Deepak Shah has established himself as a versatile men’s fashion designer who has styled the likes of Amitabh Bachchan, Jackie Shroff, Suniel Shetty, Sanjay Dutt, Ajay Devgn and Arjun Rampal. With footprints in Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad and a style lounge in Dubai, his store is known for its one-of-a-kind clothing. He speaks with SHAlINI SAKSENA about the most well-dressed actors in Bollywood and must-haves this summer
Can you share with us the memories of dressing up Amitabh Bachchan in an eight-page issue of Stardust back in 1992IJ
It was a timeless moment. He is very accommodating and experimental. He gave me a lot of space to bring out a different side of him. It was one of the most exhaustive shoots of my life wherein I had nearly 100 trials before selecting the final look.
Who are the most well-dressed actors in BollywoodIJ
I would give it to Saif Ali Khan in the male category. He represents the uber chic man of new age India. He is immaculate in detailing, impeccable cuts and chic designs. His royal lineage reflects in the way he carries himself. Kareena Kapoor qualifies in the female category as she has impeccably dressed since the start of her career. Being well dressed is about bringing out the best of you in any attire and where your clothes become just a small part of your overall personality. Filmstars don’t need to always don designer clothes to qualify to be the most well-dressed. Saifina epitomise newage fashion.
You have styled Jackie Shroff, Suniel Shetty, Sanjay Dutt and Ajay Devgn. What is the one thing that you need to keep in mind while styling for themIJ
Their love for enduring sophistication and minuscule detailing. They are men, not boys who like to flaunt their persona through outfits. My designing revolves around creating a brand image that speaks volumes about their professional achievements through their clothes.
One actor you would love to style and whyIJ
It would be Aamir Khan for being a perfectionist. He compliments me being a disciplinarian. He can definitely turn into a fashion monster with a little attention and help.
There are reports that men’s fashion in India is headed in a new direction. Your opinionIJ
I am glad that men’s fashion is changing. Women have always enjoyed the prerogative of a multi-optional wardrobe whereas men have had limited options. The 21st century man is more metrosexual and aesthetic with a keen eye for detail and design. The fashion market for men is still evolving. But if we compare it to the last five-seven years, the men’s fashion market has grown very fast and will take a 360 degree summersault very soon.
Men, especially Bollywood actors, are wearing florescent coloured pants these days. WhyIJ
The trend is back and it is definitely not gay. I feel it’s unfair to categorise colours with gender and age groups. If a celebrity can carry off a particular colour well, I don’t see a fashion faux pas there as he understands how it compliments his personality. It’s summers and brights are in vogue. I would advise men to tuck away all the gloomy shades and go for electrics.
How much is our fashion industry dependent on the trends abroadIJ
Quite a lot. The fixation with the West has been prevalent for quite some time. I wouldn’t blame any particular individual for that as the industry has been getting more and more commercialised for the past few years with celebrities endorsing global brands. There has been a media explosion on collaborations, giving a tough time to many indigenous designers. However, I don’t feel it’s important to chase the global markets and trends with the kind of rich heritage and culture India possesses in fashion. We are a trend spotting nation in our own right.
How do you mix traditional with contemporary and what are the challenges you face doing soIJ
An artist doesn’t consider this as a challenge ever. Vintage can be anything from a motif to an embroidery to raw silk, while the cut and design can be modern. However, the only challenge would be co-ordinating the colours in the vintage-modern mix.
Any particular reason why you design one-of-a-kind clothingIJ
As a brand, we are driven by a universal vision of luxury inspired by old-world charm and complimented with newage styles. Fashion trends keep evolving but it is imperative to personalise every wardrobe. My patrons will never be spotted wearing a similar outfit ever because of the detailing I add to each outfit. I make it a point to personally oversee the colour, design and cut of every outfit which is tailor-made to suit the personality of the wearer. So from pret to couture, we focus on international trends but also have a touch of alluring heritage to them which ensures there is an individualistic designer’s touch to the entire collection, making it a showstopper piece.
How has your journey been so far with More MischiefIJ
I have been a dreamer and all my dreams have been designer dreams. I began designing two wheelers and that kickstarted the journey. I transmitted those dreams on to fabrics and drove tailors up the wall. They went loony with my designs for collars, cuffs and pockets. Age and wisdom dawned on me and I grabbed a pair of cutting scissors, even as couture was coming out of the closet.
I learnt the fine art of cutting. Trousers, shirts, jackets they all happened and then I learnt to sew. Dreams turned to reality as fabrics became garments and garments became fashion and fashion became trends. Somewhere down the line, I opened my first store Mischief in Mumbai. Pune happened and so did More Mischief. My journey has been a difficult one but one thing is for sure — More Mischief would not have been the brand it is today, had it not been for my loyal and supportive customers, as also for my family.
What are the few basic tips that men should follow while shoppingIJ
When on a budget, start with wardrobe-building essentials. Think pullover knits, classic shirting, multi-wear blazers. Never compromise fit for price. It’s the key variable in upgrading your style. While shopping for denim avoid what I call the ‘comfort size-up’. Go for materials that are realistic for your lifestyle. The easiest way to avoid any future fashion failure is to think classic, not trendy.
What are the must-haves in men’s wardrobe this summerIJ
Jackets and kurtas. There are some nice styles of jackets, tailored in the form of single and double-breasted sport coats. Kurtas made of knits, denim, silks, light velvets, suede and voiles are in. Colours, ranging from vivacious tangerine to emerald green to crimson red to lemon yellow to citrus green to more muted tones like rose, rust, khaki and olive, are in fashion. Camouflage and patterning is also great.