THE A TO Z OF GENDER-FLUID MENSWEAR

TURNS OUT, INCLUSIVE FASHION DOESN’T MEAN GUYS DRESSING UP LIKE GIRLS, AFTER ALL!

Ranveer Singh’s skirt stunt has softened the way we look at wardrobes ‘for him’ and ‘for her’. For men, going the gender-neutral way has less to do with looking like a woman and more to do with freedom: of silhouettes, drop-crotch pants and sporting a choker. It’s about choosing the brightest colour and teaming it up with confidence. Here’s a lowdown on all that you need to know about gender-fluid fashion.

A acceptance of choice

Fashion designer Resham Karmchandani of The Pot Plant, a brand that defies fashion stereotypes, says it’s all about acceptance. “Gender fluidity is about being at ease in what you wear. We’re finding ways to help men accept what they’re comfortable in, with more flowy silhouettes, different fabrics etc.,” she says.

b bling and bright colours

Fashion designer Nachiket Barve says that gender-fluidity has always been part of Indian fashion. “Men have always worn bling, bright colours etc., in different Indian cultures. It’s just more prominent now. Go for sequins on men’s shirts, bomber jackets with patchwork, or even sheers in brighter colours,” he suggests.

c cuts and patterns with flow

Silhouettes are being experimented with and deconstruction is the key. “The focus of gender-fluidity is now on asymmetrical cuts, work like ikat, etc.,” says Resham.

d Different drapes

“Shirt dresses, flared pants, etc., that were earlier considered feminine, have now snuck into menswear. Go for a drape kurta the next time you are shopping,” says Resham.

e elements like embroidery

There are many elements that one can add to a look in order to make it more gender-fluid, believes Nachiket. “Wear pleated palazzos, embellishments on shirts, embroidery on shirts, add a bright brooch, wear sunglasses with orange rims,” he says.

F Fashionably floral

Spring collections show men in floral shirts and rightly so, because flowers and pastels are no longer restricted to women. “Florals are a huge part of this unisex trend. Men all over the world are wearing floral shirts,” says Nachiket.

g ghagras and gherawats

Anju Modi was the designer who got Ranveer Singh to wear a skirt for an event, a much-talked about incident. “Mughal influence is making a comeback, such as

gherawats and ghagras, anarkalis and angrakhas. Over time, these were considered to be for women only, but not anymore. Men wear

gherawats and these other garments confidently now,” she says.

h Hemlines without rules

If you’re trying to shift the androgynous look from the ramp to real life, the first step would be asymmetrical hemlines, says Resham. “Try them with long silhouettes,” she says.