Here's how Sabyasachi's Met Gala look exemplifies the 'modern Maharaja' aesthetic for grooms in 2024

The 2024 Met Gala has flooded our feeds with the spectacular looks. But amid the blossoms (and the off-theme disappointments) there was one look that truly left us in awe—yes, it is couturier Sabyasachi’s ensemble.

Making his Met Gala debut, Sabyasachi became the first Indian designer to grace the event’s red carpet, and we have to agree that he did a remarkable job. He donned an embroidered cotton duster coat from the Sabyasachi Resort 2024 collection paired with a cream shirt, tan-coloured trousers, a Sabyasachi belt, and brown loafers. But the pièce de résistance was the layers of tourmalines, pearls, emeralds, and diamonds from the Sabyasachi High Jewellery collection. The look was glamorous yet simple, and perfectly harmonised with the couturier's personality. 

The aesthetic can best be described as 'modern Maharaja', an ideal choice for the contemporary groom. Celebrity fashion stylist, Ami Patel lauds it as a revolutionary look, praising the designer’s innovation in combining basic elements with regal details. “Seeing Sabya mix up this long, kingly cape with pants and a shirt, and topping it off with all that jewellery was incredible. It’s an amazing silhouette for the modern groom. It’s revolutionary because it’s marrying the east and the west so beautifully. It has this very modern Maharaja vibe. And if not for the wedding, I think it could work for other events like the sangeet or reception as well because it’s just so spectacular.” 

Indeed, Sabyasachi’s ensemble exemplifies how a statement piece, such as a coat, can transform an entire outfit. Pairing a plain-coloured shirt and trousers with an embroidered jacket can create a winning look suitable for special occasions like your wedding day. Amandeep Kaur, celebrity stylist, costume designer, and creative director, underscores the significance of incorporating a statement piece like a jacket or a dupatta for the groom. “That one extra statement layer, which could be a dupatta worn as a stole for a groom or in Sabyasachi’s case, a beautifully ornate cape, can really elevate an outfit.”

The jewellery serves as the finishing touch, elevating the overall look to a new level. Although men have been experimenting with jewellery of late, they tend to stick to safer choices, steering clear of ornate pieces adorned with precious stones like tourmalines and emeralds. According to Kaur, Sabyasachi serves as a notable example of an adorned Indian man. “While the bridal market often showcases ornately dressed women, men tend to shy away from elaborate jewellery. Sabyasachi demonstrates how men can adorn themselves on special occasions such as weddings, by keeping the silhouette simple and layering it with jewellery to achieve a royal and grand appearance.

Sabyasachi’s method of jewellery stacking is particularly appealing. He sets an example for the modern groom with his stacked jewellery but does so while remaining authentic to his style and the essence of his brand, according to Anisha Jain, a wardrobe consultant and celebrity and movie stylist. “I think the inspiration to take away from this is the jewellery stacking. I feel like men can have fun with jewellery on their wedding day, like stacking necklaces together or a couple of kadas together. It’s very royal with see-through glasses. These are great takeaways from Sabyasachi’s look.” This shift toward stacked jewellery for grooms is significant considering men have traditionally been hesitant about wearing elaborate jewellery.

All images: Longform

Also read: 5 Stylist-Approved Fashion Essentials For The Groom-To-Be 

Also read: 7 Bollywood Groom Outfits To Inspire Your Wedding Look