Designer Punit Balana is convinced that fashion enthusiasts will never fail to find a way to reach their favourite designers given any scenario. He seems quite optimistic enough to believe that there is a silver lining to be found amidst the pandemic hitting the fashion industry.
Balana, who launched his label in 2015 with a keen focus to cater designer wear to women, has turned his vision to design menswear with a limited-edition collection called ‘Mandana’. Â
Balana says that the reason he decided to foray into menswear is that for many years he has been receiving requests within his social circle to design for men.
The designer gave one whole year to research and come up with interesting concepts. He designed ‘Mandana’ in subtle colours and sustainable fabric with a mix of silhouettes ranging from classic to contemporary kurta sets. Balana studies that men like to keep their Indianwear light and comfortable while still making an impact and took it as an opportunity to introduce these pieces.
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 Mandana is inspired by one of the earliest forms of art and celebrates traditional prints and hand block motifs. Beautiful shades of nature influence the colour palette ranging from ivory to green and pinks.
Having comfort as the key element Mandana is an exclusive line of kurtas, pyjamas and churidars made from soft, light and breathable fabrics like cotton silk. The dupattas accompanied are made in organza with Dori work providing it with an elegant finesse. The collection is flexible enough to be work for any occasion, from puja to weddings.
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Even with progressive forms and silhouette, the Puneet Balana label returns to the fundamentals in terms of material, embroideries and motifs. The brand has a spirited design language given its playful colours, prints and patterns.
The brand’s aesthetics are always evolving yet maintaining its principles of comfort and wearability.
The limited menswear collection has covered all age groups and made it a versatile line for the patrons.
Speaking of designing menswear in the Indian market, Balana observed how men the scenario has evolved over time and men are more conscious about their choices than ever since they have realised that their wardrobe choices are an extension of their personality. The market is experiencing an unchanged demand for new and interesting silhouettes making it a booming market in India.
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Balana reveals that most of his collection is inspired by the cultural heritage of Rajasthan fused with ethnic as well as contemporary designs. During the lockdown, he would revive his design philosophy with t existing resources that were available to him.
The Mandana collection, for instance, is created using the existing hand blocks he had from 2010. Pandemic has given him the chance to research and experiments with new silhouettes and prints.
Puneet says that the industry has been hit hard due to pandemic as it belongs to the non-essential sector. Although it is difficult for the industry to bounce back it is still managing to lift up and test the waters.
