become a sort of ambassador for pink. However, a colour has to work in a society and work place to find acceptance."

If designer Raghavendra Rathore says choosing colours depends on availability and societal changes, Rina Dhaka calls it a fashion cycle.

Says Rathore, who is designing for a BPO, "I am open to giving classic colours a chance. The mills in India provide the largest bandwidth of colours." Rathore adds that novelty is the buzzword. "It's no longer about brands or designer stuff. The BPO I am designing for categorically stated they don't want designer wear." Designer Rina Dhaka says, "Pink has always been associated with classic English style. It had to come to India."

Rina agrees that pink is complimentary with most skin tones but more than that she says, "guys look quite masculine" in baby pink provided they match it well. "I think fashion should not take the male sense out of dressing. I don't approve of using colours to make a man look effeminate. Like you can go for a pink jeans with subtle wash but it has to be matched with a white shirt."

Munish agrees: "Otherwise things can go horribly wrong. You can't wear black trousers with a green shirt. It has to be a neutral shade or beige."

That's why brands are coming up with complete solutions, from shirts to sandals.

ANUJ KUMAR

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