Visualising Bond in a bandhgala

Manpriya Singh

Not to take anything away from Fawad Khan, but he couldn’t have been introduced as the royal prince to Indian audience in his debut film, Khoobsurat, had it not been for designer Raghavendra Rathore designing Fawad’s look in the movie.

Not to take anything away from Raghavednra Rathore himself, but the princely charm and old-world regalia couldn’t have been possible in his contemporary outfits had it not been for the designers of royal lineage from Jodhpur. The designer is out to impart and spread the blue-blooded flair that has always reflected in his creations, starting with his latest endeavour The Gurukul School of Design. 

“I think it came from wanting to give something back. When I was a student at Parsons (School of Design, New York, in 1994), I used to work after school to support myself. There was a person then who had helped me through that. It has stayed with me. The idea of the school also came from the foundation I had started about five years ago,” shares the designer, in Chandigarh recently, while inviting applications for the four year degree programme for 2018 academic session at The Gurukul School of Design. 

Modern Indian groom vs modern Indian bride 

Who can deny the brides their limelight? While there’s much ado about the modern Indian bride in collection notes, where’s the groom? He feels the modern Indian groom has always been out there but only very underrated. “He is not spoken about a lot at fashion weeks and designer events. Bridal wear designers have been a vast majority since long but now with more menswear designers entering the market, I think there’s a major shift not in the evolution of the groom but the way he is brought across to the audience.” 

He adds, “In terms of fashion I think brides and grooms are soon going to be on par.”  

This is where men go wrong 

He is not the first from fashion fraternity to dismiss trends and discourage imitation. Now, this is where he’d like to correct the Indian men, “I’ve noticed that most men nowadays want to copy the West, without embracing their own sense of style. Fleeting trends are constantly being imitated and while I do believe that one should be given the freedom to experiment, it is very essential that we stay true to our roots as well.”

Bandhgala—India’s answer to tuxedos? 

If they ever chronicled the journey of a bandhgala, they would put his name right up there. Raghavendra feels there’s always something new to invent with this heirloom. 

“I firmly believe that a bandhgala is eternal. It has evolved significantly over the centuries and is a fashion trend that’s here to stay. The fact that it has been around for so long is a testimony to the fact that there is always something new to invent with this heirloom.” 

He adds, “Be it designs, cuts to suit contours, or patterns for every occasion, the scope with the bandhgala is extensive! In fact, we have just introduced an entire range of bandhgalas for women, perfect for every occasion. So yes, it is definitely progressing.”

 As for the trend reaching the West, he says, “I’d say why not? We’ve watched Indian trends being adapted in Hollywood for years now. It may not necessarily be a kurta or an achkan, but I’m certain that a bespoke Jodhpuri bandhgala suit or a bandhgala waistcoat paired up with denims will definitely be in vogue, abroad. In fact, I’d love to see a James Bond or a Johnny Depp adorning a bandhgala someday soon.” Picture that!  

[email protected] 

Golden tips for grooms 

If asked for fashion advice, I always advise people to adorn something that they are comfortable in, not just physically but mentally, too. India is so rich when it comes to styles and fashion, be it the classic dhoti or the timeless bandhgala, that while we can definitely be inspired by the West, I can safely say that we don’t need to copy their style entirely. 

What is his wardrobe like…  

Comfortable. I favour a cotton-centric wardrobe. I’m tech-savvy, respect our history and culture, have a keen desire to learn about everything in life, and I strongly believe that an individual’s character is shaped by his or her unique experiences as well as the people we come in contact with.