Indian weddings are evolving, and so is the way men dress for them. The modern groom is moving beyond convention, embracing experimental silhouettes, considered layering and occasionwear that reflects his personal style. At the ongoing Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI, Tasva by Tarun Tahiliani made a compelling case for this sartorial shift, presenting a collection that reimagined traditional Indian menswear through a contemporary lens.
Rooted in the idea that occasionwear can honour heritage without being bound by it, the collection drew from a rich tapestry of artistic influences. The symbolism of the Tree of Life, the intricate geometry of Lipan art, the fluidity of paisleys and the interplay of light informed a design vocabulary that felt distinctly Indian yet attuned to the modern wardrobe. Floral, fluid and geometric motifs lent the ensembles their visual character, translating familiar references into something fresh.
Actor Ali Fazal, the show's showstopper, embodied this new-age approach to occasionwear in an ivory angrakha layered with a bandhgala and finished with a stole. The ensemble was a lesson in considered layering, demonstrating how traditional forms can be styled to feel contemporary without losing their inherent elegance. Elsewhere on the runway, short draped kurtas, bandhgalas paired with flared trousers and unconventional proportions offered a fresh perspective on the groom's wardrobe, moving between understated sophistication and more expressive dressing.
Craftsmanship remained central to the collection's appeal. Aari work, zardozi and mirror work were complemented by appliqué, pearl embellishments and three-dimensional detailing, bringing texture and dimension to the garments. Rather than relying on ornamentation alone, the designs balanced intricate surface treatments with clean lines and modern construction. The result was a dialogue between India's artisanal traditions and a more streamlined approach to occasionwear.
Colour, too, played a defining role. Ivory, lilac, salmon and jade lent a sense of quiet refinement to ensembles suited to daytime festivities, while deeper jewel tones and vibrant accents brought a more celebratory energy to looks for cocktail evenings and mehndi functions. The palette moved between restraint and exuberance, acknowledging that the contemporary groom's wardrobe must work across multiple occasions, moods and expressions of personal style.
With this collection, Tasva by Tarun Tahiliani offered more than a wardrobe for the wedding calendar. It proposed a new way of thinking about Indian menswear, one in which tradition is a starting point rather than a rulebook, craftsmanship meets contemporary design, and the groom is as invested in his sartorial choices as the bride.