Novotel Kolkata Hotel and Residences showcased a unique initiative around fostering and honing professional skills amongst its employees. The initiative encouraged male members working in different departments of the hotel to attend a riveting session to navigate the basic aspects of grooming and well-being. Conducted by industry experts Runa Laha and Abhishek Dutta, the session highlighted various ways in which one can exercise creativity to make sartorial choices while working in the hospitality sector.
Getting The Basics right
The session began with model Runa Laha elaborating on the basics of dressing up. She said: “Before you speak, people will see how you are dressed. Dressing is important. There is no such difference between men’s grooming and women’s grooming. Apart from a few technical differences, the basics remain the same. You can look fabulous if you pair a white shirt and denim pants. In order to look good, you need not require a six-pack or something extravagant. Be the best version of yourself. You do not need to buy expensive clothes. What you need is the skill to improvise on your fashion game and enhance your style. You need not wear fancy, expensive clothes all the time but what you need is clean, fresh and neatly-ironed clothes. Apart from black, white and beige shirts one can also opt for regular T-shirts in pastels and a pair of well-fitted denim.”
Designer Abhishek Dutta shared tips on various sartorial options, accessories and colour combinations that men can opt for by considering a close examination of certain factors that are necessary to pull off a spickand-span look. He said: “Nowadays, for men’s fashion, the most important part is the fit of your outfit and how you style your dress. In case you are wearing a jacket, make sure that it fits you well. It need not be a slim fit all the time. For any festive occasion, bandhgalas are a go-to outfit. Pocket squares are a modern accessory. You can easily put it into your normal jacket or bandhgala. You can also go for a little contrast for the muchnecessary drama. Since the hospitality industry is growing by leaps and bounds, grooming has become an essential part of the same. To be more presentable, there are certain colours which are more appealing”
LESS IS MORE
Runa shed light on the basic essentials that a male wardrobe ought to contain, besides underlying the significance of possessing a good set of accessories. “You can mix and match with even a few things that you have in your wardrobe. I am not asking you to buy a lot of clothes. Black, beige, white, brown, and grey are the go-to colours which are versatile and can be worn with several outfits. Carrying a pocket perfume in your bag is recommended. Investing in a nice expensive watch is important because this is something I call an apt investment. Investing in a good Wayfarer is also worthwhile. Wayfarers and Aviators are something that never goes out of fashion,” said Runa.
Personal Hygiene
Runa focused on factors that are often overlooked. She said: “The secret to success is good personal hygiene. These are things that we have read in our school textbooks long back and do not follow them now. We do not always wash our hands before eating. This does not help. Even if you have a problem with your appearance, there’s no need to repress and hide the same. Trimming nails is an important part of grooming. Having good oral hygiene should not be undermined. Carry a mouth refresher or mint-flavoured candies.”
Fitness matters
Runa spoke about the importance of being fit, both physically and mentally. “If you are fit, you will be more productive in carrying out daily activities. Have a fabulous detox system. Every morning, start your day with apple cider vinegar with some cinnamon stick which is excellent for the gut. Immunity is something we should work on. We do not always praise yoga but if you do shoulderstand for at least 20 minutes a day you can easily do away with the need to hit a gym. If you spend around three hours in the gym and then feel lethargic, it won’t bear fruit.”
People who attended the workshop came together for a group picture with Runa Laha and Abhishek Dutta
skincare and haircare regimen
Runa suggested sticking to the basics of cleansing, toning and moisturising that suit varying skin types. For hairstyling, she said: “You need to understand the haircut that will make you look good as per the shape of your face. Do not always trust salon experts blindly. Be knowledgeable before you hit the salon. Always go for a cut that will enhance your look.”