The Hindu Business Line : That extra glitter

For the Indian male who is more fashion-conscious today than ever before, there is an array of accessories ranging from ties to belts, watches to wallets and necklaces to studs.

Whoever said men aren't acquisitive was talking through his hat (if he ever possessed one). Men's fashion is gradually evolving beyond its traditional confines so much so that today's metrosexual man is even more fashion-conscious than women. The dowdy old shirt and the toned down gloomy trousers no longer restrict him. He is going all out revelling in bright colours and cool fabrics.

But stylish clothes are not where it all ends. The modern man wants to further spruce up his image with fine fashion accessories. Even as the avant-garde male is becoming more accessory conscious, fashion designers are busy offering him an array of choices ranging from ties to belts, watches to wallets and from necklaces to studs.

Says leading fashion designer Ravi Bajaj, "Accessories are much more important for men than for women because there is so little to choose from. Since there is very little scope for accessorising, it's an interesting challenge."

The big question however is what kind of fashion accompaniments should men wear to look stylish, without looking over-decorated and dandyish? Striking the perfect medium between comfort and style is the key to male fashion and the Indian male man can look stylish while wearing a bracelet, chain or ring, as long as he doesn't overdo it.

Says Delhi-based fashion designer Vidur Parashar, "It is all about how you `put yourself together!' Accessorising is essential to create that perfect look. It adds character to an ensemble, making it come alive and look complete!"

So what kind of fashion accessories should every self-respecting and hip trendsetter possess if he wants to be with it?

Notice that neckline

A necklace has become a wardrobe essential for the fashion-conscious man. Says fashion designer Siddharth Tytler, "Dull silver pendants and crucifixes worn around the neck, apart from being fashionable, are also good conversation starters. If you want to go Indian, then opt for a plain black thread with a Rajasthani ornament."

Wearing the right pair of designer cuff-links to match your tie-bars is a must in every business suit. This is evident from what jewellery designer Anuradha Chhabra has to say: "The number of men buying rings, tie-bars and cuff-links for themselves featuring diamonds and sometimes onyx or lapis lazuli has increased tremendously."

Model Upen Patel agrees. He feels that jewellery in general, and not just necklaces, adds to a man's personality. Whether it is a diamond ear stud, a ring, a chain or cuff-links, they all spell style. "After all, if women can wear suits and trousers, then why can't diamonds be a man's best friend," he asks.

Designer duo Shobna and Vijay Arora too disagree with the Indian mindset that jewellery is a mark of being feminine. They feel that if worn with the right attitude, jewellery can look as striking on men, as classy shoes, belts, ties or watches.

Timeless classics

A classic watch is undoubtedly a man's single most important fashion accessory. Even though an awesome timepiece won't necessarily tell time better than a watch bought from a street vendor, one thing's for sure: it will draw more attention to a man's wrist. A certain power associated with wearing high-end brands is sure to descend upon the wearer like an angel's halo.

Ravi Bajaj advises men to stick to leather straps. Siddharth Tytler agrees that chunky leather watches, double-strapped or studded, make an excellent fashion statement. A funky leather watch, Vidur Parashar feels, is better than sporting a bracelet, because it serves the dual purpose of adorning your wrist and telling time.

Simply stylish

But wearing eye-catching jewellery and sporting a designer watch far from complete the look. The right kind of belts and shoes are crucial in swinging the charismatic needle all the way to the top. Ravi Bajaj is of the opinion that a studded leather or pleather (artificial or faux leather) belt with a small, but definitely visible, designer logo should do the trick.

If you are on a low budget, then choose a black belt — for, it will match almost anything in your wardrobe. If the price tag is not a problem, then fluorescent is the way to go. Canvas belts are another great option and they go well with canvas shoes.

The latest bit of footwear setting the trend-o-meter on fire is the textured leather shoe with pointed toes. But be sure to match these with an embossed lizard, alligator or crocodile skin belt to further polish that au courant image.

Add to this trendy look a tie in a rich colour (pinks and fuchsias are the rage of the day) and you are all set to rock. Not to forget the right kind of pen that is as functional as a fashion statement.

Give in to ethnic

However if ethnicity is your theme, then mojri juttis, Kohlapuri chappals, crinkled stoles made of cotton voile and a silk sash all go into the making of a dashing Indian male. There is special jewellery for bridegrooms, which includes kalghis (to be coupled with a turban), and elegant pearls and emerald strings to match sherwanis.

Most designers say that Indian accessories, though fewer in number, have started catching up in the West so much so that most high-end stores overseas keep themselves well stocked with these items.

But at the end of the day accessories, whether Indian or western, have to complement your clothes. They should be subtle so as to not downplay your personality but at the same time they should be apparent enough, helping you express your individuality and making you stand out as a style guru.

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