Rohit Bal, Rajesh Pratap Singh to celebrate best of Indian menswear

Fashion gurus Rohit Bal, Rajesh Pratap Singh and Kunal Rawal are among designers who will celebrate the best of Indian menswear at the second edition of Van Heusen + GQ Fashion Nights.

To be held on December 3-4 at the Taj Land's End, in Mumbai, fashion designers like Shantanu & Nikhil, Sahil Aneja, Abhishek Paatni, and Rohit Gandhi & Rahul Khanna, will also present six shows at the event.

Talking about his collection, Pratap Singh said in a statement: "The collection I'm showcasing is all about a new direction in silhouettes and construction. The looks will be pure, modern and definitely from small town India."

Designer duo Shantanu & Nikhil say they are "extremely excited" to be a part of the fashion event and their collection "is a progressive take on menswear with sensibilities of layering and temporal details, materials such as leather and metal featuring through the showcase".

Rawal feels great to be a part of a platform that encourages menswear fashion, and said: "It's great to be part of this platform which showcases and encourages menswear to be in the forefront."

Van Heusen + GQ Fashion Nights 2016 will also showcase the Van Heusen spring summer 2017 Collection that creates a beautiful connect between art and fashion inspired from the optical art movement.

"We have edgy newcomers, established stars and icons, all coming together this year to showcase the Indian men's fashion universe that's exploding with energy, ideas and vitality. This year's designers' collections will reflect a dynamic range of styles, sensibilities and points of view - making this platform the leading showcase for the best menswear in India," Che Kurrien, editor, GQ, said in a statement.

Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna, who draw inspiration from linear structures, geometrical lines and modern contemporary art, said: "Every season we try to offer something different, yet comfortable which will appeal to our audience. This season we transport you back to the 1960s where we turn the page for men's fashion this winter. New vintage is the new rage, with subtly exaggerated details.

"We have emphasized it with grid like structures, retro colors, stripes, surface texture and metal embroidery. Retro has definitely found its way into this collection and is here to stay and still has its classic glamour."

Sooraj Bhat, chief operating officer - Fashion Brands, Madura Fashion & Lifestyle, Aditya Birla Fashion and Lifestyle Ltd, says they aim to take the second edition to new heights and set a new benchmark in the world of fashion and retail.