Designers focus on sweat-a-porter

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The New Year has begun. You have resolved to exercise and get back into shape. While you ponder over whether to hit the gym or jog in the neighbourhood park, you also need to shop for the right gear.

A neon green T-shirt, clubbed with black lycra tights, might look cool. One can stick to conservative grey and red combination as well. Sportswear in India is witnessing a rapid surge in demand as youngsters are getting particular about fitness. From sportswear couture to silhouettes, our designers have interesting options to offer.
Designer Aniket Satam is the latest to join the bandwagon of designers who are collaborating with well known brands to launch premium sportswear collection. “Especially, post the festive season, the demand for sportswear reaches an all-time high. And in the new year as most people come up with fitness resolutions, I decided to partner with the brand, Attiva to sell premium sportwear from January end. With sizes ranging from extra small to large to fit the Indian body type, use of Italian imported fabric colorado, and colours ranging from fuschia pink, neon green, cobalt blue to conservative greys and blacks, youngsters will have ample choices,” says Satam.
Sports is not just about fitness but a part of modern lifestyle. In such a situation, sportswear becomes an extension of one’s personality. “The demand for designer sportswear is increasing rapidly. In sportswear, I feel the silhouette should be fitted, so that people aspire to be fit. Colours should be bright to keep up the mood. I also use a lot of colour blocking. My favourite fabrics for sportswear are climacool (primarily polyester), used by giants like Adidas and Nike and ofcourse, lycra,” says Nikhil, of designer duo, Shantanu and Nikhil. The duo had entered into a joint venture partnership with Adidas in 2010 to launch their new brand, S&N.
Now, we have sportswear couture as well, which has gone to another level altogether. It could involve very intensive garment construction. For instance, a jersey can be moulded into interesting silhouettes.
“There is extreme construction detailing in sports clothing now. I have these track pants with lots of pockets, zippers and piping, and you can actually refer them as couture. What I feel is that any design or pattern which is extreme in nature is colloquially perceived as couture. So, the definition of the term is getting diluted. Couture and sportswear, the juxtaposition of the two contradictory terms makes the whole concept exciting,” adds designer Gaurav Gupta.
Young designer duo Shivan and Narresh add, “Fit is the prime factor and hence, silhouette trends would be towards cuts that define the body but have enough flexibility to keep movement and breathability in focus. There is nothing better than making the rigour of sports activity seem vibrant with a dash of colour. Style wise, the familiar track suit will be constant, but innovation around the same with lengths, colours and fabrics is always suggested.”