Pushpak Sen, who goes by The Bong Munda on social media (having started his menswear blog by the same name some years ago), has been making waves for sartorial fashion choices, challenging the conventional notion of the saree, and breaking stereotypes. In a chat with Travel+Leisure India & South Asia, fashionista talks about finding self-love in the smaller things and the city of joy playing muse, the love for drapes and more.
Excerpts from the interview with Pushpak Sen
T+L India: How do you portray self-love through your work and fashion ethos?
Pushpak Sen: The way I look at it, self-love for me is just trying to be the best version of myself. Whether it is an outfit I’m wearing, a campaign I’m styling, or even creative directing, I try to give it my best. If I can do that, it gives me a boost of self-validation and confidence and I think that’s a great form of self-love.
T+L India: Has your idea of self-love changed over time?
Pushpak Sen: Of course it has. Previously, self-love would mean things like pampering yourself, taking yourself out on a date, buying gifts, [doing] skincare etc. Over time I have realised self-love doesn’t have to be a specific activity. It could be as simple as finding peace in the everyday. It’s definitely a journey and I think that one’s notion of peace changes as you grow. With maturity comes a new definition of self-love.
T+L India: When it comes to Indian fashion and inclusivity, do you think we’re there yet? What needs to change?
Pushpak Sen: I think we still have a long way to go. Sure, there are conversations happening and we have come pretty far into the game, but we still have a long way to go to become inclusive. Typically when you think of inclusivity, you tend to think of a range of body types or skin tones. But it’s so much more than that. To me, inclusivity is also about personalities, temperaments and cultures. India is such a vast country and there are several categories of inclusion that need to be explored.
T+L India: Kolkata has always been a muse for you. Has that changed? Where else do you seek creative inspiration?
Pushpak Sen: You can take me out of Kolkata but can’t take Kolkata out of me! My personality is resonant with the city’s soul and I don’t think that’s ever going to change. Its culture will always be a muse.
The city is now seeing an evolution. It’s stuck in time but also changing swiftly. Kolkata is evolving in its ideas of taste, beauty and traditions. Other than that, I love seeking inspiration from across the country. There are many nuances that differentiate one community from another. I also draw a lot of inspiration from the wisdom passed down from my grandparents.
T+L India: What are some of your favourite holiday destinations? Do they inspire your work as well?
Pushpak Sen: Whenever I get a chance to travel, my favourite getaways tend to be the rural parts of West Bengal. There is so much beauty, peace, serenity and nostalgia that I find here. It takes me back to unfiltered childhood days. The countryside is beautiful and untapped, almost untouched by modernisation. I’m always inspired by the places I visit, observing people, the colour palettes they wear, and how they combine culture, art and aesthetics. It’s all so diverse and vibrant.
T+L India: Are you seeing anything interesting happening in the Indian fashion space when it comes to gender-fluid dressing?
Pushpak Sen: I think we’re seeing men wearing more jewellery. You also have menswear fashion weeks happening exclusively, which is great. Many designers are bringing in fluidity not just in terms of clothes but also representation. I think it’s a great place to be in terms of fashion.
T+L India: You’ve also made the saree a gender-fluid statement. Your thoughts?
Pushpak Sen: I don’t think I’ve made it a gender-fluid statement. We will probably have to wait another 15-20 years to see more men embracing the saree. Only then can we say it’s become gender-fluid like we see with denims now. I’m not the first man with a beard wearing a saree. I’ve seen some wonderful men donning the saree and doing it so effortlessly.
T+L India: What’s next for you?
Pushpak Sen: A lot of hope, anticipation, curiosity and excitement for what’s next. I’ve grown with a community around me, and there is only so far that I can go on my own. Six years ago, when I stepped into the world of fashion, I knew nothing. The universe has been so kind to shower me with opportunities and I’m really looking forward to the next chapter.
Related: Actor Aisha Sharma Talks About Finding Self-love In The Social Media Era
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