The modern Indian urban man balances work and party with aplomb and picks comfort in style for their apparel choices. Charming, urbane, neat with an edge of sophistication, together with lovely colours and effortless elegance — all of this and more that reflects one’s distinct personality, is slowly becoming the go-to for men’s fashion. Add to it the neat symmetry found in man-made architectures and elements of nature, for beauty lies in fine balance. That’s Kaha for you. The menswear label quite literally draws upon the defining thought of ‘being comfortable in one’s skin’, and fashions versatile, trendy yet comfortable men’s garments with a refined, modern aesthetic. Helmed by Calcutta girl Pallavi Bhuwalka, graduate of the National Institute of Fashion Technology, Kaha began its journey in 2017. While starting out with a capsule collection of shirts, Kaha gradually branched out into offering jackets, dress shirts, bow ties, and kurtas in customised designs.
Kaha’s signature collection, Hues of Symmetry, is a sartorial constellation of modish motifs, intricate yet minimalist designs of circles, lines, shapes and forms set in cotton ensembles. The silhouettes are done in pastel shades, mirroring colours of the day, and darker shades, mirroring colours of the night. “The collection creates a symmetry of the separates in airy linens that set the mind and body free,” said Pallavi.
With Diwali knocking at the door, choosing the right picks goes a long way in acing the fashion game. For the festive season today is not just about Dhanteras and Diwali but more so about parties and get-togethers, be it the taash party, dinner parties and so on. Kaha has you sorted for them all. “I have clients who are not just buying for Diwali but taash parties as well. So, they can buy a short kurta or a long shirt for their Diwali parties from the collection. They will go for a simple design because it is so classic! All you need is a motif that stands out. We have origami pocket squares, so the look is simple but with pretty colours. I’ve noticed a change in the way people want to dress themselves, and this is true for both men and women. They want to wear something simple even during Diwali. Since the last four-five years, people are noticing minimalist detailing over heavy motifs and designs. They are looking for apparels that shine through simplicity. It could be a texture which is very subtle too. Comfort is the key factor,” said Pallavi.
Pallavi Bhuwalka
More about it
What: Kaha
Where: 49/9 Ballygunge Place
Price range: Rs 4,000 to 8,000 (for shirts), Rs 6,000 to 10,000 (kurtas)
Instagram and Facebook: @kaha.shop
If lighter shades gel well with your personality, this light-blue Italian cotton dress shirt is just what you’re looking for. Pair it with white trousers for an understated but uber-stylish and elegant look.
Men’s wardrobe staples include shades of grey. Roll back the sleeves of this neat grey Italian cotton dress shirt to up the dashing meter at that happening taash party. Pair it with beige pants and you’re good to go.
When in doubt, go for black. This matka silk half jacket with its neat symmetrical patterns will lend a sorted look to your Diwali fashion game. Pair it with white or peach trousers and kurta to get the fusion look right.
Another ombre light golden and white pure linen jacquard half jacket to wear atop that favourite dark red or maroon kurta of yours, this one stands out for the bird-shaped origami pocket square made of paper folding. Complete the look with red churidar pants and brown sandals.
More often than not, keeping it simple does it. This black Italian cotton kurta with criss-cross patterns is all about calm and debonair with a dash of comfort and effortless style. Pair it with contrasting off-white churidar pants and black velvet mojri to complete. Instagram-ready we say!
Yellows are in for that happy burst of colour to your wardrobe. Opt for this ombre yellow pure linen long kurta that is all about the mellow mood done right and how. The design motif on the kurta is hard to miss, making it all the more trendy. Pair it with brown trousers and sandals.
If you’re confused between choosing black and dark grey, go for this textured long kurta with shades of dark grey for a unique, contemporary look that is just the right blend between style and comfort. Pair it with black trousers to complete the look.
This ombre coffee-colour pure linen long kurta oozes comfort with a touch of sophistication. Go for this for a fuss-free and fashionable look on Diwali. Pair it with green churidar pants and be the talk of the taash party.
Pictures courtesy: Kaha