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Khaleej Times
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Why do men love to wear black ? Dubai-based fashion influencer on why it's time to choose patterns
Unapologetic. Unbridled. Uncensored. A thought spun into reality using the threads of dreams. That is fashion. You don't need to be practical to be fashionable, but you do need to know (and embrace) yourself. To face your biases and come out the other side, having broken those barriers in the name of style and self-representation. For 45-year-old radio jockey Lokesh Dharmani, the evolution of expression came naturally. 'One of my fondest memories of childhood is of a birthday party of a friend. I must have been like six or seven at that point in time. Everyone was wearing different kinds of clothes. I was wearing a sweater, jeans and all that. And I was also wearing my school belt over the sweater. That was unusual. I think I either saw [Bollywood actors] Govinda or Mithun Chakraborty sport that kind of style and even at that age, I wanted to replicate it,' he recalls, adding that what happened next cemented his desire for experimentation. 'My parents were so chill. They didn't say anything - and I think because my parents never stopped me from expressing myself when it came to fashion, it just like kind of blossomed,' he adds. Today, not only does he sport his own designs, but also has a brand called fbylokesh that's displayed on the racks of NV Couture by Naisha Vasandani in Dubai's Meena Bazaar. The result isn't some tame idea of playfulness but a sharp take on energetic expression that can – like art – bloom into pattern or transmutate into colours and silhouettes that draw the eye. It's also a revolt against the anchor of chauvinism that has typically grounded men's fashion. 'We live in a world where men are giving a unidimensional definition of masculinity, and trapping young boys into submitting to a very unidimensional idea of fashion or of being a man. If you are a man…you have to wear blacks and beiges. If you wear any colour, you're like a woman. And that's 'bad',' he says. As he questions the underlying misogyny that layers these restrictive ideals, he calls for more icons in the spotlight to light the way. Admitting that there are idols who spark conversations – 'Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh is a shining example in our pop culture who pushes men to experiment and try different colours and different things' – he stresses that there's lots more work to be done. 'I remember 12 years ago, when I wore red pants to the office,' he says. 'When I entered the office, everyone kind of turned heads and made a comment. Then there's this friend of mine who he looked at me and said, 'this is so ostentatious, only you can put it off…it takes a lot of guts.' Months later, when he saw his friend walking around in red trousers, it made him realise the only way to see change was to claim it himself. The times are a-changing no doubt; remember Harry Styles' dress wearing stage or when Zayn Malik and Gigi Hadid swapped outfits for a Vogue shoot? While there are outliers even in fashion, the arena of the exceptional, Dharmani calls for more examples normalising colour, pattern, and basically, dressing up. Currently, two lines of thought coexist, he explains – there are those who experiment and those who shut down any idea of dabbling because they're so bothered about their idea of masculinity. As someone firmly from the former camp, Dharmani, whose Instagram handle is @lokeshdharmani, calls for flexibility, even when it comes to closet staples. 'When it comes to accessories, it completely depends on what you're wearing. So, for example, if I'm wearing, loose white pants, then then a thin-soled shoe will not really work. I need to have a thick-soled shoes because otherwise the pants won't fall well. There's no, there's no hard and fast rule as such. 'I recently got majorly into rings. I keep experimenting with different kinds of rings, oxidised, some different faces and figures. I like bracelets. I also like to have bracelets that speak to my personality. I also love brooches,' he says, offering up mediums of individual expression. The golden rule is to pay attention to 'what's trending, what's fashionable, what's in' while bearing in mind the occasion and then cross checking the vibe against your own. There will, of course, be nay-sayers. But, says Dharmani, 'I've thought about it so many times… my love for colours, my love for clothes, my love for fashion, or any kind of aesthetics, it supersedes any kind of judgement. Secondly, there has been a lot of judgement around the way I dress up and all that, but it has never been in my face. I don't think so anyone has ever dared cross the line with me, because I'm a very no-nonsense person. On the contrary, people have always come to me and said, 'you really inspire us to experiment'. And the last thing, is I think a big shout out has to go to my family. They understood that I had a certain sense of expression, and they never told me it was 'wrong' to express myself.' They allowed him to dream; to spin outfits based on those splashes of inspiration, to mood board his favourite hues. The result: an aesthetic that supersedes conformity and gives rise to the new Dubai dude: Fashion-forward and fierce.
