Designer Nida Mahmood has Indianised the biker look by using brocade and net as accents on biker shorts

How about making a chic statement with an out- and-out tough, yet sporty look? You could forget about playing dapper and go carefree and rugged for a change. Have fun with biking gear that throws in studded bags, riveted strappy boots teamed with short bomber jackets, leather pants and chunky accessories. And since summer is just round- the-corner, avoid leather pants and jackets by day, and go instead for fitted cotton pants in quintessential biker-black hues and shirts with leather elbow-patches.

Designer Nida Mahmood feels that the biker look has always been lurking around, catching the fancy of many designers season after season. “Every time this look catches a designer’s attention, the runways get a glimpse of the modern biker with many funky elements thrown in,” says Mahmood.

According to designer Rahul Khanna one doesn’t have to try too hard to bring out the rebellious attitude associated with the biker look. “A bomber jacket teamed with rugged denims could achieve the sporty look,” says Khanna.

Ritesh Kumar’s version of the biker look comprises easy-fit bottoms in lustrous fabrics paired with lightweight biker jackets; (top) designer Sanchita Ajjampur swears by skin-tight leggings paired with tall leather boots with heels for women bikers

For designer Ritesh Kumar, the biker look is essentially about utility chic which points towards sturdy but stylish travel gear. “With streetwear and sportswear increasingly influencing high fashion, biker fashion is catching up with fashionistas,” says Kumar.

Bangalore-based designer Sanchita Ajjampur feels that the biker elements — as they appear on the international Autumn-Winter 2012 circuit — seem to have masculinised the feminine wardrobe to some extent. “In their recent collections, designers at fashion houses including Lanvin and Alexander McQueen have included silver metallic skull caps, studded velvets, skin-tight leggings, spiky platform shoes, leather harnesses and zips,” says Ajjampur.

Men who swear by the powerful machine can easily incorporate biker elements in their dressing. “The quintessential leather jacket combined with a T-shirt and easy cargo pants works best for men,” says Kumar. The leather jacket could be replaced by jackets in canvas or nylon blends to retain the look without compromising on comfort.

Kumar recommends jersey cardigans, sporty shorts, Lycra T-shirts, leather or nylon sleeveless jackets, all-over patterned cotton-wool socks, scarves and jodhpurs in heavily-washed fabrics.

Ajjampur is all for a muted or all-black colour palette for men. “A statement classic leather jacket worn over a black T-shirt, paired with well-fitted black or deep blue denims will do the trick for men,” says Ajjampur.

Other must-haves, according to her, are a pair of black or brown boots, a good leather belt and a messy hairstyle.

Khanna advises men to always opt for washed or crumpled leathers. “Unruly edges, shredded and scaly textures accomplish the biker look for men,” says Khanna.

On the other hand, biker women can accentuate their figures with structured, Lycra blend jackets combined with jeggings or even try the biker silhouettes in luxury fabrics like silk, duchess satin for a high-end take on the trend.

“Studs and metallic embellishment would recall the biker reference in a feminine yet strong manner,” says Kumar.

Rahul Khanna is all for washed or crumpled leather jackets to bring out the rugged look

The designers have incorporated a lot of elements of this look in their latest collections. Kumar has experimented with softer variations of the biker look in a combination of unusual materials. “Easy-fit bottoms in lustrous fabrics teamed with lightweight biker jackets (which are more like over-shirts) works best for practicality without being over-the-top,” says Kumar.

On the other hand, Mahmood has conjured up her own version of biker fashions with a generous Indian flavour. Mahmood has used frills made from silk, brocade and net and burnt them on the edges for the rough feel. To translate the silver metallic look, Mahmood had used rivets.

Ajjampur feels that a lot of women have been experimenting with the look and going for jackets with zippered sleeves, quilted detailing, leather pants or black leather skirted alternatives — accessorised with silver rings, riveted bracelets, leather belts, stylish boots, sunglasses and jet black hair.

So, if you are gearing up for a long ride or for a get-together about town, you can do it in style and race ahead in fashion.