While it’s mostly the brides who are spoilt for choice when it comes to their wedding attire, men aren’t far behind. Many designers today are venturing into the menswear sphere and offering choices in terms of cuts, colours and silhouettes. Grooms are getting classy in their choice of garments and are no longer sticking to heavy embroidered sherwanis, says Sandeep Khapra, head design, Blackberrys. “One of the most popular style for grooms is a Nehru collar suit; and for a younger stylised version of this, one can opt for an asymmetrical front. A tuxedo is the hottest item in formal menswear today. While black or dark grey, with a white shirt, is a classic combination, if you’re bold you could go for a bu rgundy or teal shirt,” he says. Shoes are also very important for your look — dark tan, burgundy or dark grey are the new colours.
Designer Anita Dongre says while men are going experimental, the traditional bandhgala is still an all-time favourite. “A traditional look is preferred and most grooms stick to sherwanis because they are ethnic, functional and attractive. Rich fabrics like handwoven brocade add a royal feel to the attire while embroidery should be kept minimal. In fact, I often use light resham embroidery which looks like a part of the fabric to give an understated and stylish look,” she says adding, accessories are just as important as the outfit. The kamarbandh adds a dash of flamboyance while jadau buttons are an absolute must-have for that royal look. Other accessories like turban, sarpech, tie pins, cuff links, can complete your look.
Grooms also coordinate their outfit with their brides’, says Mrinmoy Mukherjee of Raymond. “There’s lot of variation in terms of colour with deep wine, purple, cream and dull gold being popular choices. Grooms are styling their outfit with crystal cufflinks, traditional brooches and even colourful printed pocket squares that add a highlight to the garment and match with their bride’s attire.”

My favourite piece of jewellery is an antique choker-set that my father bought me at an auction at Hyderabad. It is priceless in its setting, stones and sentiment not just because it was given to me by my beloved parent but also because it is not garish. The peacocks set in emeralds and rubies on it are stunning.
The piece of jewellery that I have owned for the longest duration is an emerald necklace set in diamonds. It was gifted by my grandfather to my grandmother when he produced his first Hindi film. I inherited this classic beauty (which he called ‘Venus’ after Madhubala who starred in the film) and wear it with gowns, because it symbolises longevity in family relationships for me.
I am most fond of the traditional and fusion polki and kundan jewellery that I have inherited from my family. I also like contemporary settings and chic edgy pieces with floral or animal designs that I can wear with business suits or evening gowns, the latter which I absolutely adore.
I also love rubies, yellow African diamonds, rare precious stones in dramatic colours set with some diamonds rather than the prosaic solitaires that people seem to be flaunting nowadays.
My philosophy about jewellery is that it should whisper not shout, it should be about beauty and not about a vulgar display of wealth. It must be about nonchalance and should be worn keeping in mind the outfit. I’d never recommend sporting jewellery sets, as this is passé, instead I’d go with one dramatic focal point that speaks out and then I’d understate all else. For example if your choker is flamboyant, let the ring, arm cuff and earrings be subtle.
My jewellery dream is to have an edgy sculptural necklace made by a funky sculptor like Jahangir Jani or Arzan Khambatta. I am attracted to the offbeat and innovative.

I meet up with jeweller Sudhirr Singh in his cosy showroom ‘Adaaliz’ on Hughes Road, which also houses the office spaces of some of the most affluent jewellers in town. I step up to a brightly lit space which showcases a veritable gamut of every woman’s dream – diamond necklaces, rubies, emeralds and precious stones galore. Walking upto his office upstairs, I meet a man who seems extremely serious about the jewellery that he serves up customers.
Sudhirr and his family, who hail from Bhagalpur in Bihar, have been in the jewellery business for nearly two-and-a-half decades, he says. Sudhirr, who started out by exporting loose diamonds to the Far East, has two brothers, both of whom are also in the same field – in Bangkok and in Bangalore respectively. He started ‘Adaaliz’ on his own two-and-a-half years ago after being in partnership with his brothers for about two decades. “There’s more freedom and creativity when one has the licence to take one’s own decisions,” he says. “The demand for jewellery in India is growing by the day.” So moving from Panchratna, Opera House, he shifted to being his own man on Hughes Road.
Sudhirr’s showroom specialises in bridal jewellery of a fine sort in keeping with the word Adaaliz which is a European name for ‘of the nobility’. “Diamond studded jewellery is a favourite with my customers, many of whom are female,” he says adding that making lightweight jewellery with fine diamonds is ‘Adaaliz’s specialty. For Sudhirr, helping conceptualise the jewellery he sells is the most exciting part despite the fact that he has in-house designers at work. “People want unique sorts of jewellery nowadays and tastes among customers differ widely.”
For a workaholic like him who works till 9 pm each day, keeping a work-life balance is confessedly difficult. But he does treasure the times he spends with his family over the weekends. Something that he most looks forward to every year is travelling to Hong Kong for the annual jewellery fair that never fails to inspire him.
Sudhirr’s success mantra is simple: “Work hard, be creative and provide satisfaction to customers”. And last but not the least, he believes in being positive. For someone like him who forms part of the large USD 30 billion jewellery business in India annually, one which exports 95% of the world’s diamonds, the future looks bright.

As the party season gets in full swing, there’s no better time to update your wardrobe. Along with stocking up on the latest trends in dresses, you’re also going to need some stylish statement pieces to complete your look. Ayesha Kapur, from Ayesha accessories, says for the disco queen look, metal mesh earrings and neckpieces in all colours ranging from silver and gold to pink, blue and black glitter are in vogue. “Neon is another super craze. Earrings and neckpieces in electric green or orange are sure to grab attention. Chunky necklaces are also great, but multiple long chains in metal seem to be the hot thing this season,” she says.
Jewellery designer Vasundhara Mantri feels flowers are a real hit this season, and feature in her necklaces, rings and bracelets. “Chandelier earrings add a beautiful, feminine touch. Even layered earrings are very trendy this season, and can be bought in both precious and cosmetic metals. Pair a chunky statement neckpiece in muti-coloured gemstones, silver and gold rhinestones, and black beads with your solid-coloured dress. Further, square, triangle, cubic, and round bracelets bring some arm candy to your look,” adds the designer.
When it comes to bags, clutches with chains still rule. Accessory Designer Pinky Saraf says deep hues like indigo, emerald, royal blue are popular favourites. “When dressing for a party, go with gold sequins or metallic pieces to add a touch of bling. Personally, I incorporate kundan, diamantes and polkis in my pieces as it gives a quirky mix of traditional and modern,” she adds.
Footwear designer Rohan Arora says since the party season means lots of dancing, opt for something comfortable for your feet, preferably flats. “If you can’t go for flats, I’d recommend platform heels. But stilettos are a complete no-no. Boots are also popular this season but opt for ones in lighter fabrics like khadi or kalamkari work. Hand-embroidered jootis look fab even when teamed with Western silhouettes. Go for footwear in deep colours like wine red and ink blue and go all out with bling by pairing crystal-studded sandals with your outfit,” he says.