Mumbai, December 3, 2016: GQ India, the ultimate authority on men’s fashion and lifestyle and Van Heusen launched the 2nd edition of Van Heusen + GQ Fashion Nights 2016 on 3rd December 2016 at Taj Land’s End, Mumbai. Day 1 of the glittering fashion soiree saw ace designers Shantanu and Nikhil, Abhishek Paatni, Sahil Aneja and Rohit Gandhi + Rahul Khanna unveil their brand new collections that combined menswear style with sophistication and panache. The evening also witnessed Van Heusen showcase an exclusive premium apparel line of luxury menswear. Designed with heritage craftsmanship and a perfect blend of sophistication, the range includes finely crafted, sculpted shirts and suits that are of utmost desire for the modern urban man.
Ever since its launch in 2008, GQ India has always been on the forefront of all things related to the modern Indian man. The last 7 years have seen GQ play an instrumental role in revolutionizing menswear in India, bringing about a tidal wave of change that has trickled down to the average man on the streets, further substantiated by Fashion Nights 2016.
Day 1 of Van Heusen + GQ Fashion Nights 2016 saw several known faces in attendance like Anushka Sharma, Hrithik Roshan, Yami Gautam, Sushant Singh Rajput, Rohit Bal, Vikrant Massey, Prateik Babbar, Bibhu Mohapatra, Ashiesh Shah, Karan Singh Grover, Kartik Aryan, Anil Chopra, Arjun Khanna, Mandira Bedi, Ujwala Raut, Nandita Mahtani, Bhavna Pandey and amongst others.
Sharing his thoughts post the conclusion of Day 1 of Van Heusen & GQ Fashion Nights 2016, Che Kurrien, Editor, GQ said, “What we witnessed tonight is some of the best menswear ever seen on the ramp in India, with a variety of styles that all underscores the depth and rage of the Fashion Nights platform”.Mr Sooraj Bhatt, Chief Operating Officer (COO) - Fashion Brands, Madura Fashion and Lifestyle, Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd. stated, "It has been an amazing experience to create the most awaited menswear event in the country- Van Heusen + GQ Fashion Nights. We are delighted to showcase our new SS'17 line designed with 'Heritage Craftsmanship'."
Known for their progressive take on fashion, the snazzy duo of Shantanu & Nikhil, opened Day 1 by unveiling an exclusive line of wearable menswear inspired by the tribe of men of “Kashmiriyat 1990”. Staying true to their identity, the collection highlighted their sensibilities of layering and temporal details, with materials such as leather and metal and asymmetrical silhouettes with drape, structure and fit. Detached from common trends, age and seasons, the display was perfect for the elegant, confident and sensual man.
Abhishek Paatni brought a complete package for the man of today with some artistic yet bold prints. Deriving inspiration from the ancient warrior clothing of Japan, the collection included techniques like quilting, sashiko stitching and panel work. The collection captured the undying spirit of the ancient Samurai warrior and their celebration of the art of war. Classics like the kimono and hakama were re-interpreted into a modern avatar where functionality met tradition. On the other hand, Sahil Aneja’s stately fashion drew inspiration from the modern man who has evolved out of his comfort zone into the fusion-led and dynamic international fashion world. The contemporary and chic collection broke the traditional typologies and personas as well as the codes that helped the new modern male evolve. With a mix of colours mostly like bottle green, grey, deep wine and dark blue, the collection was fit for the quintessentially refined fashionista who loves a jolt of colour with a slight twist.
Talking about the show, an exhilarated Abhishek Paatni shared, “It felt great to showcase my aesthetic at one of the most credible platform for menswear in India. It was a pleasure sharing the stage with some of best names in fashion industry and to present my collection in front of the crème-de-la-crème of fashion. It was definitely the best curated menswear show. The entire team at GQ has been instrumental in helping me put together this show. I am looking forward to come back again.”
Sahil Aneja added, “Hand painted leather jackets, lots of layerings, long parkas and fun detailings for the trending fashion aficionados! Made for the modern Indian male who dares to step out of his comfort zone and has his own sense of style and love for fashion!”
For the man who does not follow fashion literally but mixes different styles together and makes them his own, Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna introduced an apt collection to close Day 1. They brought back the 70’s fashion with a contemporary twist and subtly exaggerated details. Their signature style was minimalistic and architectural with grid like structures, retro colors, stripes, surface texture and metal embroidery that gave the retro collection a glamourous, classical feel.
Sharing their inspiration behind the collection, Rohit Gandhi – Rahul Khanna said,"GQ is the authority on men. It is one of the most elite belvedere for more than 50 years that has come up with exclusive ways to promote the fashion aesthetics for the men in our country providing definitive coverage of style and culture. GQ Fashion Nights has definitely emerged as one of the most awaited stint of the fashion industry every year and has helped the Indian men evolve their fashion style and design radically. This time we showcased a very architectural and embellished contemporary collection that reflects the new modern gentlemen who are very fashion forward. RGRK Styles have a put-together polish that flatter men. Surface textures and Metal embroidery details with a new combination of traditional and modern materials is used to create basic feel of a contemporary, elevating style to a premium level. Fabrics are washed vintage feel yet keeping the aesthetics intact."
The tailored platform for menswear fashion created by Van Heusen and GQ India, showcased a plethora of style and appeal. The night saw unique trends that were urbane and slick, catering proficiently to the modern Indian men. Van Heusen + GQ Fashion Nights wrapped up the successful haberdashery with sheer brilliance on day one and geared up for supplementary staple styles and updated sartorial edits.
Follow #FashionNights updates on www.gqindia.com, and @GQIndia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat.
And @VanHeusenInd on Twitter.
About Condé Nast
Condé Nast is a global media company producing the highest quality magazines, websites and digital content. Reaching more than 300 million consumers in 29 markets, the company’s portfolio includes many of the world’s most respected and influential media properties including Vogue, Vanity Fair, Glamour, Brides, Self, GQ, Condé Nast Traveller/Traveler, Allure, Architectural Digest, Wired, W and Style among others. In addition to publishing 143 magazines and over 100 websites, the company operates a restaurant division and several ventures in education. Condé Nast Entertainment develops film, television and premium video programming.
About Van Heusen:
Van Heusen is India's No. 1 premium lifestyle brand for professionals. With a rich heritage of 128 years in United States of America, the brand entered India in 1990. Over a period of its 25 years of history in India, Van Heusen has emerged as a fashion authority for the ever evolving Indian professionals becoming the go-to source for the latest in fashion trends as well as for expert advice on what to wear, when to wear it and how to wear it. Today, Van Heusen is not only the most preferred work wear brand, but also effortlessly straddles entire spectrum of occasions like casuals, ceremonial and party wear.