Menswear enjoyed a rare moment in the spotlight at this year’s Met Gala, whose theme explored the evolution of Black dandyism and its impact on fashion through fine tailoring. Men in the UAE have long been confident in their style choices—Dubai’s Satwa district has been synonymous with expert craftsmanship for decades. Yet, this year’s biggest fashion event is expected to influence wardrobes significantly, especially when it comes to weddings.
“The modern groom isn’t afraid to experiment,” says Indian designer Manish Malhotra, who himself wore a sculptural sherwani cape embroidered with glass beadwork and gold details, complemented by layers of jewelry including brooches, collar pins, and cufflinks. He believes accessories like brooches or collar pins bring a touch of sophistication, adding personality and flair while maintaining a classic, timeless look. This blend of tradition and modernity is exactly what many grooms now embrace.
Beyond accessories, grooms today face a higher standard in fit and fabric. As men become more aware of tailoring quality, fewer are settling for off-the-rack suits designed for corporate settings. Dubai-based stylist Yamin Ummer notes that fine tailoring is making a strong comeback, with 2025 marking a year where grooms focus on sartorial excellence. He observes growing confidence in refined color palettes and rich textures, often styling classic pieces like sherwanis or bandhgalas with cleaner, contemporary edges. Techniques such as metallic zardozi or subtle thread embroidery help add personality and luxury without overwhelming the look, highlighting the importance of traditional craftsmanship.
For many, a wedding is not a corporate retreat but a personal runway moment. Retailers both local and international report a resurgence of dandyism, with grooms embracing the opportunity to make a bold, personal statement. Mehul Seth, founder of brands like Bawree and Kora, explains that tailoring now tells a story through design, detail, and craftsmanship, elevating the entire wedding experience. Demand is rising for bespoke fits and structured silhouettes that blend heritage with individuality, reflecting the diverse personalities of men across the GCC.
Fashion stylist Preethi S describes this trend as a renaissance of self-expression in men’s wedding wear. Grooms increasingly prefer impeccably tailored suits infused with grandeur reminiscent of the Met Gala, often featuring historic touches. Designer Varoin Marwah, who works between Dubai and Mumbai, agrees that grooms want distinct, personality-filled pieces—whether a double-breasted tuxedo or a modern bandhgala. His new collection favors understated grandeur with modern tuxedos, long bandhgalas, and fluid trench jackets in earthy neutrals, vintage golds, and jewel tones.
Accessories have evolved from afterthoughts to essential details. Marwah highlights how statement brooches, vintage watches, handcrafted footwear, or bold pocket squares can transform an outfit. Fine touches like mother-of-pearl buttons, hand-embroidered stoles, and custom turbans add depth and distinction without overpowering the silhouette.
At the Met Gala, Diljit Dosanjh’s ivory and gold sherwani jacket, paired with a traditional sword and turban, showcased how contemporary tailoring can seamlessly merge tradition with modern silhouettes. Designers like Prabal Gurung exemplify this blend, demonstrating that wedding wear is an ideal space for bold personal storytelling. In today’s age of social media and self-branding, these looks reflect a broader cultural emphasis on form and identity.
Grooms increasingly understand that what works for one may not work for another. Tailor consultations remain the best way to discover flattering colors, fabrics, and cuts. Guy Sweeney, Brand Director at Ascots & Chapels, notes that personalisation is key. His British-cut tailored suits emphasize strong shoulders and nipped waists, but clients choose every detail—from monograms to bespoke linings and even special wedding-day messages sewn inside jackets. This level of customization ensures each groom’s outfit is as unique as his story.
Despite different cultural backgrounds, the common goal remains the same: grooms want to look classic, feel confident, and wear something that reflects their roots and personality. This has fueled a trend toward cultural fusion, especially in cosmopolitan hubs like Dubai. Arab grooms may opt for traditional bishts with modern cuts and subtle embroidery, while Western grooms favor bespoke tuxedos enhanced with standout accessories. South Asian grooms often seek regal sherwanis or Indo-western fusion styles that honor the grandeur of Indian weddings while incorporating personal touches.
Seth explains that Kora’s collections blend Indian heritage with Arabic elegance, drawing from Mughal and Rajputana influences suitable for Gulf weddings. The garments often showcase hand embroidery, zardozi, silk resham, and mirror work combined with modern tailoring and fabrics like raw silk and velvet in colors ranging from ivory to jewel tones. This results in attire that feels both royal and relevant.
Malhotra stresses the importance of blending cultures naturally and respectfully. His designs start with strong Indian roots, rich in hand embroidery and zardozi, while reflecting Gulf traditions and styles for an elegant mix. Meanwhile, Sweeney observes a rise in Indian and Arab grooms choosing tuxedos, perhaps reflecting global citizenship or evolving bridal influences, with black-tie remaining a universally appealing option.
Fabric choices are foundational to any tailored garment, especially as climate change brings warmer, more humid weather to popular wedding destinations like France and Italy. Comfort drives the selection of breathable materials such as fine silks, crepes, and lightweight linens. Lightweight wool also remains popular, with luxury brands like Dormeuil, Loro Piana, and Scabal favored. Sweeney highlights his new collection featuring soft Irish linen in a vibrant color range ideal for summer weddings, alongside dramatic ceremonial fabrics like velvet and jacquard for more daring looks.
Fine tailoring is inseparable from fabric choice, particularly for traditional ceremonies where rich silks with delicate hand embroidery dominate. Designer Omar Farooq of Republic emphasizes the importance of heritage, elegance, and traditional attire, blending these with modern sophistication to help grooms honor their roots while expressing individuality. His couture pieces focus heavily on hand embroidery and embellishments, appealing to the refined tastes of GCC grooms.
Not every groom will channel the flamboyance of Met Gala icons like Colman Domingo or Maluma, but there remains plenty of space for classic black-tie elegance, says Sweeney. Many clients prefer this timeless route, which itself tells a personal story. Ultimately, fine tailoring is a heritage craft producing garments meant to last—investments that hold both memories and practical value. Farooq points out that a custom-made wedding suit should be cherished as a lasting, versatile piece, combining skilled workmanship with timeless style.
Whether on the wedding day or beyond, a tailored suit remains one of the smartest investments a man can make—a reflection not just of fashion, but of personal commitment and identity.
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