Road Menswear: On the Road to Charity

ROAD ties fashion and social responsibility together with its latest clothing collection, how two brothers are going back to their roots and paying tribute to early beginnings.

Seattle, WA February 2011 - Seattle based apparel company ROAD announced plans to donate a portion of the profits generated from its new Limited Edition Madras Collection 2011 to Anbalayam, an Indian charity dedicated to bringing education to the disadvantaged. In celebration of its 5 year anniversary, the men’s specialty boutique is giving back to the very region that was the inspiration for the collection, and where the beloved Madras plaid fabric first originated. The collection will be available in ROAD stores, as well as online beginning April, 2011.

ROAD designers were inspired by the rich history of Madras fabric and the wonderful work that the Anbalayam charity has done, and saw this as an opportunity to come up with a vibrant collection that celebrates both. The special features of this Limited Edition Madras Collection 2011 include chambray fabric piecing, as well as other unique trim details. This is a Limited Edition collection, with each piece numbered and identified by ROAD’s Heart of Fashion logo, a red stitched heart. The hand-woven fabrics feature incredible breathability, vibrant colors and lightweight touch.

The goal of Anbalayam is to enable children and young adults by providing them with a positive home and proper education, so that they can live a prosperous and productive life beyond this charitable institution. Currently there are 63 males, ranging from 6 to 20 years old, living in the home. Students are either orphans or semi-orphans who fall below the poverty line. To date, all students have successfully moved out of Anbalayam upon graduation. The charity, founded in 2003, has remained open with the help of local sponsors within the community.

Today however, Anbalayam is struggling to provide students with the basic necessities and relies heavily upon donors to make ends meet. ROAD’s contributions will help improve the quality of life for students by ensuring they have adequate nutrition, bedding and clothing, as well as covering tuition costs for students entering the college level. Anyone who purchases an item from the Limited Edition Madras Collection 2011 will help raise funds for Anbalayam.

“I wear ROAD because the clothes make me feel younger than I am, and because I don’t know of any other men’s boutique that offers such unique, high-quality clothing that is versatile enough to fit my lifestyle. ROAD understands that it’s not just about offering great products, but also sees the importance of giving back. This Madras fundraiser is a phenomenal way to get some great clothes and also help a community in need,” says Tom Hedges, President of the Washington based winery, Hedges Family Estate.

Madras fabric originated in Southeast India and has been found in archeological sites dating back to 3000 B.C. It is believed that the familiar classic check (or plaid) pattern was created in the 18th century, when local hand weavers were inspired by the tartan patterns worn by the Scottish regiments that occupied India during this time. Since then, the region has continued to produce their highly acclaimed Madras fabric by using virtually the same basic techniques. Today it is the staple for the American classic wardrobe and major designers, such as Ralph Lauren, use it season after season to capture the preppy look.

ROAD owners Raj Shah and Akhil Shah began their journey in the apparel industry over 35 years ago after having traveled to Southeast India and discovering the region’s beautiful fabrics. Southeast India is recognized throughout the world for having magnificent textiles, and it is also home of the Anbalayam charity. The brothers have come a long way since their first undertakings in the apparel industry, and their success has been largely based upon their commitment to achieve excellence through hard work and determination. They bring this same level of enthusiasm to supporting the Madras fundraiser, which will enrich the lives of others halfway across the world.

“My brother and I learned that doing business in India is personal. People take you into their homes and offer you tea and ask you how you’re doing. It’s built on trust and personal relationships. We have tried to embody this in our company today. Circling back to our roots and supporting the community that inspired us in the first place is a chance for self-renewal, but more importantly, to show our gratitude.” says CEO of ROAD Raj Shah.

The Limited Edition Madras Collection 2011 will be available to purchase at the Seattle and Bellevue ROAD stores, as well as online at www.roadapparel.com. The collection consists of shorts, shirts, a jacket, bag, belt and hat, all of which were designed using genuine Madras plaid. Retail prices range from $38-$148. Samples are available upon request, for press only.

About ROAD Company
ROAD is a distinguished brand of fashion offering clothing and accessories to today’s on-the-go man. Products are versatile, fit for comfort and show exquisite quality, design, and sharp detailing. ROAD provides handsome and smart fashion to reflect the unique attitude and personality of the individual.

See Anbalayam here.

Photos & text Copyright Road.

Aneeth Arora—To Wear or Not To Wear...

Recently I have become familiarized with Indian designer Aneeth Arora, who is one of the favorite designers, of Imcha Imchen from Nagaland.

Imcha writes, “I think she [Aneeth] truly represents the country and the Indian aesthetics. The Italians seem to like her precision to detail! She is such an inspiration!”

Aneeth’s label is called “péro,” which is the word for ‘to wear’ in the Marwari language—the language spoken in Rājasthān, the largest state in India.

