CRAFTY BOYS

Who says girls have all the fun? Everyday menswear is flirting with craftsmanship, thanks to a new guard of homegrown designers who are working with familiar techniques in refreshing new ways. Plus, we love their personal style.

- Swareena Gurung

MOHIT AHUJA

Darwaza | The story behind the name of Mohit Ahuja’s brand, “Darwaza”, is poetic. As he tells us, “It’s a portal—an invitation into a world without judgment.” Growing up in a small town without many menswear offerings, he remembers fancying the bright colours and florals in the women’s sections, but being too self-conscious to try them. “I just wanted to be more experimental, and that’s how Darwaza was born,” he says. Darwaza’s range of unisex clothing—particularly its pure cotton and linen shirts—feature hand-embroidery techniques, which are used to create verdant floral motifs, inspired by Ahuja’s love for nature and days spent gardening with his parents. Think cotton shirts with a bouquet of cross-stitched cherries, and a chequered handloom shirt with maroon crocheted pockets and coconut buttons. In addition to the clothes that evoke a perpetual sense of summer, there’s also a range of necklaces, made with handmade ceramic beads. It isn’t easy for small brands to sustainably produce clothes and remain competitively priced, but Ahuja’s own history of buying fast-fashion inspired him to collaborate with craftspeople working with techniques such as crochet and cross-stitching, despite it being harder to do so, with their dwindling numbers. “Our aim is to tap into the natural instincts and experiences of these craftspeople, and make them part of our design process. Doing so helps us create high-quality pieces that are timeless in their appeal.”

KEDAR MADDULA