"Felt weird at first": Vedang Raina on His High-Waisted Pants Obsession
Actor Vedang Raina reveals how his debut film The Archies changed his fashion sense and made him a fan of high-waisted trousers.
Actor Vedang Raina has opened up about a significant shift in his personal style, revealing how his debut film, The Archies, fundamentally changed how he views fashion. What started as an uncomfortable requirement for a period role has blossomed into a wardrobe staple that the actor now simply cannot live without.
The 1960s Influence
Speaking at the grand opening of the ALDO India retail outlet in Gurugram, Raina reminisced about the challenges of stepping into a different era. Because The Archies was set in the 1960s, the costume requirements demanded a specific silhouette that was entirely foreign to him.
“When I was shooting for my first film, The Archies, that was set in the 60s, so that's the first time I ever wore a high-waisted pant,” Raina shared. He admitted that the initial experience was far from glamorous, as he struggled to adjust to the fit.
“I was just like, it feels really weird. I can't wear it like this; can it go lower? Can it go lower? They said, 'No, this is the 60s thing...'” he recalled, describing his early attempts to rebel against the era's strict fashion rules.
From Hesitation to Obsession
Despite the initial awkwardness, the actor found that the style eventually felt natural. The transition from feeling "weird" to feeling confident happened almost imperceptibly.
“And then somehow after that it kind of just became so normal for me that high-waisted pants became a thing, and now it's kind of back also, I think,” Raina noted. Reflecting on his current style, he added, “I took some time getting used to, but now I can't get over them.”
This preference for retro-inspired silhouettes was further cemented during the filming of his project Main Vaapas Aaunga, which was set during the partition era, requiring a similar attention to historical tailoring.
A Preference for Chic Simplicity
While his film roles often demand elaborate period costumes, Raina’s personal everyday aesthetic is surprisingly grounded. He prioritizes the fundamentals of menswear over flashy trends.
Raina's Style Philosophy:
- Fit over Flair: He focuses heavily on how a garment is tailored rather than how loud it is.
- The Basics: His wardrobe consists largely of essential pieces like jeans, basic pants, and shirts.
- Layering: He enjoys a "chic and simple" look, often layering shirts with jackets to add depth to an outfit.
The 26-year-old actor, who gained widespread recognition as Reggie Mantle in Zoya Akhtar's The Archies and later appeared alongside Alia Bhatt in Jigra, continues to be a rising force in the industry. With a recent stint in Imtiaz Ali's romantic drama Main Vaapas Aaunga, Raina is proving to be as versatile in his fashion as he is in his acting roles.