Overview
On 19 October 2026, Pearl Academy, described as India’s AI‑first design institution, concluded the Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI with a student‑led runway titled GenAnokhi: India, Worn Your Way. The showcase, presented through the Academy’s First Cut platform, featured six artisans representing Charpai weaving, Zardozi embroidery, handloom wool, block printing, Gota Patti and tassel work, and Charkha spinning, thereby linking traditional Indian craft techniques with contemporary fashion sensibilities.
Book Launch
The same event introduced The Ultimate Styling Guide for Modern Men, a practical handbook authored by Pearl Academy Chairman Sharad Mehra and published by Penguin Random House India. The guide proposes a structured yet accessible methodology for men to understand personal style, body types, wardrobe versatility, fit, and occasion‑appropriate dressing, emphasizing self‑awareness over fleeting trends.
Key Quotes
Sharad Mehra stated, “You are your style; the rest is mere detail. Getting dressed is enjoyable because of the little details, whether it’s a colourful suit or the right pair of shoes. This book is my invitation to other men to have a little more fun with what they wear. You don’t need expensive labels or a rulebook. You just need to know yourself and dress like yourself, only with a little more confidence.”
Sunil Sethi, Chairman of the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), remarked, “Pearl Academy's First Cut has been an important platform for emerging designers to gain industry exposure, and GenAnokhi offers an exciting interpretation of Indian fashion by blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary perspectives. Fashion and style go hand in hand, and I look forward to Dr. Sharad Mehra's book, The Ultimate Styling Guide for Modern Men, which promises valuable insights into modern styling.”
Sharad Mehra’s Personal Style
Mehra’s own wardrobe combines Western tailoring with Indian textiles such as Ikat, Kalamkari, and Chikankari, incorporating colour, unconventional suits, and distinctive details. He owns more than 200 pairs of shoes, ranging from classic brogues to colourful sneakers, underscoring his belief that personal style is built on small, enjoyable details rather than expensive labels.
About Pearl Academy
Established in 1993 under the Creative Arts Education Society (CAES), Pearl Academy operates campuses in Delhi‑South, Delhi‑West, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Jaipur. It offers undergraduate (B.Des/BBA) and postgraduate (M.Des/MBA) programmes across Fashion, Styling, Product, Communication, Textile, Business, Gaming, and XR, affiliated with the Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development (RGNIYD). With over 33 years of legacy, the Academy has more than 15,000 alumni and collaborates with leading industry bodies and global partners to nurture creative professionals.
Disclaimer
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