Valaya’s collection at the India Men’s Weekend reflected this dramatic change. Models strutted down the ramp wearing regal sherwanis, embroidered bandhgalas, and statement shawls, all inspired by traditional craftsmanship
For decades, men’s fashion was pigeonholed into a space defined by simplicity, seriousness, and a muted palette dominated by blacks, blues, and greys. The idea of men wearing bright colors, bold patterns, or anything that could be perceived as “feminine” was widely dismissed. A society that expected men to be tough and stoic also believed that their clothing should reflect these traits—nothing too extravagant, nothing too expressive.
However, in recent years, this stereotype has been slowly but surely crumbling. Today, men are embracing their individuality through fashion in ways that were once unimaginable. The landscape of men’s fashion is being transformed, with men now more open to experimenting with vibrant colors, modern silhouettes, and intricate designs. The belief that masculinity and style are synonymous with monotony has faded, replaced by an openness to variety, luxury, and, most importantly, self-expression.
A clear indication of this shift came during the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) India Men’s Weekend, which took place in Jaipur. This two-day event marked a significant moment in the evolution of men’s fashion, where twenty-six talented designers showcased a range of bold, stylish, and experimental menswear collections. Their work reflected a change in attitudes toward what it means to dress as a man in the modern world. The event was a celebration of everything that was once deemed unmanly—from daring pinks and rich embroidery to intricate patterns—and it was a space where designers and models alike proved that fashion is no longer about conforming to a predefined, rigid idea of masculinity.
A Bold New World
One of the leading voices of this movement is ace designer JJ Valaya, who presented his collection at the event. Valaya is known for his luxurious fabrics, rich embroidery, and intricate detailing, which have become his signature style. Speaking to ANI, the designer shared his thoughts on how men’s fashion has evolved over the years. According to Valaya, the real shift has occurred largely within menswear, with men now feeling confident in embracing prints and colors that are “dramatic.”
“The real evolution has happened mainly in men’s wear,” Valaya remarked. “Women have always managed to look their best. If you look at men from thirty years ago, they used to live their lives in suits. Today, I can’t think of a single man who gets married in a suit. They are more comfortable wearing fairly extravagant clothes for their own wedding. For other occasions, they are happy wearing prints and colors that are dramatic. So, there has been a tangible shift in what’s going on.”
Valaya’s collection at the India Men’s Weekend reflected this dramatic change. Models strutted down the ramp wearing regal sherwanis, embroidered bandhgalas, and statement shawls, all inspired by traditional craftsmanship. The luxurious fabrics and intricate embellishments embodied a sense of extravagance that was previously reserved for women’s fashion. Yet, the garments exuded masculinity in a fresh, modern way. It was a perfect marriage of heritage and contemporary flair—proof that fashion can transcend traditional boundaries.
A Changing Conversation
Designers Shantnu and Nikhil, who also presented their collection at the event, echoed similar sentiments regarding the shift in men’s fashion. They observed how men’s clothing has evolved from stiff, formal attire into something more fluid and expressive. In India, the fashion conversation used to be limited to ceremonial outfits, and men were often expected to wear loose, traditional clothing that kept them grounded in a reserved role.
Nikhil explained this dramatic change: “India was known to be a country where loose clothing for men was the norm. Men were always considered very serious, and you couldn’t really communicate much with them. We used to look at our elders with respect but also a little bit of awe. That has dramatically changed now. Men, through their clothing, are communicating beautifully.”
Shantnu further added, “In India, earlier, it was actually very overly ceremonial and boring. We wanted to bring a sense of sexiness to men’s wear, and a sense of femininity came in. That’s how we wanted to play with men’s wear.”
The duo’s collection blended heritage with modern elegance, resulting in garments that exuded a fresh, poetic charm. They seamlessly integrated contemporary designs with traditional elements, making menswear feel more vibrant, youthful, and sensual. What once may have been perceived as overly stiff or formal was transformed into a collection that was playful, confident, and full of personality.
The Rise of the Confident Man
Designers Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna, whose Spring-Summer 2025 menswear collection, “Akoya,” was showcased during the event, also shared their perspective on how far men’s fashion has come. Reflecting on the past, they recalled a time when men had little awareness of fashion and relied on their wives to pick out their clothes. “Our journey from then to now–I think men had no idea what to wear. Their wives would go to collect their clothes. Now men know exactly what they want. They are trendy, they are cool. Everything was about women till now. So yes, men deserve it,” said Rohit Gandhi with a laugh.
The “Akoya” collection showcased sleek silhouettes, modern tailoring, and bold colors—everything that stood in stark contrast to the men’s clothing choices of previous decades. Gone were the days of uninspired, basic attire; in its place was a collection that embraced individuality, allowing men to boldly express their personal style. As fashion itself continues to evolve, this shift represents not just a change in what men wear, but in how they view themselves and their place in the world.
A New Era for Men’s Fashion
The FDCI India Men’s Weekend at Diggi Palace in Jaipur marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing revolution of men’s fashion in India. This event, presented by Chivas Luxe Perfumes, brought together an incredible lineup of designers who were eager to show the world that fashion for men is no longer confined to traditional roles. Whether through the daring use of color, intricate embroidery, or modern tailoring, designers are reimagining the boundaries of men’s style.
The message from this year’s event was clear: men’s fashion is evolving, and it’s evolving quickly. No longer limited by outdated stereotypes or societal expectations, men are embracing the opportunity to express themselves through their clothing, proving that fashion is not just about looking strong or masculine—it’s about looking confident, bold, and authentic.
