Fashion, Trolls, and Delhi: In Conversation with Content Creator Gautam Manchandani

Gautam Manchandani is a Delhi-based men's fashion content creator who is fearlessly shattering stereotypes. With a background in law, Gautam made the bold leap into the world of content creation, where he fearlessly addresses trolls and shares insights on the fashion industry. His mission? To challenge societal norms and inspire individuals to embrace their unique paths. In this exclusive conversation, Gautam breaks down barriers, defies expectations, and sparks a fashion revolution.

What inspired you to merge your passion for fashion with promoting body positivity and breaking stereotypes?

I have always loved fashion, but people kept telling me that fashion is only for fit people or those with a certain body type. There was this ideal situation where people said you have to look a certain way to wear different outfits. However, I believe that fashion and fitness are not linked. If I have a keen love for fashion, why should my body type restrict me from carrying myself fashionably? That is why I wanted to make fashion more inclusive so that people from all body types can feel confident and style themselves the way they want, breaking the taboos associated with certain body types and clothing options.

I have seen many times in your content that you've spoken about hate and trolling. How do you handle the negativity or hate that comes your way due to the content you create? Does the mean comment bother you?

Honestly, I don't think that hate affects me anymore. Maybe I have surpassed that level. Initially, it used to affect me, but over time, I made a pact not to open my Instagram in the first two hours of the day. Every time I would open it in the morning, my energy would drop because the comments section would be filled with hate and negativity. But I realized it wasn't good for my mental health. So I decided not to give too much thought to the hatred. Instead, I started looking at it from a positive perspective. I saw the haters as people who were helping me become more famous and increase my engagement rate. I started considering them as my true critics who could help me improve. Of course, there are times when it still affects me, but overall, I try to see it as a win-win situation. Often, haters are frustrated in their own lives, and if writing negative comments in my section makes them feel better, it no longer hampers my mental health.

What impact do you hope to achieve through your content in terms of promoting body positivity and challenging stereotypes?

My goal is to normalize all body types and challenge gender norms, stereotypes, and stigmas. I want people to stop giving extra attention or passing judgment based on what someone is wearing. I want it to be normal for people to wear whatever they want, regardless of their body type. I aim to break the misconception that certain body types can only wear specific garments or dresses. I want everyone to feel comfortable and confident in their skin and have the freedom to express themselves through fashion.

How can the fashion industry contribute more to fostering inclusivity and acceptance?

The fashion industry has made progress in terms of plus-size female models, but when it comes to plus-size male models, there is still a lack of representation. Brands often choose models who fit the "sellable" ideal instead of being truly inclusive. In the long run, brands should prioritize inclusivity and consider featuring plus-size male models. There are also very few plus-size male influencers, and it's important to realize that men struggle with body image issues. The fashion industry can contribute by normalizing all body types and showcasing a variety of samples in their stores.

Can you share any inspiring stories or experiences from your journey that have reaffirmed the importance of your work?

Honestly, the only inspiration for me would be my happiness. I was a full-time employee at a company. I had a well-paying job. I quit my job. Things were not favourable because, you know, when you have a certain stability in life, and then you decide to go all out as a content creator. But then that firm belief that, okay, if this is not working out today, but soon, it will work. And over some time, when people started appreciating my work, of course, there were a set of haters also. But you know, it's about our perspective. I looked at the brighter side of life, and if out of a hundred comments, there are like 20 positive comments also, I thought that these 20 people needed me. These 20 people expect me to help them change their idea of life and help them love themselves, and explore their fashion. I wanted to be the voice of these 20 people, and that's how I was inspired: I have to do this.

What strategies do you employ to engage with your audience and create a supportive community around your content?