Aneeth’s particular emphasis is on simple clothing that draws from indigenous skills and ancient traditions.

Her inspirations derive from the local styles across the most remote regions, which Aneeth adapts to the tastes of the modern man.

In the photo, Indian model Sahil Shroff is wearing a péro creation.

Sahil is one of the leading models in India who will be joing Bollywood shortly.

Sahil maintains his chiseled body through swimming, running, and Taekwondo, as well as a healthy diet of fruit, vegetables, yogurt, rice, and fish.

In the coming weeks, I hope to bring you more on this resourceful designer, Aneeth Arora.

Check out the styles here.

Photo Courtesy Imcha Imchen, Copyright péro.

Imcha Imchen—the Green Menswear Designer from Nagaland

“COLOR is inspiring. But I do not let it define ME or where I come from.” Imcha Imchen

Imcha Imchen is a native of Nagaland, a hill state in northeastern India that borders Assam, Manipur, and Burma. He grew up in the tiny town of Medziphema.

Imcha graduated in Environmental Science from St. Joseph’s College of Arts and Science in Bangalore. He is also a graduate of the National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad, India, where he studied Design and Merchandising.

Now, combining his two degrees, Imcha is contending for the environment with his latest collection in a campaign called “Do You Know When the River Has Run Dry.” The title was taken from the debut album of Naga singer/songwriter and dear friend, Senti Toy.

The campaign was shot in the Dzukou Valley, in an effort to preserve and conserve the nature and wildlife of Nagaland and implement sustainable tourism. Nagaland abounds in flora and fauna with tropical evergreen forests.

Photo of Ben Jamir by Rokovor Vihienuo Copyright Imcha Imchen.

“Green” by Lecoanet Hemant

At the recent Wills India Fashion Week in New Delhi, India, Lecoanet Hemant unveiled the 2010 spring/summer collection entitled “Green.”

Adhering to the label’s longstanding eco-friendly values, the “natural chic” collection provides an earthy feel with nature-inspired designs.

Organic fabrics of poplin, khadi, and silk all drape together like streams of water flowing over earthy surfaces. The metal mesh creates an effect of luscious minerals.

“What you wrap around your body is what you wrap around your soul–this collection is a reflection of our green philosophy and our deepest belief that eco-friendly and luxury marry well together” says designer Hemant Sagar.

Lecoanet Hemant was founded 1978 in Paris by Indian-born designer Hemant Sagar and French partner Didier Lecoanet.

Photo 2010 spring/summer collection Copyright Lecoanet Hemant.

An Interview with Naga Designer Imcha Imchen

Based in Ahmedabad, India, Imcha Imchen is a designer from Nagaland who made his debut as a Gen Next designer at the Spring/Summer 2009 Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai on October 2008.

The silhouettes in 2009 autumn/winter collection entitled Mangko Akir drew inspiration from the drapes of the mekhela (or sarong), the loin cloth, and the sash, which were used by various Naga tribes.

After writing my first article on Imcha entitled From Nagaland: Menswear with Imcha Imchen, I sent the young an email with several interview questions. Despite his current travels and busy schedule, Imcha responded immediately:

Where were you born and raised, Imcha?
I was born in Mokokchung, Nagaland, but I was raised in a small town called Medziphema, also in Nagaland.

Tell me a bit about your studies...
I obtained a degree in Science with Chemistry, Zoology and Environmental Science. Then, I took a different turn and went to the National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad where I studied Apparel Design and Merchandising.

What are the major inspirations of your creations?
Tribal folklore and textiles.

How would you describe the men's fashion scene in India?
The fashion Scene in India is booming. The first mens fashion week was held just a while back, and it just proves how serious a market it has become, even though men seem to be more conservative or less fashion conscious than their female counterparts.

Thank you, Imcha, for taking time out of your busy schedule to respond! I wish you the greatest success!

Photo Copyright Imcha Imchen.

Manish Malhotra—Bollywood’s Favorite

Bollywood—not only the major Hindi-language film industry in India but also the largest film producer in the world! Am I a fan? Ever since I was a little boy!

Based in Mumbai, Bollywood derived its name in the 1970’s from a combination of “Hollywood” and the former name of Mumbai, which was Bombay.

The Indian film industry, however, can trace its origins to its first silent film in 1913. By the Thirties, nearly 200 films were being released per year.

Indian cinema exploded after Independence, entering a “golden age” from the late Forties to the Sixties. Bollywood then burst onto the international scene roughly 10 years ago and has been gaining in popularity ever since.

Bollywood draws from an assortment of inspirations, including the ancient Indian epics and early Sanskrit drama, 10th-century folk theatre, Parsi (or Zoroastrian) theatre, Hollywood musicals, and MTV. No wonder Bollywood is now exerting a heavy influence on music, dance, and films around the world.

