IPL gets a Royals makeover<br/>

Defending champs Rajasthan Royals gear up for IPL in designer style

Fashion has reached fever pitch-at least where cricket's concerned. As the second season of IPL kicks off in South Africa next week, defending champions Rajasthan Royals are all set to take the tournament by storm as they sport designer outfits created by young Mumbai-based designer Kunal Rawal for their off-field events.

Worn almost like an off-field uniform, the outfits have been created keeping in mind the fact that the team comprises cricketers from different parts of the world. With the players busy with matches in various countries, getting measurements has also been tough. But the result is worth it, and Rawal cannot wait for the Royals to get into his creations.

"IPL has changed the way we look at cricket. It is a different ballgame altogether. Here, all aspects of entertainment merge cricket, glamour and fashion. The owners of the teams are glamorous and their personalities have also rubbed off on the teams. The audience wants to see their cricketing heroes in smart outfits at all times; hence the decision to design their off-field wardrobe. The Rajasthan Royals is a young team and they do not want individual stars. They function perfectly as a unit and so want uniform outfits for all their engagements in South Africa," says Rawal.

The young designer has also received ample support from team co-owner Shilpa Shetty, who will also wear clothes created by him to complement the team's outfits during the championship.

"I have created two looks for the team the casual, activewear which is for off-field events like press conferences; and the eveningwear for sit-down dinners and other parties," explains Rawal.

The theme for the outfits, which will be worn as a uniform by the entire team, is of the Rajasthan Royals going on a safari. Hence the activewear range comprises T-shirts with the close-up print of a deer's face. This is teamed with tobacco washed cotton drawstring chinos and light cotton off-white jackets. To this Rawal has added military and utility details like contrast gold buttons with the insignia of the Rajput battalion and zip collars.

For the eveningwear range, Rawal has designed formal bandhgala safari suits a melange of a traditionally royal bandhgala and outdoor inspired safari jacket. Details include large box pleat pockets, gold buttons, stiff wire-lined collar and suede elbow patches. He has also designed footwear to complement this traditional look.

Since the second IPL season is being played at the onset of the South African winter, Rawal has ensured that the players do not suffer at the hands of fashion. Inside the bandhgalas, players will sport long-sleeved round neck T-shirts with jungle prints in thick cotton-blend fabrics.

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