 
NARENDRA KUMAR MADE A POWERFUL SOCIALLY INSPIRED FASHION STATEMENT FOR MEN’S WEAR AT LAKME FASHION WEEK
MUMBAI 22 OCTOBER 2008:Three male “bodies” lay on white slabs in the centre of the ramp “bleeding” at the neck with their arms and legs wired to the ceiling above. The stage was set for Narendra Kumar’s socially inspired fashion statement for men’s wear at Lakme Fashion Week for Spring/Summer 2009.
Calling the collection “The Rise of Fascism”, Narendra hoped to highlight the growing violence in the world with the garments which comprised mainly short bombers, blousons and jackets with a marked military touch and were teamed with skinny pants and denims both embellished very discreetly.
The models with their heads swathed in “blood stained” bandages walked with almost military like quick precision to fast paced music and revolutionary speeches.
Colours were deep and sombre – with black, grey, maroon, rust and white giving way to a few bright hues like green and saffron inspired by the national flag. The fabrics were comfortable cotton and silk with light mesh lining, along with poplin, jersey and textured silks for formal, sporty track pants and jackets. Metallic buttons, zippers were used for pockets as well as detailing on jackets. Epaulets and flapped patched pockets appeared regularly and added to the martial look.
There were blousons and cropped jackets in varying styles – single or double breast – or with multiple buckles with side pockets and metallic detailing. Long parkas and trench coats had drawstrings at the waist; pockets appeared at the thigh and in the side seams of trousers, while cargoes were in muted or bright colours.
The final grey/gold embroidered sherwani with a built in collar continued to follow the theme of the show, although designed for ultra formal wear.
Narendra Kumar’s collections have always made innovative fashion statements that make the audience sit up. This time too the loud applause proved that he had scored a winner once more with his men’s wear.
