Comedian Vir Das wrapped up a stellar 2024 this week by becoming the first Indian to host the International Emmy Awards. Already riding high from a sold-out global tour and an acclaimed Netflix special, Das made his Emmy debut count—both with his signature wit and a meticulously chosen outfit that told its own story.
Styled by Shreeja Rajgopal, the outfit was chosen after a meticulous search for the right designer—one that reportedly saw the pair flick through over 4,000 hopeful designers over email. It's a plan that's been several weeks in the making—all kicking off from a single Instagram post Das shared all the way back in September:
It's this commitment to highlight underrepresented talent that took the look from memorable to meaningful. Das’ look was spearheaded by Delhi-based designer Sagar Saluja of Salookalife, known for blending traditional craftsmanship with a modern edge. The structured black tuxedo, featuring sleek lines and subtle textures, exuded quiet confidence, perfectly aligned with Das’ personality.
Das sported a green gemstone pendant by Hanut Singh, a jeweller celebrated for his ability to weave heritage into contemporary elegance. For Das, the pendant held a deeply personal connection, evoking the green tie of his Delhi Public School uniform—an endearing nod to his roots. Balancing this was a pair of worn sneakers, which lent a casual, almost rebellious counterpoint to the tuxedo’s polished formalism. While not confirmed, the sneakers resembled old Fila Disruptors—a surprising choice for a high-profile night. Das admitted the choice was rooted in comfort, a relatable touch on one of the most nerve-wracking evenings of his career.
Curiously, this isn't the first time Das has shown a serious interest in fashion. Apart from a quick here and there in his specials, he once launched a quirky collection titled 'Weirdass Prét-A-Funny' at Lakmé Fashion Week back in 2015, blending comedy with couture. This week was decidedly more serious, though. Shreeja Rajgopal’s styling tied the above elements together into a look that felt modern yet personal, confident but not overwrought. It’s this duality—melding slick jewels, a perfectly tailored suit, and beaten-up kicks—that made the outfit so striking.
Das recently played a news anchor in Prime Video’s Call Me Bae alongside Ananya Panday and is currently commanding stages worldwide with his Mind Fool tour, set to conclude in March 2025.