"I want men to wear cuff-links"

Bullish about the accessories business, designer Ravi Bajaj has just launched handbags for women. But it's the men's segment where all the action is, he tells Archana Jahagirdar

How big is the accessory market in India?

I don't have an industry estimate but brands worldwide earn 35 to 40 per cent of their revenues from accessories. And this figure is rising.

Today, typically for a woman, a handbag costs more than the clothes she wears. The men's accessory segment is also catching up.

Tell us about the handbags that you have designed for this season?

We have done metallic colours and have kept the size manageable even though the extra large size is in vogue internationally.

The size was chosen as Indian women are very petite, and when a petite woman carries a very large bag it's too much in your face. We will introduce three to four new bags every season.

When it comes to men's accessories, old favourites like cuff-links and ties are no longer integral to a well-dressed man's wardrobe. Your comment.

I am desperate for men to wear cuff-links. It's an excellent accessory for a man. You can communicate a sense of humour or wealth, a whole range of thought through them, and it looks chic. It's better than wearing rings or chains. It's a great conversation piece. I also don't understand why men are turning against the tie. It finishes your look and it's a great accessory.

You have done Swarovski on ties. Too much bling for the Indian male?

We have done colour on colour. We have also used Swarovski with unusual shapes and motifs. These ties are for a formal evening. And the Indian male is ready for it, especially men in Delhi.

Give us key accessory trends for men and women.

Men right now are indulging in belts, shoes, sunglasses and watches. In fact, watches are becoming an important accessory for men and they are buying more and more of them. For women, sunglasses, bags and shoes are big. But each should be brought on merit.

After handbags, what line of accessories are you looking to introduce next?

Sunglasses are on the agenda. As for watches, international designers have introduced their own lines and are very successful.