“Black dandyism originated as a form of self-expression to defy societal, racial and gendered norms. It was a tangible protest of the discrimination faced by those excluded from society, made by exaggerating and perfecting modern style.”

Shah Rukh Khan wears a floor length elongated coat in Tasmanian superfine wool with monogrammed, Japanese horn buttons. The coat is hand canvassed, single breasted with a peak collar and wide lapels. Paired with a crepe de chine silk shirt and tailored superfine wool trousers. A pleated satin kamarbandh completes this bespoke look. Layered with a custom stack and complemented with The Bengal Tiger Head Cane crafted in 18k gold with tourmalines, sapphires, old mine cut and brilliant cut diamonds.

“Within an Indian context, I think of Jamsetji Tata, the founder of the Taj hotels, who was denied entry to the Watson’s Hotel in Bombay, an exclusive European-only establishment that only allowed entry to "Whites.” That experience led him to build the world renowned Taj Mahal Palace hotel as a symbol of resistance and empowerment.”

SABYASACHI MUKHERJEE AT THE MET GALA

Sabyasachi’s inspiration of the Black Dandy originates with the noble houses of India. A hand quilted, oversized court jacket and sherwani in hand dyed Murshidabad silk paired with satin shirt, black quilted trousers and kamarbandh, styled with custom embroidered shoes by Sabyasachi Accessories. The look is completed with exquisite pieces from the Bengal Royale collection of Sabyasachi High Jewellery.

THE BENGAL TIGER HEAD CANE

The Bengal Tiger Head Cane crafted in 18k gold with sapphires, tourmalines, old mine cut and brilliant cut diamonds.

THE DANDY STACK

Custom stack from Sabyasachi Jewellery crafted in18k gold with sapphires, tourmalines, old mine cut and brilliant cut diamonds.

“We celebrate Dandyism on the MET GALA (Superfine: Tailoring Black Style) red carpet by bringing our own version with a uniquely Indian exuberance. The tradition of wearing neckties was inherited from the British colonial era, where formal dressing was a mark of elegance and refinement. Clubs in India, especially upscale ones, maintain dress codes that require formality, including ties to maintain a standard of decorum and ambience. In the Sabyasachi world the tie has been replaced with hand crafted Indian necklaces; formal for sure and richer indeed.”

“For culture to be relevant, it needs to be dynamic.”