A week of planning, two days’ stitching! The story behind Tamil Nadu CM Vijay’s signature look

Social media is abuzz with the rise of superstar C Joseph Vijay as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. From his confident, script-free oath-taking ceremony to his every move in public, everything has become a talking point. Central to this discussion is his sharp attire: a black suit that he wore for both the swearing-in ceremony and his first appearance in the Legislative Assembly on Monday. Now, his designer reveals the thought process behind this look and whether it will become the CM’s official uniform.

Safir Ahmed, owner of the Chennai-based design house Safir & Shadab, explained that the outfit was crafted with a clear objective. According to Ahmed, Vijay specifically requested a suit similar to the one he wore in the film 'Beast'.

The ensemble consists of a black suit with a matte finish, featuring a classic notch lapel and a minimalist two-button silhouette, paired with a subtle, wrinkle-free white shirt. Planning for the look began a week in advance.

"He had a very clear vision of what he wanted," Safir said. "Choosing black was a conscious decision. While cream or light shades work well for campaigns, they don't command the same attention. Black stands out instantly on stage and on camera."

Safir further noted that Vijay wanted something distinct from the blue suit he wore during the audio launch of 'Jana Nayagan' in Malaysia. The suit was handcrafted using the traditional 'canvas construction' tailoring technique, allowing the jacket to drape naturally and fit perfectly. It took two days of intensive stitching to complete the final piece.