Korean president Moon Jae-in posted photos of himself on Twitter sporting the piece of clothing made famous by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Indian fashion designers Raghavendra Rathore and Rina Dhaka weigh in
New Delhi: The Modi jacket has truly gone global. Korean president Moon Jae-in posted photos of himself on Twitter sporting the piece of clothing made famous by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Modi jacket is a variant of the bandhgala, which have long been the mainstay of Indian menswear fashion. And now, the timeless outfit has received the Korean president’s stamp of approval.
President Moon is seen wearing the sleeveless version of the bandhgala jacket, better known as the Modi jacket. He shared that the Indian prime minister had sent him the meticulously tailored outfit after he had complimented Modi during his visit to India.
During my visit to India, I had told the Prime Minister that he looked great in those vests, and he duly sent them over, all meticulously tailored to my size. I would like to thank him for this kind gesture. pic.twitter.com/wRgekJSW16
— 문재인 (@moonriver365)The Modi jacket was originally the half-sleeved version of the bandhgala jacket but that has now a sleeveless avatar too.
The Indian fashion fraternity is also appreciating the global shout-out. Pioneer of the bandhgala jackets in India, veteran designer Raghavendra Rathore, welcomed the post.
“The classic bandhgala waistcoat inspired by the Jodhpuri bandhgala has been in fashion for a long time and it is good to see it becoming a global relic, something which is here to stay,” Rathore told MyNation.
President Moon said that the Modi jacket can be worn along with traditional Korean attire, and Indian designers feel that it is a versatile garment.
Designer Rina Dhaka says she is happy that the Korean president is endorsing the Indian prime minister’s style statement. She told MyNation, “This jacket is something men just cannot have enough of… it’s one of those trends. The Modi jacket formalises their look, doesn’t keep them hot and is also great for layering.”
With president Moon urging Koreans to give Modi jacket a try, Dhaka also thinks the garment can become a global trend. “I am sure this Indian trend will soon go international. Such waistcoats can be seen in every menswear show nowadays. I don’t know if the global people would become as obsessive about Modi jackets as we are, but in India and our Asian neighbours, it will be a huge rage,” Dhaka said.
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