Men usually opt for leather accessories. But when it comes to clothing, what are the different leather clothing items that men can look out for?

 

I would suggest a classic biker jacket – they are beautifully engineered, look fantastic and if you ride a motorbike, offer great protection.

 

Men wearing leather trousers – fashion faux pas or not?

 

I would suggest avoiding leather trousers at all costs. They are only acceptable if (a) you are a rock star (b) you ride a motorcycle and (c) you are a Hells Angels member (in which case no one will dare snigger)

 

What are the leather accessories that men should invest in?

 

Always invest in classics, avoid ‘over designed’ pieces, or following a fashion fad. When you are making the purchase, think if it will look and stay  good for the next five years. A good quality leather belt will last a lifetime, as will a bag, or wallet, if they are properly taken care of. Leather just gets better with age.

 

What are the current trends when it comes to leather accessories?

 

Leather in general is enjoying a resurgence as a material – it is after all the oldest material that mankind developed and used. I think the key point here is that people are appreciating quality and the functional durability of leather. Leather doesn’t scratch – it scars, it tells a story of journeys made. We have some beautifully dyed leathers now, so the ability to colour block and accentuate an outfit with the perfect bag or wallet has never been easier.

 

Do you think men have started accepting bags as an accessory and not just considering it as a ‘dump-it-all-in’?

 

Absolutely, although the nasty ‘free’ laptop bag still lurks around. Men are by and large paying more attention to their appearance. This is crucial these days, you need to stand out for the right reasons. Don’t turn up to work everyday with a grubby backpack if you want that promotion, and don’t pull out an ugly, cheap wallet after dinner if you’re taking a girl out, that’s a bad move.

 

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Abhyuday Purkayastha, Brand Manager of VIARI, has a quick guide on how to take care of your leather goods.

 

Store your leather bag in a cool and dry place. The best place would be a hook on the back of a door that gets a bit of sunlight.

 

If your bag gets dirty, wipe it clean with a damp cloth. Try and avoid soap. Soap and leather are not a good combination.

 

If your bag happens to get wet, slow-dry it with room temperature air. Speed-drying and heat could warp the leather, so don’t touch your girlfriend’s hair dryer!

 

While storing, don’t wrap it in plastic. Leather needs to breathe. Ventilation will keep the mildew away.

 

In case your leather gets too dry, pick a light leather dressing or a cream with natural ingredients and no colouring, and rub gently into the surface. That should do the trick.