Prime Minister Narendra Modi, known for his sartorial taste, chose a well-tailored fawn-coloured bandhgala with a saffron Gujarati turban, as opposed to the crisp white shirt and formal suit sported by French President Francois Hollande, the chief guest at the 67th Republic Day Parade, on Tuesday.
Hollande, who keenly watched the colourful parade that showcased India’s military proweess and cultural diversity, looked suave and dapper in tune with the perception that French men have a style of their own.
Seated alongside him was Modi, whose traditional look for the special occasion left Indian designers impressed. He was as “appropriately” dressed for the event as he is at other times, said fashion designer Amit GT, who has earlier showcased his creations in Paris, Milan and Vienna.
“His bandhgalas are always immaculately tailored. His look during the Republic Day was appropriate, if not fashion forward. He has to connect with all citizens of India, so if he sports a turban or anything related to India, it should be admired. He is a smartly dressed politician,” Amit said.
This is not the first time that Modi has sported a turban at a public event. During last year’s Republic Day parade too, he had teamed his traditional bandhgala with a bright red Rajasthani bandhani turban. He also wore a red turban on last year’s Independence Day and a turban in the colours of the national flag in 2014.
Designer Varija Bajaj said whatever he wears, Modi is definitely a “trendsetter”.
“He is a perfect brand ambassador for Indian fashion. I have always complained how men sport the same blue and grey office-wear to all occasions. Hope now that we learn from the Prime Minister’s choice of colours that India is all about vibrant colours and not the American monotones,” added Bajaj.
Sonia and Rahul greet nation
Congress president Sonia Gandhi and party vice-president Rahul gandhi extended their greetings to countrymen on the 67th Republic Day. Sonia expressed hope that democracy, equality and justice will prevail and perpetuate.
Sonia and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah were seen seated in the front row two seats apart at the Republic Day celebrations on the Rajpath.