Observer
26-03-2025
- General
- Observer
From Pakistan to Oman: The cultural and spiritual aspects of Ramadhan
Fajar Minhas, a native of Islamabad, Pakistan, is experiencing her first Ramadhan in Oman, crafting a new tapestry of memories in a different land. This sacred month is abundant with cherished moments, familial bonds, and the power of prayer. "My first Ramadhan in Oman is delightful; I truly appreciate the tranquillity and pleasant climate here," Fajar shares, her voice filled with warmth. "Back in Islamabad, it's quite chilly at the moment, which we find quite agreeable as it helps alleviate thirst while fasting." Reflecting on the significance of fasting, she continues, "The experience deepens our understanding of the struggles faced by people in Palestine, Syria, and Sudan. We empathetically connect with both Muslims and non-Muslims, feeling their hardships, especially when lacking food or clean water. This connection draws us closer to them—and most importantly, to Allah." Fajar may not recall the exact moment she began fasting from dawn until dusk, but vivid memories of her mother explaining how to ease into fasting linger in her mind. "I remember being taught that starting with six to seven hours of fasting would be rewarded by God," she reminisces. Witnessing her grandmothers embrace the fast inspired her, free from any pressure. "I must have been around 10 or 11 when I began fasting regularly," she adds, a hint of nostalgia in her tone. The fondness for childhood memories continues with a special aspect known as 'Ronak.' "In Islamabad, we have these joyous gatherings called 'Ronak' during Ramadhan. The atmosphere is calm and peaceful. Schools and offices would close early, allowing us to enjoy Saheri and Iftari get-togethers, filled with laughter and connection. I recall that in my childhood, Ramadhan coincided with the summer, and during university, it came right after mid-term examinations—a welcome break from studies! Nights were spent together with twenty-five girls, performing Tarawee prayers and engaging in Holy Quran readings. We would celebrate with games of Ludo. I deeply miss those days, my family, and my siblings." Ludo, a beloved board game in Pakistan, evokes joyful memories for her. As Ramadhan progresses, a wave of shopping takes over, particularly as people prepare for Eid. One market that springs to mind is Meena Bazaar, bustling with activity as shoppers hunt for henna and bangles. "Midway through Ramadhan, henna is usually absent from the market, but everyone eagerly shops for traditional salwar kameez. The vibrant atmosphere is charming, making it comfortable for all ages, from young girls to older generations," Fajar explains with enthusiasm. Pakistani cuisine shines during Iftar as an array of special snacks beckons. "Of course, we must have samosas and pakodas! In our family, we would also whip up Chinese kababs, bread kababs, kachoris, jalebis, dahi baras, chana chaat, and fruit chaat—delicacies enjoyed in every home, MashaAllah!" Cooking is a cherished tradition that children partake in, learning from their mothers. Rich spices and herbs are the hallmark of these dishes. "Yes, while some items can be quite heavy due to frying, it's customary to serve lemon and mint tea, often with a touch of cinnamon, at our tables to combat acidity and the side effects of fried foods." Tradition plays a vital role during Ramadhan, with many opting to wear new clothes every Friday of the holy month. "We would begin shopping as early as two months prior to Ramadhan! The last ten days are particularly special, as we adorn ourselves in new outfits for Tarawee prayers. Once we've prepared for Ramadhan, there's rarely a need for further shopping during the year," Fajar notes with a playful smile. Ramadhan is also a time of giving. "We share rations, clothes, and all necessities for households, alongside paying Zakat to support those in need." Fajar feels at home in Oman, a Muslim country that embraces her heart. "I can hear the calls to prayer and partake in Tarawee prayers without needing to set alarms. It truly feels like home." To round off our conversation, we indulged in a lively game of Ludo, where Fajar's expertise shone through once more.
