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| Sunday, 26 February 2006 |
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Features |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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Kurtha vs lounge? : Power dressing for men? by Chamitha Kuruppu
Thanks to his wife, thirty-two-year-old Sean Dias 'was compelled' to clad in Indian clothing on his wedding day. Never worn a Kurtha before, he was nervous to switch to any other outfit than the good old lounge suit. "She tried to convince saying it was the 'in thing'. Not wanting to spoil her day, I agreed. Although I was a little reluctant in the beginning, now I think it is much more convenient than the lounge," feels Sean. "Those days men had to opt for Western clothing because there were very few options. A wedding or a grand function was always about men in their tuxedo's. I am glad that the present generation is not left with such limited options," says Amal Cooray. "It's funny because whenever my father is invited to a wedding or a party, the first thing he does is, take his lounge out to the laundry for dry-cleaning. It gets worse because he insists that we too should be clad in a tuxedo, to suit the occasion," complaints Ahamad Faizal. "Why should we wear such boring clothes, when there are so many options which are fashionable and much more comfortable." "Indian fashion is gradually invading the international fashion scene. Kurtha is the latest trend, not only in Sri Lanka but in the Western world as well," says Managing Director of Hameedia's Fouzul Hameed.
Hameed who provides consultation on power dressing for men, says, people today prefer to look for new avenues when it comes to fashion. "Unlike the good old days, today's men work hard to have a variety in their wardrobe. Fashion is not all about neatly ironed pants and shirts tucked in," Hameed points out. Forget about what fashion industry experts have to say, what was the bridegroom wearing at that last wedding reception you attended? A 'Joth Puri'(a tunic collar kurtha type top with pants) is it? Didn't you wish you would have worn one too, so you could be among those fashionable guests, and cursed that overworn lounge of yours? Unlike the lounge suit, the options are unlimited. They come in all styles to indulge you -- whatever you may wish for. Cotton...handloom...heavy embroidery or just the plain ethnic look... little below the knee or upto the ankle... with push up pants or sarong to make it more Sri Lankan. It's not everything about fashion. This type of clothing is preferred by most men, for it's hassle free quality. "I've worn both, but the Kurtha type suit is much more comfortable than the lounge," says Anuk Premaratne, who had just tied the knot. "On my wedding day I decided to wear a 'Joth Puri' because it was very much in fashion, but later I realised it was hassle free unlike the lounge," feels Anuk. "Tunic collar tops are much in demand, because it is much more convenient than the lounge. This type of clothing can be worn for any occasion, from ceremonial to a simple family gathering. There are no hard and fast rules on this, you can wear the suit with a pair of sandals, or if its a sarong, one can even try barefoot," he stresses. However, Hameed emphasises that this type of clothing is not for people with 'budget problems'. "Most of the ceremonial clothes are designer wear, which need proper maintenance. So, these clothes are a little above the average people," says Hameed. For those who care less about the quality and designer wear, and still want to be in fashion, all you have to do is spend some time in Pettah and hunt for a decent Kurta suit, for an affordable prize. Think not about choosing the correct tie, matching socks and shoes and struggling to beat the heat in that tuxedo. Being in fashion, is just a two-piece suit that can be worn even with a pair of sandals..it's worth a try. Isn't it? Gone are the days when men would get into a tuxedo to strive for that James Bond look. Well..hop into that 'sherwani' you'll be a fashion icon in no time. Don't forget to say good bye to your lounge -- you will not be needing it for quite some time. |
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