Surrey designer Danny Bassi styled JUNO nominees Nattan and Moga with custom suits lined with a Punjabi message, merging fashion and cultural pride.
Red Carpet Moment Elevates Local Talent
At the 2025 JUNO Awards in Vancouver, musicians Chani Nattan and Inderpal Moga paid tribute to their roots—literally wearing Surrey pride on their sleeves. The duo stepped onto the red carpet in custom suits designed by Surrey’s own Danny Bassi of Modello Bespoke, complete with the phrase “Nice Day in the Pind” stitched into the linings—a Punjabi term for “village,” and a nod to their album and upbringing.
Cultural Tribute Meets National Spotlight
The event marked a milestone for both artists and designer. Nattan and Moga, nominated for the JUNOs’ inaugural South Asian Music Recording of the Year Award, used the platform to showcase their identity. “It turned out amazing,” said Nattan. “When we opened our jackets and people saw the message, it felt like bringing a piece of Surrey with us.”
Designer’s Growing Reputation in Music Industry
Danny Bassi has become a go-to stylist for high-profile Indo-Canadian artists, with clients like AP Dhillon and Karan Aujla. “It’s a big boost in credibility when you start dressing people like them,” Bassi said from Edmonton, where he watched the ceremony on TV. Though Nattan and Moga performed on stage in different outfits, their red-carpet look was distinctly his.
Racing the Clock to Deliver Custom Style
Bassi had just a few weeks to turn around the suits once he learned of the duo’s nomination and performance. Fortunately, his spring/summer fabrics had just arrived from mills in England and Italy. “We had to represent their style,” Bassi explained. “It couldn’t be just a plain black tux.” The result: a bold look that balanced flair, personality, and tradition.
Humble Beginnings to Fashion Success
The Modello Bespoke journey began in a UBC entrepreneurship class. Bassi, then a TD Bank employee, experimented by making suits for friends. “The first few were awful,” he laughed. But persistence paid off. He launched his business from his parents’ home, later opening an office on King George Boulevard—where he first met Nattan, then a comedian with a social media following.
Community Connection Goes Beyond Fashion
Modello’s Surrey showroom continues to draw local stars. Recently, Nattan and Moga filmed scenes there for their music video Best Friend, a collaboration with British group Girls Like You. “It’s a big honour,” Bassi said. “They could go anywhere, but they trust us. People notice when known artists come through your door.”
Setting Trends in South Asian Menswear
Now deep into wedding season, Bassi sees growing interest in earth-toned suits—once unpopular with Indian clients. “It used to be, ‘That’s what my grandpa wore,’” he joked. “Now we’re doing lots of dinner jackets, funky prints, and modern styling. The taste is evolving, and we’re evolving with it.”
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