PM Modi's US Visit: Wardrobe by Troy Costa aims to transform PM's image into an 'international look'

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s US trip is expected to mark a watershed in more ways than one, including dress and design. So, if you’re wondering what he will be wearing while addressing the United Nations General Assembly, at the White House dinner or at the Madison Square Garden event, be prepared for some surprises. Equipped with a wardrobe by young Mumbai designer Troy Costa, Modi is likely to transform his image into a more “international look”, according to people who’ve had a peek at the prime minister’s new clothes.

Not only is he likely to add a few chic suits to his trousseau, he may even dump those trademark sandals that he wears with socks along with his tightly fitting churidars for a more evolved appearance. Costa insisted that it’s not just the clothes that need to be changed but much else besides, according to various insiders.

“The world is soon going to see a ‘visible change’, not just in what clothes he wears, but also his accessories like watches, glasses, shoes and even the haircut — basically, the overall look,” said one of the people cited above. Costa declined to give any information on what he had designed for Modi.

However, those in the know said attention is being paid to the smallest details. ET was the first to report about the wardrobe change being worked on by the Mumbai designer for the US visit. What exactly he will wear while shaking hands with Obama or for his speech at Madison Square Garden is being kept closely guarded — whether it will be the signature, traditional half-sleeve kurta with a bandi or a suit to be in sync with the global community.

The idea is to make lasting changes, not just for the US visit, said another person. The designer is preparing for a bigger role on the global fashion map and will show at The Paris Week in March next year for the first time. His other clients include Hrithik Roshan, Mahesh Bhupati, the Bollywood Khans and members of the Ambani family. Since taking office in May, Modi has been gradually softening his austere image.

During his trip to Brazil, Modi left his signature kurta behind for a more business-like formal bandgala. During Chinese President Xi Jingping’s visit to India, he stuck to kurtas with sleeveless jackets and the bandgala.