Samuel Hoque: Breathing innovative fashion

Most of the London based designer's styles are a unique blend of minimal and peculiar prints, playing around with fabrics, and giving his designs unprecedented dimensions. He is a believer of paying attention to detail and simplicity. And that is exactly why he dresses the groom's and the bride's male entourage — fathers, brothers, uncles, and immediate family members during the wedding season.

Samuel Hoque's bi-annual visit to Bangladesh has already commenced; this is when he personally handles clients and manages orders to give them his final touch of excellence. But hey, booking an appointment with the textile designer is no walk in the park. If you ought to get married towards the end of this year, or the beginning of the next, you do your work three months prior.

Samuel is currently bogged down with a tight schedule of last-minute fittings. However, this does not stop him from shying away from appointments. For clients getting married starting from the end of next year February, Samuel is more than willing to help dress you to your very best.

Appointments with the Polka Boy are very elaborate (40-60 minutes), where he has chats with his clients over coffee — the coffee at his sanctum, you must try! He takes down notes about his client's personality, their physique, facial structure, taking into account their skin tone. He even goes further to discuss with the groom and the bride, their ensembles, so that he can add elements from their outfit to everyone else's. He then discusses their vision of the outfit before he dives into his thoughts of how he can dress them such that they look suave, celebrating the biggest day in the lives of their loved ones.

"I am totally against the entire concept of wearing a uniform to a wedding," explained Samuel, sitting cosily in his seat. "I believe that every individual has their own personality, and that their attire should reflect it. Weddings are great occasions, in which, you can take the opportunity to express yourself, to break out of the shackles of following dress codes, and at the same time, not outshining the groom himself."

This is exactly why Samuel Hoque has one of the lengthiest trials, where he goes through four trials to finally complete the attire in a minimum of a month.

Why four trials, you ask yourself? Well, that's because the months following the weddings are very stressful and hectic, in which, either of two things can happen; his clients could gain, or lose weight. That is why his bespoke tailoring demands him to make sure that trials are taken until the last minute so that every detail is captured and his clients look sleek.

"I have noticed a sudden shift in style, as people are now leaning more towards Pakistani men's fashion, rather than Indian, especially idealising Pakistan's Prime Minister, Imran Khan. The matching coatee and panjabi has caught up with Bangladesh's wedding season, especially amongst fathers. I personally am enjoying this shift in style, because this allows me to experiment with new elements of fashion and new ideas, for I am always open to learning," said Hoque.

Sam encourages to think different, and to think smart. According to Sam, we can wear lots of olive, orange, some rustic tones, and of course, white (easiest to run your imagination wild with prints) to mehendis. As for the holuds, he believes that yellow panjabis should take the back seat, and for shades of red and maroon to take over. "On the day of the wedding, run wild with colours — go for pink, black, gold, blue; go crazy! Celebrate!" said Samuel, with a gesture of his hand.

Lastly, for the Walima, it is best recommended to keep it simple, and just go for a classic black. However, adding elements of florals and geometric prints allows you to spice up your look to stand out further, making sure that you leave those eyes swooning.

Sam believes in spending money wisely, and wearing outfits which are versatile. Clients who want to wear their father's or grandfather's wedding-wear are encouraged to bring them into his Style Sanctum, so that he can revamp them according to their desire and add a modern twist.

The Samuel Hoque brand is a complete package, where he not only helps you dress for the big day, but also helps you with grooming, where he recommends hair stylists to visit, along with adding suggestions on how to groom yourself such that it complements your look.

Samuel Hoque embodies honesty and excellence. His passion for his work and desire to better himself, and wanting to learn every step of the way, allows him to climb towards the pinnacle of success. His perseverance and settling for nothing short of the best has allowed his clients to entrust him with their wedding ensemble, knowing that it is in good hands.

Photo courtesy: Samuel Hoque

Essentials —

Samuel Hoque Style Sanctum is located at Level 8, 32, Progoti Sharani, Baridhara.

Follow him on social media: https://www.facebook.com/SamuelHoqueMenswear