SIGNATURE STYLE

RAKESH THAKORE, DESIGNER

On investing in pieces that are timeless

“I owe my sense of style to Martand Singh (the late textile conservator and cultural historian) who was impeccable and elegant in his white, pin-tucked kurtas and aligaris. He frequently advised me on how to express my individual choice in clothing, and to invest in pieces that lasts forever.

My style evolved in my 30s; when I was younger, I enjoyed experimenting with trends. Over time, I began to gravitate towards simple, relaxed, yet stylish pieces that were timeless. I still remember my first major purchase: it was a dark charcoal suit from Jaeger, London, and it saw me through many formal evenings during my trips overseas.

I think dressing is an art, it’s about paying respect to the occasion. I tend to stick to my staples—a well-tailored suit, comfortable shoes, cufflinks, watch, and bracelets. To add some newness, I change the cravat, pocket square, and shoes.

I have also been greatly-influenced by my father’s style, as well as Hollywood classics, especially Dr Zhivago and Gone With The Wind. I’d say style doesn’t come easy, so start with the basics, and create a look that suits you in terms of colour and fit.”

KALLOL DATTA, DESIGNER

On creating a reliable army of pitch-black clothes

“My signature style is all-enveloping: layered, languid forms that make me look like a blob or an inkblot when viewed from a distance.

During my days at design school and university, it was all over the place with colours, separates, hair, and accessories. A gradual evolution was evident when I started my practice as a clothes maker, and comfort and time took precedence.

My wardrobe contains garments made by me since I dislike clothing made for my size, elsewhere. There are black cotton pieces with free-flowing, three-dimensional folds, giant bags, jewellery in mixed metal tones, eyewear, and shoes. Blending fragrances forms a key part of the way I am everyday…it’s visceral, it ties it all in for me.

I don’t have clothing or accessories specific to certain occasions—I’ll wear the