Yes, we say “Manish Malhotra” and you think bridal couture. Well, the supposed “Badshah of Bollywood Couture” has gone and (finally) tried out something new. Last night, Manish Malhotra’s premiere menswear collection called “The Gentlemen’s Club” was showcased at the Lakme Fashion Week. The man is still grand but the collection is nothing like we know him to produce. Wearable, eccentric silhouettes and interesting use of textures, this is a whole different Manish Malhotra for all of us.

Calssically sharp, practical blazers worn with slim fitted trousers, waistcoats smartly styled with jackets, bandhgalas and embroidered bundis added the royal touch without overdoing the Karan Johar quotient. Even the few sherwanis were understated on the embroidery and bling – yes, shocking.

We loved the deep dark tones of midnight blue, emerald green, burgundy and black. The tuxedos with velvet shawl collars and long, masculine trench coats in jet black get our thumbs up. There were also an assortment of hoodies (say what?), printed shirts, double breasted bandhgalas and long winter coats which are new area for the man and we approve the effort to venture out of the comfort zone. Ranbir Kapoor closed the show in a stylish burgundy four-button suit and printed shirt.