To make it in Bollywood is no easy task! Bollywood films are musicals filled with rhythmic dance. Actors and actresses are not only expected to have the beauty of a fashion model but they must also know how to recite lyrics, act, sing, and dance—and, sometimes, all at once!

Probably the most notorious designer of all Bollywood designers is Manish Malhotra, who, in the course of his 19-year career, has received 34 awards and has designed for more than 1,000 films.

The striking quality of Manish is his keen sense for designing film costumes according to the role of each actor.

Already hosting his own talk show since 2005, Manish may soon be entering the role of film director with Dharma Productions.

Photos Copyright Manish Malhotra.

D.stress & India’s Young at Heart!

Beach lover. Admirer of Indian-style Chinese food. Avid vacationer in London, New York, Las Vegas, Goa, and Spain. Founder of D.stress. 23-year-old designer and the youngest to exhibit at Lakme Fashion Week.

Kunal Rawal is a true Mumbai guy at heart.

Inspired by his travels, the weather, and music, Kunal created his 2010 s/s collection based on the Cuban Guayabera shirt with a dose of Indian military influences.

The apex of the runway show was the finale act by emerging Indian star, Pratik Babbar (photo top right with Kunal Rawal).



Photo & slideshow 2010 s/s collection Copyright D.stress.

Lecoanet Hemant: a Trilogy of Franco-Indian Couture

India-born designer Hemant Segar, who is of German descent, and French partner Didier Lecoanet launched their fashion careers in Paris where they perfected the art of atelier fashion, later moving to India where they continue to design innovative, hi-tech collections of menswear.

At the recent Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai, India, Lecoanet Hemant presented their 2009 autumn/winter collection entitled “Re-Love-ution,” which, in fact was a trio of menswear: a bullet-proof “Shield” line, an “Ayurganic” synthetic-free collection treated in oils and herbs, and a dramatic finale of formal wear.



Photo & slideshow 2009 autumn/winter collection Copyright Lecoanet Hemant.

"The Fantasies of Indian Magic" by Krishna Mehta

“Sadhu” is the Sanskrit term for ‘good man’ and, in Hinduism, stands for the ascetic, mystic, or yogi, who often wears ochre-colored garb.

Kumbh Mela is a mass Hindu pilgrimage, which takes place 4 times every 12 years in 4 alternating locations. At the celebrations, ashes are applied to the skin and ritual baths occur in rivers.

These were the images that Indian designer Krishna Mehta portrayed at the recent Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai, India. The 2010 s/s collection was entitled “the Fantasies of Indian Magic.”

Recognized internationally and recipient of numerous awards, Krishna Mehta was born 1960 in Mumbai into a family of garment exporters, later going on to study economics, commerce, weaving, design, and the applied arts in Mumbai, as well as fashion design and merchandising at Paris.

Growing up between old-world Indian customs and modern values, Krishna uniquely combines the sensitivity of her homeland with an international flair of modern styles.



Photo & slideshow 2010 s/s collection Copyright Krishna Mehta.

Digvijay Singh Pays Tribute to Mother Earth

Another innovative Indian menswear designer that I would like to introduce is Digvijay Singh, who recently exhibited his 2010 s/s “Budhsatva” collection at Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai.

“Budh” means ‘mother earth’, while “Sattva” translates as ‘true essence’. Hence, this unisex and eco-friendly collection of Digvijay Singh represents “the true essence of mother earth.”

Utilizing only organic fibers from banana, pineapple, flex, hemp, and orange plants, Digvijay drew his inspiration from images of genies, pirates, magicians, and warriors.

Traditional Indian salwars, churidars, and kurtas completed the Zen-like collection.



Photo & slideshow 2010 s/s Budhsatva collection Copyright Digvijay Singh.

Rohit & Abhishek Kamra Go Imperial in 2010

Nothing makes me more excited than designers who intelligently revive traditional styles from their homeland’s past, transforming them into modern pieces of art with a classic twist.

And this is exactly what Indian designers Rohit and Abhishek Kamra presented at Lakme Fashion Week for spring/summer 2010.

Rohit and Abhishek took us back on a royal ride to imperial India as they reinterpreted traditional men’s dress, such as the Jodhpuri suit, kurta pijamas, angarkha tunics, waist coats, and the safari coat.

The color palette reflected perfectly the coming trends of spring/summer 2010.



Photo & slideshow 2010 s/s collection Copyright Rohit & Abhishek Kamra.

Rocky S: the Rock Star Designer that Rocks Bollywood

Otherwise known in India as the rock star designer, Rocky-S recently debuted for the first time a menswear collection at the Spring/Summer 2010 Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai.

