Narendra Modi is here to set trends say designer Raghavendra Rathore

Narendra Modi's personal style has been debated and dissected at length so far. However, what many fail to understand is that he is a global leader with his regional roots firmly intact. Superimpose the indigenous handcrafts, handwoven and hand-stitched creations from his home state Gujarat with international styling and you've got a winning combination. We ask dapper designer Raghavendra Rathore, who's been reinventing and reinterpreting the classic bandhgala season after season to decode Modi's new look.

Emphasis on khadi
"Mr Modi's sense of style is unique as it beckons a patriots spirit and emphasises the importance of Khadi, colour and most importantly a well-starched look," says Rathore.

Here to set trends
"Without hesitation he is among the few politicians who knows what works for him and what doesn't, popularising comfortable looks such as the half-sleeved kurta and the waistcoat, clearly he is a politician here to set trends and not to follow any," says the designer.

Comfort and consistency
"What stands out is that he is comfortable in the look that he has been wearing over many years, indirectly promoting the fabrics manufactured in central India, and most importantly the consistency of his style," Raghavendra signs off.