This festive season is as always turning out to be both exciting and exhausting. Between work, social gatherings and insane traffic everywhere, I've barely been able to catch a breath. Which is, kind of, a blessing in disguise, because have you seen the smog out there? Not to be a bummer but someone's got to do something about how our cities become gas chambers this time of the year.
But, talking of festivities, Esquire threw its first-ever Delhi Diwali party and I'm hoping you've seen the pictures and reels. We also hosted one in Mumbai last night and it was certainly a night worth remembering.
And leading up to this smashing party season was a special print issue of Esquire India. In a shoot like never before, we capture the chameleonic and charismatic Sunil Grover, styled by our Creative Director Vijendra Bhardwaj. In other stories from the issue, Tushar Kanwar wrote about the big takeaways from Apple's Big Mac event, author Gurcharan Das muses on the milestones that've shaped him and our Fashion Editor Komal Shetty talks to designer Sukh Sohal about interpreting India and Punjab in his work.
Our newsletter exclusive this week is also by Komal Shetty, a great read and a useful festive style guide for all you minimalists out there. I'm sure you will be inspired in your sartorial sensibilities.
Happy Diwali—may the light always shine bright!
Saurav Bhanot
Digital Editor, Esquire India
Festive fashion can feel daunting when you’re a minimalist man, but there are plenty of ways to dress for the occasion without going overboard
By Komal Shetty
The festive season is upon us, which means two things: wedding invitations are multiplying like bindweed and sherwanis are getting heavier by the hour.
Now, there's nothing wrong with a little shimmer and shine, zardozi and embroidery. The craftsmanship deserves its moment. But for a man whose wardrobe operates on a strict less-is-more policy, the prospect of dressing for the festivities can feel daunting. Here's a revelation—Indian festive dressing extends well beyond the heavily embellished sherwani.
Consider this a little sartorial intervention for all our minimalists who approach the festive calendar with a certain degree of apprehension. A considered silhouette, an interesting weave, a piece of heirloom jewellery or a detail that nods to your cultural roots can go a long way. Think of it like mathematics in school. You probably didn't hate the subject as much as you hated the way it was being taught. Along came the right teacher and suddenly math wasn’t the worst thing in the world.
The same could apply to festive dressing. Maybe you don't hate ethnicwear; you just haven't found your version of it yet.
First, it helps to know that the ethnic Indian menswear is so much more than just the sherwani. There's the humble kurta-pyjama, the fluidity of an angrakha, the architectural appeal of a bandhgala, the versatility of a Nehru jacket and plenty more in between. The trick is to find a silhouette that speaks to your personal aesthetic rather than defaulting to the most elaborate option on the rack. If clean lines and sharp construction are more your language, Rajesh Pratap Singh is worth looking at.
Raghavendra Rathore, meanwhile, makes a compelling case for the bandhgala, with its immaculate structure and distinctly regal proportions. For something less conventional, Antar-Agni explores fluid draping and unconventional constructions. Abraham & Thakore bring a contemporary sensibility to traditional Indian textiles, understated silhouettes and monochromatic palettes.
Another way to bring a little more tradition into your festive wardrobe is through the details. The smallest interventions can make the biggest difference. Buttons for instance, are an easy place to start. Swap standard fastenings for handcrafted, antique-finish or embroidered buttons and watch an otherwise straightforward outfit take on an entirely different character.
If you'd rather leave your clothes untouched and introduce the festive element elsewhere, start from the ground up. A classic pair of kolhapuris can lend a simple kurta-pyjama an unmistakably Indian sensibility without making the look feel overly ceremonial. You can look beyond the usual tan leather too. Intricate hand-stitching, woven details, subtle metallic accents or an interesting play on leather can add character without tipping into excess. Juttis are another option; think suede, muted brocades or understated leather finishes. And if traditional footwear isn't quite your thing, a pair of well-made leather sandals or minimal slip-ons also work well with Indian silhouettes.
There's something rather lovely about wearing a little family history. Heirloom jewellery is an easy way to bring a sense of heritage into your festive wardrobe without making too much of a production out of it. An old family ring, a brooch, a pair of vintage cufflinks or a bracelet that's made its way down generations will not only add to your look but also make it so much more meaningful. It always feels nice wearing a piece that has lived several lives before finding its way into your wardrobe.
Another less obvious way to embrace tradition is through textiles. India has an extraordinary textile vocabulary, shaped by its many regions, communities and centuries of craftsmanship. While zardozi, chikankari, bandhani, ikat and khadi are familiar starting points, there's so much more to explore. Think of the intricate running stitches of Bengal’s kantha, the rich silk traditions of Kanchipuram, the graphic geometry of dhurrie weaving or the lightweight, naturally textured Eri silk of the Northeast. Rather than opting for an entirely traditional ensemble, consider having these textiles worked into simpler, contemporary silhouettes. A kantha-stitched jacket, an Eri silk kurta or a Nehru jacket in an interesting handwoven fabric can carry just as much cultural character as a heavily embellished outfit.
Being a minimalist doesn't mean having to sit out the cultural festivities or surrendering your personal style completely. Sometimes, all it takes is knowing what to leave out. A little discernment, a good eye for craft and knowing when to stop dressing can be useful skills to have.