Also considered a favorite by the most prominent of Bollywood stars, Rocky S tied together in one walk a plethora of styles like punk, Gothic, groom wear, and true blood vampire, all of which was tailored into slim silhouettes, skintight pants, and luscious deep colors.

Rocky S then raised the roof when former model and Bollywood idol, John Abraham, burst onto the runway in a 3-piece pinstripe suit and draped in fine metal chains.

Rocky S is a graduate of J.D. Institute of Fashion Designing.

Photo & slideshow 2010 s/s collection Copyright Rocky-S.

From Nagaland: Menswear with Imcha Imchen

Hand-woven textiles; traditional dying techniques; and arts, crafts, and natural colors from the tribal world—welcome to the stylish realm of Imcha Imchen.

Imcha Imchen is a native of Nagaland, a hill state of northeastern India that borders Assam, Manipur, and Burma.

One of the smallest Indian states with only 2 million inhabitants, Nagaland is home to 14 Naga tribes, each of which boasts its own woven designs and colors.

Utilizing organic cottons and silks with vegetable dyes, Imcha draws heavily on the woven jackets, pleated shirts, loin wraps, fabric shoes, and armlets of his native land.

The 2010 spring summer collection collection "How Many Stories Do You Read on My Face" drew particular inspiration from a valiant headhunter and represents to today’s new generation the concepts of power and status.

Imcha graduated from the Naitonal Institute of Design in Ahmedabad and recently exhibited at Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai.



Photo & slideshow 2010 s/s collection Copyright Imcha Imchen.

Zaeem Jamal in Dubai

Another prominent designer in attendance of Dubai Fashion Week, 24-29 October 2009, was Zaeem Jamal.

Although he wowed the audience with his Grecian-inspired women’s collection and stunning red, gem-studded gown worn by Bollywood idol, Dia Mirza, Zaeem Jamal also designs a cool, urban line for men.

Of Indian origins, Zaeem was born in East Africa but later moved to Dubai so that he could be closer to Asian manufacturers and European customers.

Like the religious quest of balancing both spiritual and material worlds, Zaeem’s label, Z for Z, takes us on a journey of the seven sins, without fear for soul or body, as long as we remain in control of them.

Photo 2009 s/s collection Copyright Z for Z.

Tani: a Jasmine in London

Once a month I like to feature an article dedicated specifically to women’s fashions. So today I present to you Tani—a budding designer of women’s apparel and hand-crafted jewelry.

Named after a verdant valley, Tani is the embodiment of what I consider a significant direction in the multi-faceted fashion industry that can be described as elegant, eclectic, and exotic.

Born in Shimla, India, Tani grew up in a bungalow on the Assam Tea Estates where her father worked—a region rich in biodiversity and endowed with lush greenery; one of the last conservations of the Indian rhinoceros; and a habitat for the Asian elephant, a few of which visited Tani’s pool for an occasional drink.

Daughter of a Hindu mother and a Sikh father, Tani abounds in a unique diversity much like that of her exotic environs. But before Tani could emerge as a precious jewel, she would have to pay a price for her distinctness, which would force her to withdraw within and uncover the richness of her creative soul.

Bullied and rejected by spoiled playmates, Tani was never handed a silver spoon. She remembers her father hard work in providing for the family and his constant gratitude for the fruit of his labor, no matter how insignificant it appeared. She recalls her mother’s words to pursue her dreams, regardless of the price or struggle.

In 1991, Tani and her family moved to London where she experienced more alienation. After receiving a Bachelor’s in Animation, Tani returned to India to continue her fashion studies and pursue a career in modeling. With pixie features and a modern haircut, the fair-skinned aspirant could not fit into the conservative image of the tall Madrasi women who dressed in traditional silk saris, accenting their sleek long hair with jasmine flowers.

Confronted with India’s sharp cultural divide between north and south, Tani ventured back to London where she married her long-time boyfriend from Slovakia, Milan Medvec. Finally drawing on the treasure within, Tani blossomed into a skillful designer as she focused on the unmet demands of women around her; namely, affordable high-end fashion that fits all shapes and sizes and never goes out of style.

Inspired by vivid childhood memories, Tani’s creations recall the scent of jasmine and the flutter of butterflies that enchanted the fields in which she played. Impressed by artistic traditions from the West, Tani draws on imagery like the lilies of Monet and the inlaid gold of Gustav Klimp’s Kiss.

With every collection, Tani aims to empower women from all walks of life as she assembles rare silks and precious stones into creations, instilling her clients with new found confidence, self-appreciation, and elegance. Grateful for the fruit of her labor, Tani donates half of all proceeds to Indian charity.

Tani—not only an exotic stylist of elegant apparel and jewelry but also a jasmine in a lush valley of eclectic trends. Stay tuned for Tani’s website as she brings to you House of Milanovita!

Photos Copyright by House of Milanovita.