For the past 16 years Study By Janak has remained a loyalist. It has stuck to designing clothes for men and till today Manoj Mehra believes it’s a market that has the maximum potential. “It’s been a long journey from a small shop gifted to us by my grandfather in 1988 to 2004 when we have grown into a big company,” says Mehra.
A self-taught designer, Mehra, who has launched a line of exclusive Spanish linen shirts and trousers for men, believes it’s the versatility of the fabric that has made it a popular choice of the Indian working man. “This popularity will only grow in days to come as linen not only suits our weather conditions, it looks great when it’s crumpled and takes embroideries and colours easily,” says Mehra.
Study by Janak has called this line SBJ and is planning to open designer prêt stores all over the capital soon. This year the fresh range can be categorised into three types – work wear, evening wear and everyday wear. Working men prefer their trousers in the traditional pastel colours, and striped shirts with slight innovations like big collars and a little detailing on French cuffs. A trouser-shirt combination is priced between Rs 1,490 and Rs 2,900.
For everyday wear cuts get slimmer and evening wear goes experimental with shades of mauve, orange and peach for Rs 1,890. “The everyday wear line has 80 per cent linen and 20 per cent polyester that’s ideal for daily wear as it’s wrinkle-free. Unlike in the past, now men like to wear embroidery. That’s why chikankari shirts did well. The new age man wants more than just a well styled shirt,” concludes Mehra.
