Troy Costa

The menswear fashion label focuses on modern masculinity, style and functionality with attention to detail and clean lines. The eponymous fashion brand embodies the personal style and sensitivity of its Founder and Creative Director Troy Costa.
 

Born and brought up in Mumbai, fashion designer Troy Costa started his career in 2003, designing both men and women's apparel though gradually he shifted focus to menswear. 

Interestingly Costa left home at the age of seventeen to learn the art of tailoring. “I come from an average, middle-class family. As a child, I used to love sports and was an avid cricketer. But, my father told me that we didn’t come from a background that would help me pursue my dream of becoming a cricketer," he told Hindustan Times. "So, at 17, I left home for the United Kingdom to learn pattern making. But because of insufficient funds, I came back. In 2001 — locked in a small room with one tailoring machine — I decided to chase my dream.”

He didn't have it easy. Per Verve: “Twenty years ago, I went to a guy called Yusuf to make my first suit. When I asked my parents to pick it up, I told him to convince them that it was okay to be a fashion designer — that this was the profession of the future. When I returned home that night, I got the beating of my life as my father thought I wanted to be gay, like Yusuf was!”

The designer opened his flagship in 2011 in Khar West Mumbai where he retails customised footwear in addition to tuxedos, shirts and jackets. Per GQ: "Boasting high ceilings, crushed-velvet fitting rooms and an onsite made-to-measure studio, his showroom nestled on the second floor of a chic villa in Bandra’s suburbs. If you're not already familiar with Costa's flawless tailoring and unique fabrics, he's become the go-to man when you're looking for the perfect tux. Not content with the state of the Indian footwear market, he's even designed his own slip-on buckled shoes to make sure you're looking slick right down to your toe."

Today Troy Costa exclusively does menswear, after discontinuing his womenswear label, Helen of Troy. Over the years, Troy Costa has designed clothes for several Bollywood films and top - tier actors including Hrithik Roshan, Aamir Khan, Shahid Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan, Anil Kapoor, Farhan Akhtar and many others besides a number of sports and business personalities. He is particularly famous for his  ceremonial jacket, the tuxedo and the evening black-tie suit. 

Between 2008 and 2011 Troy Costa collections were curated for a number of fashion shows across India and the Middle East. Theme's like 'Man in the Mirror' and 'Sports Couture' at the Dubai International Fashion Week and 'Una Dia En Habana' at Lakme Fashion Week shone the spotlight on with avant-garde flamboyant creations that brought in the metrosexual, androgynous unisex look in men's apparel. 

The Ku De Ta collection at Van Heusen India Men's Week underpinned Troy's signature sharp silhouettes and subtle glamour balanced with the right choice of fabrics. Troy Costa's The Great Gatsby Collection in 2013 introduced a line of formal coats and suits paired with luxury cotton jeans and formal plain shirts with his interpretation of the decadence, idealism and quixotic charm that defined the time. 

In 2014, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi appointed Troy Costa for wardrobe change, ahead of his overseas visit to the BRICS summit in Brazil and subsequent US visit. His star continues to rise. Per Verve: "Costa has always identified himself as a tailor rather than a designer. He believes that one should cultivate a personal relationship with their tailor, which he ensures by requesting that every client comes to his atelier for initial fittings. This Savile Row approach towards clothing has not only refined his skill set but also helped him to recognise the specific fashion needs of his customers."

'The label is devoted to menswear, focusing on modern masculinity and flattering functionality.'

Indian fashion designer Troy Costa envisions dressing men in formals and occasion wear- particularly ceremonial wear- suits and tuxedos- based on their individual background and lifestyle. This is perhaps why he prefers clients should come over to the atelier to establish a relationship during the first fitting. He is also popular for his sports- inspired luxury pret for men which display impeccable craftsmanship and a light vibe with its bold colour palette, use of metallics and edgy embellishment.

Eponymous menswear brand Troy Costa retails formals and occasion wear- particularly ceremonial wear- suits and tuxedos for men. He also retails customises footwear to complete the look, at his flagship store. Troy Costa's showing as part of FDCI Men's Edit was “a cheery, happy line which ensured a fashionable escape only signalling those good times are ready to roll” per FDCI. "While the cuts were classic and simple, their overall impact gave a great sartorial punch to the wearer… It was the vibrant colour story however that further enhanced the relaxed silhouettes."

Troy Costa's athleisure-inspired ‘Avido Tourista' at the Fashion Design Council of India x Lakme Fashion Week's post- pandemic phygital edition was a hit. Per Fashion Network: 'The collection presented menswear classics including suits and double breasted blazers but gave them a sportswear flair with a bright, neon colour palette and contrasting details. Notable items in the collection included a bright red suit with chunky silver zippers, jackets featuring abstract patterns and casual jackets with contrast utility pockets. Small bags and caps added to the travel theme.'