ALTAR EGO

THE INDIAN BRIDEGROOM HAS TRULY COME OF AGE IN 2022. HE IS REBELLIOUS, FASHION-FORWARD, AND, IN SOME CASES, EVEN STEALING THE SHOW FROM THE BRIDE. HERE ARE SOME GROOM'S DAY PROPHECIES TO ACE W-DAY.

-  RIAAN JACOB GEORGE

The traditional Indian bridegroom as we know it is a thing of the past. What may have been the norm just a few years ago-read conservative colours, predictable ensembles, with hyper-embellished accessories limited to gold or bejewelled sherwani/coat buttons and turban ornaments (sarpech)-is giving way to the Indian groom 2.0. What, then, are the sartorial choices of the modern Indian man for his big day? A couple of industry insiders help decode this trend.

"The change in the way grooms are dressing is significantly more radical," says couturier JJ Valaya, "women were always glamorous in lehengas and the like. When I started my career three decades back, men used to get married in three-piece suits. Probably one percent of India used to wear sherwanis. Cut to the present: Men want all formats of sherwanis and are even trying to match with the bride to create a full-on dramatic look."

Nouveau Silhouettes

One of Mumbai's premier menswear clothiers Sarah & Sandeep shed some more light: "In the post-pandemic era, men are branching out towards more contemporary attire over classic formal wear or even embellished variations of classic silhouettes. For us, we would translate that as geometric minimalism in tuxedoes and contemporary Indian fusion ensembles." The designer duo highlights the shift of silhouettes towards conceptual drapes and minimal hypercreative geometric hand embroidery that is embedded on to garments. According to Jodhpur's Raghavendra Rathore, master of the classic bandhgala, "the styling approach for the new-age groom has shifted to immaculate tailoring. We no longer see those unsustainable looks with overdone embroidery. A more personalised methodology in designing trousseau looks or event styling are two distinct trends that are changing the way designers and clients interact today."