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The lifestyle
industry for men is growing worldwide and Indian men don’t want to
be left behind. They want to make a statement of who they are, and
jewellery is one way to do so,
SHAH Rukh Khan does it with a rare `E9lan. Amitabh Bachchan looked great doing it in Jhoom Barabar Jhoom. Salman Khan is known all over the world for it. Aamir Khan indulges in the luxury now and then. Abhishek Bachchan looks cool doing it. What is it then that locks all these famous men into one strong bond? It is their propensity to wear stylish jewellery—be it a chunky necklace with an Om or crucifix hanging on a chain, rings that denote that they are praying for luck and good fortune or bracelets with which they wish to set a trend. Men’s jewellery—made of precious metals and stones—is the biggest vogue of 2008. "Men in India want to be known for their strength," says Sheena Talwar, a young fashion designer. "But this time they don’t want to be associated with brute force or macho physical strength. Sure, they are all working out to get that sculpted, well-chiselled body but this is in no way to make a statement of physical prowess. They want good health, energy and stamina. Of course they want to be known for their strength. But they would rather opt for the power of emotions, love, compassion, romance and friendship. All men who stand on top of the pile of fame and glamour today, have shown this year that caring for fellow beings and spreading the message of love and compassion is more important than proving mere physical strength. "This aspect of male strength is what has made films like Chak De India and Taare Zamin Par great hits. Women are applauding this new concept of strength in men. As a result, strong men have opted for the metro sexual look which allows them to experiment with clothes, colours and even jewellery and accessories to symbolise their new personalities." "Will men also choose gold and precious stones in their jewellery?" asks Devyani Raut, a design student. Big B and his son Abhishek have used a large number of rings to show that they believe in precious stones bringing them fortune and freedom from the ill-effects of planets. But other stars like Shahrukh Khan and Salman Khan wear chunky jewellery from European designers to create a new trend or give themselves a new look for every film. The latest good-looker to join this jewellery-wearing brigade is Saif Ali Khan, who not only wears tattoos but also stylish jewellery. Of course designers like me are busy introducing ever-new ranges for men who follow these stars and the trends they set. There are literally millions of young Indian men who follow their favourite stars and shop around for jewellery which they can wear for a season and discard as a new trend comes in. Today, men are as aware of trends and styles as women and are constantly on the lookout to upgrade their looks. Of course, it helps that Indian men always wore jewellery—and the images in our history and mythology prove this. In the forthcoming film Jodha Akbar, the grand-monarch Mughal emperor, played by Hrithik Roshan, will be seen wearing specially made jewellery by Tanishque to prove how popular men’s jewellery was even in bygone ages. But everyone cannot wear gold and precious stones on an ongoing basis. Therefore, top designers from the finest institutions in India have created a whole new trend in jewellery this year. They call their collection ‘very metal intense’. Young designers claim that smooth-polished steel jewellery is what men will wear this year and the shapes will be a mix of Indian and international motifs. "Indians have too long depended upon precious metals and stones for embellishments," says Ameesha Shah of Thia men’s jewellery and accessories, a new international entrant in the Indian market. "Men’s jewellery is an untapped market and we are bringing totally new looks in this scenario. The lifestyle industry for men is growing worldwide and Indian men don’t want to be left behind. They want to make a statement of who they are, and jewellery is one way to do so. Steel is Stahl in German, meaning strength, and men want to be gentle yet strong. So steel is the metal we are using for accessories and jewellery." Thia’s range comprises chunky bracelets, lockets on chains, rings, key-chains, money clips, cuff-links and wrist-cords—all fashioned out of exquisite steel and enhanced with touches of gold, silver or a stone here and there. Thick, black wrist-bands exude masculinity. Not to be missed in the Thia collection is the suave, contemporary pendant and bracelet featuring mechanical inter-locking gears which actually rotate. According to Ameesha, Thia also offers the Paua collection, which features Paua, a precious rainbow-coloured shell, found in the shallow sea along the coast of New Zealand. These shells have been expertly mounted on steel settings and the result is fantastic. Thia jewellery is edgy, male and strong and many film producers are using it to set a trend with their heroes—like Arjun Rampal and others—wearing this newest steel jewellery. Some of the finest designers of India have helped create this range. The days of sub-standard, off-the-road jewellery for men are over. With designer steel jewellery, Indian men have a wide choice of trinkets that suit every kind of personality—from the small-framed gentleman to the big-made superman. "Women looking for presents for their favourite men are delighted with this trend. Priced reasonably, steel jewellery is fascinating and trendy," says Maya Rai, a financial consultant. "What better gift can I give to compliment my husband on his support and strength than giving him this symbol of masculine strength?" Fashion jewellery for men is the trend to look out for in 2008. There will be more collections launched through the year—especially after films like Jodha Akbar are launched. It’s a unique scenario that a historical film is inspiring men to experiment with jewellery of different designs and styles.
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