Recently fashion influencer Siddharth Batra put up a video of 13 wedding looks for various sensibilities on his Instagram handle. The video hit 600k views and thousands of comments with many men asking for “deets”. That the Indian man is ready to experiment with style is evident – at least on social media. Menswear remains the fastest growing fashion segment in India and continues to outperform womenswear but most of the sales are still in the westernwear category. Indian occasionwear for men is the smallest pie for the designer, yet the growth of Instagram wedding (and the small intimate celebrations) is shaping this segment.
In 2020, many designers forayed into men’s occasionwear. Hyderabad-based textile revivalist and designer Gaurang Shah launched a menswear (along with kidswear) line last year with the idea that men are equally fashion conscious as women. “Experimentation brings refreshing change to their (men’s) personality and they are certainly willing to sit down with their designers and express what they would like to wear – on a festive occasion or a wedding,” he says. Shah notes that while this season will miss the extravagant indulgence but there’s likely to be more creative expression.
(A Kunal Anil Tanna)The big shift for shopping will shift to digital platforms which have grown exponentially since March 2020. Menswear designer Kunal Anil Tanna is hopeful that the New Year will bring an element of cheer. However, he adds that people have become cautious about spending and buying priorities have shifted. He adds, “Men have been very receptive and evolved towards fashion in the last couple of years and this has encouraged several fashion houses to extend and venture into menswear. Indian men constantly update themselves with trends.”
(A Sukriti and Aakriti Grover creation)To match the minimalistic weddings, Tanna says that sensible buying will rule the roost. Expect men to go for multiple-use ensembles that can be worn over long term. Agree designer duo Sukriti and Aakriti Grover who launched their menswear amid the pandemic. Silhouettes are getting simpler and there’s more focus on comfort dressing as opposed to heavy bulky dressing. Case in point: actor Varun Dhawan’s weddings looks are light, easy-breezy and don’t look weighed down. He even did away with the turban.
Lighter comfortable fabrics are gaining popularity, says Aakriti and adds, “Trends are definitely shifting to more basic festive wear. The silhouettes are simpler, leaner and more clean-cut designs with subtle self-embroidery work.” The Grovers believe that Indian occasionwear is the one area Indian men are more open to experimentation. A reason why there’s a fresher and brighter colour palette.
(An Amaare Couture creation)Celebrity weddings still set a lot of trends but male fashion influencers and evolved personal tastes are also big deciders for men. Just like brides are breaking the rules – walking down the aisle in pantsuit or ripped jeans, men are cocking a snook at stereotypes. Florals, pinks and asymmetric fits are all par for course. Designer Sahib Bhatia of Amaare Couture notes that even if the celebrations are small, people are in the mood to dress up to at least feel special and happy. Designer Payal Singhal known for her signature prints in pastels says that a happy print is a way to stand out. For basic festive wear, one can always indulge into stripes, flora and fauna as classic motifs. For wedding wear, bundi jacket is a must-have.
(A Payal Singhal creation)“Men are now indulging more into playing with bold colours and experimenting with new cuts and styles. Even in jewellery – from rings and chains they are more open in experimenting with a range of kadas, bracelets, rings, statement brooches, layering necklaces, personalised buttons and cufflinks,” she says. Singhal notes that the right styling is the key. Her pick would be printed bomber jacket-kurta sets that look different yet festive – at least for smaller festive occasions. Sukriti Grover advises on investing in better and interesting necklines with nothing bulky on top – as you are now catering to the Zoom wedding.
Lapel pins, brooches, necklaces are good accessories. Shah’s advice is to go for a handloom piece in the rick traditional textiles of India – jamdani, patan patola or kanjeevaram. If not for the full ensemble go for a stole and that should be eye-catching enough. Bhatia says, “With the boom of social media, today’s Indian man is well aware of global trends and is open to experimenting. Millennials want to have their own personal style statement.” After all, it has to be Instagram worthy.
Thumb Photo:
A Gaurang Shah creation
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