I just try to be as real as possible. People who know me know that I can rant. Also, I can motivate and be as candid as possible. At times, I am too brutally honest with my audience. What people like and at times people tend not to like also because they may have different opinions also. But people know that I keep my engagement very upfront with them. I interact with them mostly on my stories, and at the same time, I cannot keep track of the DMs I get. Still, I make sure whenever I'm opening my DMs, so rather than typing a text, I send voice notes to my ardent followers because I feel that, you know, that voice note can change their energy. And you know, many times people say that they don't feel motivated enough, and my voice note makes them feel motivated about everything. So that is my particular mechanism of engaging with my audience.

How do you balance staying true to your creative vision while addressing the feedback and criticism you receive?

Honestly, I have a simple mechanism to be authentic, to stay true to my roots and content. I have a very simple agenda. If anyone writes hate on my content, I put it on my story. Of course, I try not to show the names of the haters, but I just give it back in a very sarcastic manner. And people applaud me for that. And at the same time, people also going through the same situation feel that, okay, I am the voice for them. Then they think motivated that there is a savage way of replying to your trolls or haters rather than just draining your mental health thinking about somebody calling you this or that.

What are some misconceptions or stereotypes about men's fashion that you aim to debunk through your content?

The biggest misconception about men's fashion is that if you incorporate too many colours or experiment with your style, it's considered not suitable for men. There's a belief that men cannot carry such fashion choices. However, I firmly believe that we have evolved over the years, and fashion has become more fluid. Men are embracing experimentation and being open to new ideas. Through my content, I aim to challenge the rigid stereotypes surrounding men's fashion. I want to debunk the notion that men can't wear pink, engage experimentally, wear skirts, or use makeup. My goal is to break these stereotypes, and I believe many other creators are also working towards the same in their respective fields.

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How do you think the fashion scene in Delhi differs from other cities or regions?

Being in or coming from a metropolitan city provides much more exposure to the fashion scene. Speaking specifically about Delhi, it's not like people won't stare at you if you wear something different from the crowd or something that doesn't conform to the idea of regular clothes. However, Delhi's situation is comparatively better than Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities in India. Delhi seems to have more acceptance. If I compare my life in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities to what people might experience there, if they want to express themselves through their fashion choices, be experimental, embrace maximalism, and simply enjoy being fashion enthusiasts, they might face judgment from a different perspective.

Do you still practice law? How did this jump from law to fashion happen?

No, currently, I am not practising law. In 2020, I asked myself a crucial question: "Do I see myself pursuing law in the next ten years?" The answer I found was no. I realized that the law could not sustain me throughout my life. I recognized my inherent creativity and felt that it was not being fulfilled within the realm of law. I hadn't explored the creative aspects that could be pursued within the field of law. Therefore, I decided to take a break from my legal career and transitioned into becoming a fashion content creator and stylist. It is my current path, and I am content with my decision.

What advice would you give to individuals who want to embrace their unique style and challenge societal beauty standards?

I would just like to say people will criticize you anyway. If you are simple, then they will call you boring. If you go experimental, they will say this guy has no fashion sense or is a wannabe fashion influencer. People will always give labels because people enjoy giving such labels. Your job as a creator or individual is to wear what makes you feel comfortable. What makes you feel good about your skin? It may be tight leather pants, heels, bell bottoms, maybe Chinos, or anything that gives you that freedom to be who you are. Whatever makes you feel authentic about your personality, wear that. That's the only rule. And see, if people are staring at you, why don't you make it worth a while?

A quick piece of advice to anyone wanting to be a content creator?

If you want to be a content creator, know one thing your haters will make you famous. So never run away from hate. However much hate comes your way, accept it. Your haters will be your biggest followers in the upcoming years. So just ensure you are constant with whatever ambition or niche you want to work on. Just be focused on it. Make sure you take detox breaks. Make sure you don't use social media for a day. Take one day for yourself. Take one day break in a week, and that's how you learn or attain the art of social media or being a content creator. Take it as a job and not let it drain you so emotionally that you feel like quitting. Live it because it's your dream to be a content creator.

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