For over two decades, Amit Arora has quietly reshaped the language of menswear. His design philosophy has evolved in tandem with the changing tastes of the modern Indian man. The new-age groom, he notes, wants more than nostalgia – a challenge that demands both creativity and restraint. Arora embraces this evolution, marrying cutting-edge elements with India’s centuries-old craft. “Blending street style with traditional Indian fashion is what I aim for,” he explains.
At a time when heavily embroidered sherwanis and kurtas dominated the market, Arora envisioned a different path – one defined by clean lines, understated sophistication, and modern charm. “When designing, my focus is to create cleaner lines and offer subtle elegance rather than bold embellishments and flashy designs,” he reflects.
A seamless harmony of craft and innovation is central to his work. By introducing small yet impactful design interventions that transform the entire look, Arora offers grooms’ ensembles that are both contemporary and rooted in heritage. His 2025 collection, Nakkashi, distilled this ethos into form. Traditional embroidery was pared back to its essence, layered onto clean silhouettes. Draped kurtas, asymmetric hemlines, and cape-like shawls redefined the familiar sherwani into something strikingly modern.
When it comes to modern menswear, Arora’s vision extends beyond design into the nuances of styling. Minimalism, he believes, is key to enhancing a man’s silhouette. “Accessories play a big role, but too much can be a put-off. Just one tweak here and there is enough,” he observes.
Nevertheless, carving out originality in a crowded marketplace comes with challenges. Plagiarism, as Arora notes, has shadowed the industry since the late 90s. “Unfortunately, I used to get a setback when designs were copied. But now, I see it as validation that I’ve created something that is accepted and appreciated.” He remains optimistic about industry reform, pointing to increasing awareness, legal measures, and media scrutiny, bringing a shift in the culture around originality.
Looking ahead, Arora envisions Indian menswear taking its rightful place on the global stage, influencing international designers while staying firmly rooted in centuries-old craftsmanship. “Indian wear is going in the right direction – we are keeping our traditions, the embroideries, the craftsmen, and the craft intact. I intend to keep it the way it is and give it as a legacy to future generations,” he shares.
In Amit Arora’s hands, charisma meets ease, and Indian menswear remains timeless yet resolutely modern.
