The fourth edition of House of Glenfiddich Presents FDCI India Men’s Weekend took place on February 7 and 8 at Jaipur’s Diggi Palace, bringing together some of India’s leading designers as they reinterpreted tradition through a modern lens, setting the stage for Indian menswear trends in 2026.
Key Takeaways From FDCI India Men’s Weekend
Designer duo Abraham & Thakore reinforced the strength of Indian tradition by reintroducing the South Indian lungi, styled with contemporary ease to show its relevance in a modern wardrobe.
Vivek Karunakaran continued his Idam journey with Thangam, a collection rooted in memory and material. Using raw silks, tussar, Kanjeevarams, and organza, he crafted a refined menswear narrative for the modern Indian man who remains deeply connected to his roots.
FDCI India Men’s Weekend Day 1 Highlights
Razor-Sharp Tailoring
Rajesh Pratap Singh closed Day 1 with a collection that highlighted Indian textiles and craftsmanship. The palette stayed simple – black, navy, grey, and red, while sharp tailoring was the focus. Singh combined storytelling and design, keeping the clothes and textile innovation at the centre.
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Models also wore accessories inspired by bullets and whistles. Speaking to Outlook Luxe, Singh said the collection was “a reflection of the world we live in,” born from experiments with textiles and shapes.
Parsi Couture
Siddartha Tytler’s Miraas, an ode to legacy, reimagined Parsi Gara embroidery with a contemporary approach. The collection mostly used a black-and-white palette, letting the intricate craftsmanship of the ancient weave stand out, enhanced by mirror work, layered appliqués, and fluid silhouettes. Tailored jackets and kurtas paired with large, flowing salwars, trousers, and skirts, created a striking and trendy take on a traditional art form.
Micro-Handkerchief Print For The Hip Indian Man
Handkerchief prints have been a key trend since 2025, and they continue to dominate in 2026. At FDCI India Men’s Weekend, Ashish N Soni explored micro-handkerchief prints across an entire collection, featuring printed jackets, shorts, and loose, breathable pants. The styling only amplified the collection’s over all aesthetic, as models sashayed down the runway in knee-high socks, scarves, caps, and layered accessories, turning each outfit into a bold, playful statement.
Speaking to Outlook Luxe, Soni said he wanted the collection to feel “young and hip.” He added, ‘I wanted to create a young, current vibe. I’ve always been interested in micro-handkerchief prints and wanted to see how it would work across a full collection. After my recent black collection, I wanted to move away from that, so there’s a lot of colour. I also played with tapestry, which is very on-trend right now.’
Men’s Jewellery
On Day 2, Amit Hansraj of Inca showcased a collection inspired by Bandhani, incorporating shibori, black printing, and lehariya. The standout element was the statement men’s jewellery – chunky Indian necklaces that herald a new era in men’s adornments.
Paresh Lamba’s Kaivalya on Day 1 offered a fresh take on Indo-Western ceremonial dressing, featuring bold gold and silver pieces, from stacked rings to wrist bracelets.
Rajesh Pratap Singh’s silver accessories, including bullet waist chains and chunky necklaces, were equally striking.
Day 1 also featured showcases from Nikita Mhaisalkar, Son of a Noble Snob, Kommal and Ratul Sood, Rohit Kamra Jaipur, Nitin Bal Chauhan, and Samant Chauhan. Kommal and Ratul Sood’s The Nocturne Collection reinvented the suit as a modern uniform, combining jewel-toned textures, graphic detailing, and Savile Row precision.
Nikita Mhaisalkar revisited her Sidhpur roots, drawing inspiration from Victorian havelis and pastel nostalgia to craft a richly textured Spring 2026 narrative.
Nitin Bal Chauhan presented a mystic collection inspired by the Himalayan folk tale of Gugga, completing a diverse first day of innovative menswear.
Also Read: Raghavendra Rathore On Reinventing Indian Menswear Over The Years
FDCI India Men’s Weekend Day 2 Highlights
Sustainable Fashion Remains A Priority
Ankur Verma’s signature world of colour, pattern, and texture came alive on the runway, where models wore vibrant silhouettes layered with tactile, handwoven fabrics. The highlight was his use of zero-waste, handspun textiles, giving each look a sense of purpose and craft. His collection, Breathe – Between the Layers of Chaos by TIL, created a subtle moment of balance amidst bold shapes and colours, marrying sustainability with considered, modern design.
Lungi As A Substitute For Trousers
One of the most striking moments of Day 2 came during the finale, when two models emerged from the palace pool, changed into exquisitely crafted robes, and stepped onto the runway – a visual spectacle that set the tone for the collection that followed.
Abraham & Thakore presented Sartorial Sarongs, inspired by the comfort and ease of the traditional South Indian lungi. Paired with coordinated shirts and jackets, the lungi was reimagined as a modern alternative to trousers, blending Indian heritage with contemporary design while challenging conventional dress codes. With nods to Jaipur’s architecture, sharp graphic lines, and belts layered over the lungis, the collection gained an extra layer of style and character.
Speaking to Outlook Luxe, David Abraham also emphasized the role of the show producer in bringing a collection to life. ‘A good producer makes the collection cohesive, sets the narrative, ensures the models look their best, and times each moment so every outfit can be seen clearly and make an impact,’ he said.
Also Read: Brides, Send This To Your Dad Immediately: The Ultimate Father Of The Bride Style Bible
The Sharp-Dressed Man Is Back In Style
Pawan Sachdeva’s The After Dark was all about sharp, semi-formal dressing for the modern Indian man. Blazers and suits in wool, velvet, and satin looked suave, with minimal and classy embellishments.
Denim Jackets For Men Are So Back
Sushant Abrol’s Countrymade show at House of Glenfiddich presents FDCI India Men’s Weekend 2026 was a striking tribute to foundries. The collection featured denim, structured jackets in earthy tones with multiple pockets, and sharp cuts that showcased precision tailoring. He is one rising star we’re keeping our eyes on.
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Don’t Be Afraid Of Over The Top Regal Couture
JJ Valaya, an icon often regarded as one of the godfathers of Indian fashion, showed how the fineries of traditional Indian dressing can feel both classy and fresh.
The showcase was a spinoff of his existing collection East, featuring fluid silhouettes, kimono-inspired overlays, and understated detailing that reinterpreted royal heritage through a lens of global minimalism.
Speaking to Outlook Luxe after the show, Valaya said he enjoys honouring India by reinterpreting and reinventing its craft. ‘What we enjoy most is celebrating India’s craft – reinterpreting it, reinventing it, having some fun with it, and making it relevant,’ he said. He also described himself as a “royal nomad,” someone who ‘travels the world, absorbs influences, and blends them with Indian elements to create entirely new statements.’
Day 2 also saw standout presentations from designers including Mr. Ajay Kumar, Felix Bendish, Antar Agni, Sahil Aneja, Dhruv Vaish, and Krishna Mehta, each bringing their own distinctive vision for Indian menswear to the runway.
Since its inception in 2008, FDCI’s menswear platform has grown into one of India’s most important showcases, shaping trends, nurturing emerging talent, and fostering meaningful industry connections. Today, India joins the global elite as the fourth city to host a dedicated men’s fashion week, standing alongside Paris, Milan, and New York.
