Grooms are no longer mere spectators with narrow style agendas at their wedding. While the bride might be the one driving the colour palette, grooms are taking a stance on the cuts, silhouettes, and style of their outfits, especially when it comes to a sherwani.
While the usual menswear designers most gravitate towards –Sabyasachi, Varun Bahl, Tarun Tahiliani, and Raghavendra Rathore – are set for the main events, it’s the smaller, creative designers who are climbing the popularity charts. They work with unique styles, bringing out playful as well as classic options, perfect for a mehendi or a sangeet. We picked out five labels that are reinventing the groom’s wardrobe these days.
SVA by Sonam & Paras Modi
A label that’s been on the sidelines in the groomswear section, Sva is all about understated style and natural elegance. Sva (‘soul’ in Sanskrit) is helmed by designers Sonam & Paras Modi, who have recreated classic styles into more wearable, intuitive silhouettes. The colours they play with are interesting as well, from maroons and magentas to millennial pinks and dusty blues. The fact that they use minimal to no embroideries is a welcome change for grooms who like things to be simple and fuss-free. With a 2,000 sq ft store on Mumbai’s Marine Drive, the label also thrives on exceptional styling and use of luxurious fabrics to create a new-age groom who likes to keep it fun and refined.
Rahul Mishra
The fact that he is known as womenswear designer aside, Mishra has now ventured into the big world of menswear and has some great options one can play around with. His simplicity comes through in his work, and his collections are a treasure trove for those looking to stay on the minimal side. His signature florals are reinterpreted beautifully into bandhgalas, sherwanis, and Nehru Jackets to add a Parisian touch to the look. The way he styles bandhgalas over kurtas and sleeveless floral jackets over anarkalis says a lot about restraint and reimagined classics.
Soltee by Sulakshana Monga
Monga has come into her own as a designer and couturier in the last few years in the bridal fashion business. Her intricate embroideries, immaculate tailoring, and bold cuts have already made her a household name when it comes to style and the way it’s interpreted in wedding wear. We love how she recreates global silhouettes to suit Indian sensibilities with zardosi additions and luxe fabrics. Her eclectic style brings her painterly patterns to the fore, so it’s safe to say that the sherwanis and bandhgalas she weaves are bolder, more forward-thinking and of course, feature meticulous craftsmanship.
Anushree Reddy Men
The queen of Deccan style, Hyderabad-based Anushree Reddy is all about vintage-charm and modern nostalgia. She ventured into menswear last year, and her line is all about the right pairings – the floral sherwanis and pale button-down bandhgalas are striking yet subtle. We love how she makes sure her florals stay inconspicuous in the larger scheme of things, and how she layers them as separates to create a cohesive style.
Sarah and Sandeep
The homegrown label that is known for their stylish suits and well-cut trousers, Sarah & Sandeep has also recently ventured into groomswear. Expect bold colours, fashion-forward looks, and simple silhouettes but all entwined with a clear-cut vision on tailoring. The Savile Row equivalent of sherwanis, this label is all about deconstructing linear styles and making sure they fit the shape beautifully. The studio houses over 15,000 kinds of fabrics and boasts immaculate stitching – bespoke at its finest for modern-day grooms who hate the quintessential, over-the-top wedding looks.
All images: Courtesy brands