Durban – Italy left a lasting impression on local fashion designer Haroun Hansrot. He has long since had a love affair with high-end Italian brands, particularly shoes.
While he is known for his Bollywood-meets-Hollywood gowns, the designer is quite the style icon himself.
We found that his personal wardrobe is comprised of shoes, shoes and more shoes, with outfits built around them.
“The more you travel the more you see and the more your style evolves,” he says.
“I identify with brands such as Gucci, which are flexible enough to dress up or down, and suit a Durban lifestyle.”
A self-confessed shopaholic who likes to shop an outfit from head-to-toe to get it right, Hansrot says the looks he’s created for himself have inspired a foray into menswear.
“I would find the perfect pair of burnt orange Guccis, beige Ballys or pony skin shoes and instantly dream up the kind of jacket or pants I wanted to make to go with them. As a result, my summer collection, which will be released mid-2015, is, for the first time, menswear.
“It’s resort wear, relaxed but classy and sophisticated, and incorporates Irish linens in fresh colours.
“We’re fortunate that, historically, Durban has a wealth of talented tailors and I’ve chosen to work with Quinton Naidoo of Dickson Tailors to get the collection ready in time.”
Hansrot says he hopes to impart some wardrobe wisdom to local men.
“Men don’t pay enough attention to their shoes.
“You can tell a lot about a person’s character based on their shoes. They don’t have to be an expensive brand, but must never be scuffed. Neat and tidy are foremost.
“A trend at present is to match shoes and trousers to elongate the leg and add height,” he says, adding, “If you’re wearing jackets, make sure they fit perfectly. A navy blazer is a wardrobe staple, but colour is equally in at the moment, as are digital printing and floral prints. Only wear what you have the confidence and personality to pull off or the clothes will be wearing you.”
The final word?
“Always go for comfort and be proud of how you present yourself by being well groomed, in crisp, clean clothing.”
The Mercury