Designers Dev R Nil team this body hugging patent leather blouse with a sari with patent leather appliqué work

When winter comes, Hemant Sagar (of the Lecoanet Hemant fashion signature) can’t wait to don his patent leather-finish tuxedos/suits. His fondness for patent leather doesn’t end there but also finds its way into his Fall Winter collections. So the LHMan lines are now rich with patent leather garments in colours like chocolate and burgundy and come with an array of accessories ranging from wallets to patent leather shoes.

Designer Rahul Khanna is also a fan of shiny patent leather but he remembers when times were different. Back in the ’80s, patent leather made a quick exit from the ramp because Indians thought it was inferior and cheap. Today the material with high sheen has been resurrected like the proverbial Phoenix.

These bright patent PU bags from Basta have been embellished with large buckles

“If patent leather was looked down upon once, it’s back with a vengeance today,” says Khanna.

According to Sagar, patent leather was re-introduced to Indian fashion about two years ago and has steadily grown as the popular new material. “It’s shiny and sexy — so it looks great,” he says.

So it’s not surprising that model Amanpreet Wahi adores her Versace patent leather bag, which she teams with black patent leather boots. “Patent leather can take your glam quotient several notches higher even if you are casually dressed,” says Wahi.

Designer Prashant Verma’s patent leather cocktail gown makes for glamourous eveningwear

In the clothes department, there’s good news for patent leather fans. For, a number of designers and luxury brands are playing with the material, which instantly jazzes up any look with its polished appearance. Rahul Khanna, for instance, has come out with a line of patent leather jackets and skirts and pants in colours like maroon and navy blue.

Patent leather isn’t just about Western silhouettes or designs. Designers Dev and Nil, of the brand Dev R Nil, have designed leggings in the material, and have also used it to detail cotton and silk saris and dresses. “The glossy appliqué on matt fabrics acts as a great contrast to the outfit,” says Dev.

A model flaunts a brown patent leather jacket by Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna

The saris in muga silk, cotton and georgettes are priced between Rs 8,000 to Rs 16,000 depending on the detailing and embellishments.

Shantanu Mukerji, general manager of Ermenegildo Zegna, South Asia, adds: “In addition to the eye-catching mirror-like finish, patent leather is virtually waterproof and is flexible. It can be given a plastic or lacquer coating.”

Designer Siddhartha Tytler, who has gone heavy on Lycra patent leather (a stretchable variation) in his upcoming Fall Winter collection 2009, agrees. “Its glamourous sheen makes patent leather stand out from other leathers,” says Tytler.

(From top) These black and white lace-up shoes from Ermenegildo Zegna are great for a formal look; Lecoanet Hemant’s version of formal shoes combines tweed with patent leather; The closed-toed Pia Plat Moc heels from GAS

Tytler is poised to showcase a line of patent leather pencil skirts (priced between Rs 2,000 and Rs 2,500), churidars (Rs 2,500 to 3,000), trousers and big bags (costing between Rs 2,000 and Rs 8,000) in black, white, grey and silver.

For young designer Prashant Verma, patent leather is a very evening material, which works best as cocktail wear. Verma has designed couture collections in all-black patent leather that include cocktail gowns with structured silhouettes, coats and belts. “Patent leather is sensual and adds the sheen required for an evening out,” says Verma.

And if you are an accessories person, there’s a lot for you as well. Mumbai designers Peachy and Ajay Bawa of Basta have used patent PU (polyurethane) this season (prices are anywhere between Rs 4,500 and Rs 7,000). Basta’s latest collection comes in vivid hues like yellow, red, royal blue as well as cool whites. “The bags are embellished with big buckles for style,” says Bawa.

Don’t miss Hemant Sagar’s classic black patent leather shoes or Zegna’s suede sport sneakers with patent leather trimmings (Rs 23,000) and its patent leather tuxedo shoes that are round toed lace-ups (Rs 24,000). “It is a cardinal rule to wear patented footwear with a tuxedo,” says Mukerji.

Luxury brand GAS offers a coordinated collection of patent leather accessories including belts (Rs 2,500), shoes (price on request) and bags (price on request). The highlight of the season is GAS’s patent shoes for women called Pia Plat Moc. These closed-toe heels can be coordinated with flared jeans and fitted jackets. Bags are made in chunky luxe patent combined with fabrics such as velvet.

Mukerji says that patent leather can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth and mild soap. “Minor scratches and scruff marks in the coating can be removed using patent leather cleaners,” he explains.

But a word of warning: don’t go overboard and smother yourself in patent leather. Use it as an accent and contrast it with matte material so that you cut a picture of classy gloss.