Poll couture: Modi, Rahul making fashion statements

KOLKATA: Amid the poll potpourri, the fashion quotient of political leaders like Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi has also caught the attention of people, particularly youth, say designers here.

According to designer Abhishek Dutta, BJP prime ministerial candidate Modi's trademark cotton and raw-silk half-sleeve kurtas in pastel hues along with cream churidars are favourites among both youth and middle-aged people.

"Modi's trademark dress is a huge hit," he said, adding that Rahul's white kurta, white pyjama or blue denims along with sneakers too have attracted youths.

Another designer, Sayantan Sarkar, said Modi's dressing style relates to a sense of power -- crisp and clean, yet traditionally Indian, while Rahul's style invokes youth energy.

"Right now, kurta pyjama along with linen half-sleeve Nehru coats are in a huge demand among men," he said.

Sarkar rates Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah as the third most popular among youths in terms of fashion.

"His sharply tailored suits show his love for fine dressing. Whether it's well-fitted suits or kurta-pyjamas, Omar Abdullah is one of the most stylish politicians representing young India. There are people who have placed demands for well-fitted suits, like those used by Omar," he said.

Sarkar also pointed out that given the tropical, hot climate of the country, linen kurtas and pyjamas are also selling like hot cakes among political activists who are regular at political meetings.