The Smarter Way To Be Forever Stylish

Ace designer Ravi Bajaj gives us some stylish upgrade ideas with new age lightweight tweeds and plaids. All befitting a modern gentleman, of course.

- Abhilasha Sihag

Traditionally, tweed is known to be a sturdy fabric. It’s meant for colder climates. For a tropical country like ours, it gets difficult to push tweed. Yet, lots of mills abroad—and some in India—are now reinventing tweed and making it lighter in weight. Ravi Bajaj, who is known for his modern take on classic silhouettes, is enthusiastic about this menswear staple. More vibrant colours are also being used now, like burn orange mixed with grey and black. “These are intelligent ways of approaching tweed and making it interesting for the younger lot,” he says, indicating that there’s still time for us to include this classic texture in our wardrobes. Plus, if you’re going to England or Australia (it’s winter there, remember?), tweed could be a lifesaver.

With all the interesting ways in which tweed is being reinterpreted, it’s good to know that this can actually result in the evolution of the fabric, as much in mindset as the actual weaves. Who doesn’t remember grandfather’s Harris, or the smashing Dunn & Co overcoat?

As tweed is moving forward, leather elbow patches have given way to a wonderful neoclassic look. Here are some solid suggestions from Mr. Bajaj...