LEGENDS OF THE SHERWANI
The sherwani is a classic. The evolution has been so dramatic that it is now irrelevant to search for its roots to claim it as one of our own. A sharp-cut piece is as fashionable today as it was two hundred years ago at the durbars of nawabs and maharajas. Sherwani's impact has been so deep, that today, it transcends power and politics, and has become a common man's garb; any common man with taste. It is now the archetypal 21st century wedding wear.
Naysayers maintain, the groom should stay low key on receptions; and goes without saying — the wedding itself; men should not shine, at least not more than the bride.
We beg to differ. As marriages are all about sharing, why should weddings be any different? The bride and the groom should complement one another as a pair.
Prints have been in vogue for quite some time now; the who's who of the industry now cut their sherwanis from fabrics wild with floral prints and threadwork resembling twines of vines. Dyeing techniques add textures to various shades added one after another, and prints are now accentuated with additional works of embroidery — some handstitched.
Does that mean old school sherwanis, in seemingly unimaginative monochromes, are past their prime? No!
The scene of the past decade has seen grooms don pieces coloured from the same stroke of the artisan's/designer's proverbial brush. So, one still cannot rule out monochromes, as long as the colour palette takes cue from the bridal wear.
Sherwanis are equally appealing in lighter shades, but in rebellious overtones of heavy embroidery, zari work; some even pull off stones with ease, and we wish to put them high on our 'top picks.'
"Shine" is the key, sans the bling!
Photo courtesy: Zurhem
Model: Azim-ud-Dowla
Wardrobe: Zurhem
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