The New Festive Man
It should feel effortless, personal and timeless,” he says. “The groom no longer wants to simply complement the bride; he wants his own fashion moment,” he says. Overall, I think men are looking for pieces that feel festive but can still have a life beyond one occasion,” he says. “Today’s festive menswear prioritises fluid movement over stiff formality, leaning into lightweight, breathable foundations that allow the wearer to navigate celebrations with absolute ease,” she says.
For designer Raghavendra Rathore, contemporary style is about balancing individuality with the values and craftsmanship that shape Indian dressing. Rather than treating tradition and modernity as opposing ideas, he sees them as elements that can coexist in a personal wardrobe. His perspective reflects a larger shift in festive menswear, where heritage-inspired design remains relevant but is increasingly interpreted through the wearer’s personality and contemporary sensibilities. Festive season is also the time which opens up multiple shaadi mahurats. Designer Sameer Madan believes the modern groom is increasingly keen to experiment and participate in shaping his wedding wardrobe. Men are becoming more receptive to colour, unconventional silhouettes and intricate detailing, with traditional ideas of masculine dressing giving way to more fluid interpretations. One detail Madan expects to stand out this season is the kamarbandh, which can bring a fresh perspective to cocktail dressing. “I see it becoming a defining element in cocktail dressing, bringing structure, sensuality, and a fresh perspective to tailored silhouettes. Fabrics such as satin and textured suiting materials are also gaining ground. “Sometimes, an exaggerated collar or an interesting structural element can make a stronger impact than an entirely embellished garment. It’s about allowing one design detail to become the focal point rather than having everything compete for attention. For designer duo Sarah Sandeep, the shift is towards clothes that retain an Indian identity without feeling overly traditional. “The kurta is no longer the only answer; bandhgalas, tailored jackets, textured shirts and layered separates are becoming equally relevant. For us, the shift is towards clothing that retains an Indian identity but feels natural to the man wearing it,” they say. Contemporary bandhgalas, softer tailoring, relaxed kurtas and statement shirts are being complemented by breathable wools, linens, bamboo blends, textured cottons and rich velvets. Details such as tonal embroidery, pintucks and refined buttons add interest without overwhelming the outfit. The duo also sees versatility becoming central to purchasing decisions. “The modern Indian man wants to look dressed, but not overly dressed. He is looking for pieces that have a strong point of view while still allowing him to move, socialise, and feel like himself. A jacket that works with both a kurta and trousers, or a festive shirt that transitions into an evening look, fits this more practical approach to occasionwear. Designer Rohit Doshi believes men are becoming more adventurous with proportions, layering, embroidery and colour, while taking a greater interest in making their own fashion choices. Wider trousers, shorter kurtas, cropped jackets and interesting layers are gaining relevance over rigid, traditional fits. “There is also more interest in texture rather than just surface ornamentation. For Doshi, the modern festive wardrobe must strike a balance between individuality and ease. “I think the modern Indian man wants to look festive without feeling like he’s dressed in a costume. He wants something that feels rooted in India but still feels very much like him. Unexpected details, good fabrics and pieces that can be styled in different ways are helping men move beyond predictable occasionwear. Designer and creative director Aisha Rao sees festive menswear embracing unconventional colours, architectural cuts and lighter, more fluid layers. In her collection, shades such as deep seal brown and lavender offer an alternative to conventional ivory and gold, while contemporary bandhgalas and jackets lend structure to the silhouette. Traditional accessories such as the safa and stole are also being reimagined through fresh colours and unconventional draping. Her ‘Dev’ look pairs structured tailoring with floor-grazing Chanderi silk dhoti pants, while open jackets, engineered mesh and appliqué bring a lighter dimension to festive layering. For Rao, the modern man wants individuality and craftsmanship without sacrificing comfort. “Festive dressing is no longer viewed as a rigid uniform or a series of obligatory traditional dress codes. Instead, it has become an extension of personal style, a way to project confidence, taste, and emotional connection without feeling over-dressed or constrained by convention.”
“Modern style is the art of expressing who you are today with confidence, while carrying the values, craftsmanship and character that have shaped you.
These pieces offer more flexibility and allow festive dressing to move beyond one defined silhouette,” he says. “Festive dressing today is less about following a set formula and more about mixing traditional elements with contemporary silhouettes and finding a style that feels genuinely personal,” he says. For Saggar Mehra, festive dressing is becoming more versatile, with men exploring relaxed tailoring, structured bandhgalas, layered separates and statement shirts. “We’re seeing more men experiment with relaxed tailoring, structured bandhgalas, layered separates and statement shirts. This season, rich fabrics, subtle embroidery, tonal detailing and surface textures are expected to make an impact. “The idea is to create a statement through the fabric, cut and detailing rather than relying on heavy embellishment. At the same time, comfort has become equally important. Men want to be able to move, socialise and enjoy the occasion without feeling restricted by what they’re wearing. For Mehra, the modern man wants to retain his connection with Indian craftsmanship while embracing contemporary silhouettes.