CANVAS SUITS

Have you noticed that teaming up canvas shoes with formals has become the ‘in’ thing?



PICTURE this. At a high society party, you spot this dashing guy dressed to perfection, wearing international labels from top to bottom... well nearly. ‘Coz before a ‘wow’ comes out of you automatically, you suddenly notice his red canvas shoes. Are you shocked? You should not be, since canvas shoes and a formal attire is not exactly a fashion faux pas any longer. Footwear designer Rohan Arora explains, “These days, it’s more about individualistic styling rather than what you see on the ramp. If someone is wearing canvas shoes with a formal suit then I wouldn’t say it looks bad, provided the person can actually carry it off with confidence and style.” Canvas shoes, though, has always been associated with being casual, funky and young. So how does it fit in with formal wear? He adds, “Party shoes can be replaced with canvas shoes. They look good with all kinds of clothes, be it a pair of denims, casual pants or formal trousers. Plus, canvas shoes are always easy to dance in, which is a high point of every party these days.” A smartly dressed man in black has always been a treat to the eyes. So, is this cool and casual look accepted by the girls? Smriti Gupta, a fashion student, says, “Men look great in formal wear. But, I don’t think they look bad when they team up sneakers with suits. I think it makes them look more comfortable, very individualistic and grounded.” 

For many, fashion has become synonymous with comfort. Agrees fashion designer Vivek Karunakaran, “I have been a die-hard fan of canvas shoes for a few years now. I have an entire collection of such shoes in all available colours . I literally live in them. It’s about how comfortable and stylish you feel in them.” Canvas shoes add that refreshing touch to an otherwise predictable look. Actors Abhishek Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan have been seen teaming up sneakers with their formal attires for red carpet events. “Stars have always been the leaders in setting trends. But, this does not mean that the world is going casual. This is just one-of-a-kind style statement,” tells designer Debarun Mukherjee. Being stylishly comfortable seems to be the newest funda for youngsters. As long as girls are able to dance for hours at a stretch without getting a sprain or boys get a chance to add vibrancy to their outfit, will anyone complain about this trend? Don’t think so.