Designer duo Rishi and Soujit recently launched their menswear line with a new collection called ‘Iris’ that is smart, simple, vibrant and has a statement appeal, too. Known for their womenswear featuring crafts and weaves of Bengal, embroidery and zardosi work on ethnic wear with both traditional and contemporary appeal, their menswear line, launched post-pandemic, is an extension of their womenswear in terms of design aesthetics. “Post-pandemic the buying trends have changed a lot. This idea came to us from our clients and we thought it was a great idea. We made a small collection of 20 to 25 pieces, where like our womenswear, we focused on Bengal’s craft,” say the designer duo.
The collection comprising casual as well as occasion-wear features basic kurtas, Nehru jackets, achkans, bundis with design detailing like multicolour threadwork and texturing for a simple and suave look. “Iris is a kaleidoscope of styles and colours. We did not incorporate any heavy design element. We wanted to give it a very Kolkata and a very Bengal-oriented look. The kurtas are either colour-blocked by styling with a bundi or jacket or mono-toned. Our womenswear collection inspired the menswear collection. My thought process is whatever I can wear, I will deliver that in the market. Everyone can access this, it’s not for a niche clientele. Everything is handcrafted. Our menswear is very versatile and doesn’t feature styles that will go out of fashion after six months. It is very ethnic and sober for every season, every occasion and every body type,” say Rishi and Soujit.
Designer duo Rishi and Soujit
Perfect for a charming, simple and vibrant festive look on Poila Baisakh. On Kutubuddin Sheikh, a fuchsia pink solid, geometric textured, printed straight-fit kurta with multicolour thread embroidery on the collar and placket. On Wafi Habibi, a canary yellow textured kurta with multicolour geometric pattern on the collar and placket.
Opt for a suave and glam evening occasion look. On Wafi, a midnight-blue geometric-pattern bandhgala with cutdana embellishme-nts is teamed with a pair of straight pants. On Kutubuddin, a wine-coloured textured and embroidered bandhgala with tone-on-tone straight-fit pants.
The trendy bottle-green raw silk kurta on Kushal Mehta, teamed with a pair of straight-fit pants and self-textured bundi is perfect for a statement summer-wedding evening look. Kushal’s look complements Diya Palit’s sage green wave-pattern embroidered sari designed with silver cutdana embroidery, paired with a sequin-detailed shimmery blouse.
Pictures: Sourced from Rishi and Soujit
