Nehru Vs Modi jacket: What's in the name?
But on rare occasions when he did put on a bandhgala coat over a long kurta, he made a style statement that showcased Indian fashion to the world. “Nehruji was often seen in fullsleeved, hip length bandhgala jackets that looked like sherwanis, and the sleeveless bandhgala jackets were called the ‘ Nehru vest’ because he started a trend and several ministers followed it. This popular style of the jacket makes an elegant and powerful style statement, and will be remembered by his name,” says designer Gautam Gupta.
Considering our fashion- forward politician, it is important to note if there has been any design alteration or is it just a plain case of plagiarism. Raghavendra comments on this saying, “Traditionally known as the Jodhpuri waistcoat, the garment is the same, but seems to have won the popular vote from all, first being rechristened by the Congress and now by the BJP.” While the world is getting more sensitive about cultural appropriation, designer Gaurav Jagtiani feels that one should not ignore the past. He says, “Most people still call it a Nehru jacket so an attempt to rebrand it looks embarrassing. We must respect our heritage and past, and not try to forcefully change something.”
A private note reading “Gift received, thank you” would have saved the two political leaders from this mayhem, but Twitter loves a good controversy and especially when it involves two big leaders and influencers. Fashion designer, Namrata G, explains the marketing gimmick behind the names and says, “Firstly, there is no term in fashion such as Modi Bundu or Nehru jacket! These terms are used to define garments that the retailers want to make popular. So whilst the Nehru jacket and Modi Bundu have been worn years before their popularity, they gained momentum because of the personalities that have worn them. I do not advocate the names, as the popular personalities do not own the IP for the design or the creations. So also popular garments like Mumtaz saree, Sadhana cut, Rajesh Khanna safari, Marilyn Monroe Red dress, Jackie Onassis look etc. People make a big deal, as they don’t understand fashion in fashion terms but by the people who wear them! It’s a retailmarketing gimmick. Like you see any new film the designs get popularised by the heroines that wear them and not the designers that create them. But this is only marketing and not fashion in the true sense.”
Time changes everything and fashion falls within its umbrella, it’s Nehru vs Modi now but it could get a completely different identity 50 years down the line. Raghavendra concludes saying, “Symbols evolve as society evolves — today’s new totems and symbols are Twitter handles and Insta pages — who knows what the future holds, these will further get adapted by future generations as society and time changes.”