There is always a dearth for fresh menswear options, especially when it comes to traditional wear, as evidenced by the viral trend of men being sick of unintentionally twinning with others wearing the same sequinned kurta in basic colours. If you too have fallen prey to this trend and have that boring sequinned kurta in your wardrobe currently, we’re urging you to donate it. Instead, why not invest your money in something that is not only stylish and timeless, but will also fetch you compliments by the dozen? 

To that end, let us introduce you to designer Shweta Kapur’s ready-to-wear label, 431-88, who’s latest menswear collection, created in collaboration with stylist Akshay Tyagi, is just what you need. The pieces in this new collection seamlessly blend comfort with contemporary styling, using a refreshing colour palette.  

The philosophy behind their new line for men is centered around the idea of embracing individuality and expressing it, without worrying about judgement or acceptance. “We aimed to create a series of pieces that belong in every individual's wardrobe. Specifically, our men's edit features carefully curated pieces that capture the duality of vulnerability and strength, catering to different aspects of a man's persona on any given day. Shweta and me collaborated closely, ideating, mood boarding and refining our vision through five rounds of edits to achieve the final 24 looks. This collection is designed as a versatile 24-7 wardrobe, with thoughtful pieces that can be mixed and matched to suit any occasion. I hope this capsule wardrobe resonates with people for its timelessness, allowing them to embrace key pieces without feeling the urgency to acquire everything at once,” says Akshay Tyagi, who’s made a name for himself in the fashion industry as a respected celebrity stylist and is now venturing into designing. 

What’s more, this new collection can also work as the perfect destination for picking out the right pieces for your capsule wardrobe, as they are made using high-quality fabrics and fine tailoring, which means they will stand against the test of time and ever-changing fashion trends. They’re created keeping in mind the needs of the modern, sartorially forward man. 

We had a chance to interview Shweta about this inspired collection, and here’s what she had to say:  

In Conversation with Shweta Kapur About Her New Menswear Collection for 431-88: 

Q. This is your second menswear collection. What prompted you to venture into this industry with more vigour?  
 
Shweta Kapur: Our first men's capsule collection received such a positive response, which really encouraged us to dive deeper into the menswear space. Over the years, we've had men asking for designs, and we've created pieces for close friends and family on a smaller scale, but this time felt different.  

I wanted to approach menswear as its own distinct vertical, not just an extension of our womenswear. Initially, we planned a 10-look capsule collection, but as the design process unfolded, the ideas kept growing and evolving, leading Akshay and me to a full-fledged collection. I'm really proud of how it all came together, and it feels like we've created something truly unique for this season. 

Q. What are some of your biggest learnings and the most exciting things you came across, when working in the menswear space? 
 
SK: I’ve always enjoyed designing menswear because it really resonates with my design sensibility. But there were definitely some big learnings along the way. The most challenging part, especially when transitioning from womenswear, was not being able to physically try on the garments myself. In womenswear, I typically wear the first sample to evaluate the fit and cut, and I’m able to make adjustments based on that. With menswear, however, I couldn’t do that because of the difference in body types. It was a challenge to trust my judgement without trying the pieces on myself, but it pushed me to rely more on my intuition and the feedback from the fit model. That was a key takeaway for me—learning to trust my gut and making decisions based on my design instincts. 

 
The exciting part, on the other hand, was how much freedom I felt in terms of colour. In womenswear, I often start with blacks and whites, playing it a bit safe. But for this menswear collection, I made a conscious decision to move away from black and white and really experiment with bold colour palettes. That was a thrilling shift, and I think the colour play brought a fresh energy to the collection. 
 
 

Q. What were some roadblocks or challenges that you faced? 

SK: On the business side, launching into a new market brought its own set of challenges. There was a lot to navigate—everything from pricing strategies to market research. I had to really dive deep into understanding how men shop and what they’re looking for in fashion, since their shopping habits are quite different from women’s. It’s been a fascinating process, though, and I’ve learned so much about the way men approach their clothing choices, which has definitely shaped how we position the collection. 

Q. Tell us a little about where Akshay’s expertise and experience shined the brightest during this collaboration… 
 
SK: We decided to work with Akshay because he’s one of the leading celebrity stylists in the country, and we wanted to bring his expertise into the design process. The core of our collaboration was about creating a solid, versatile wardrobe for men—pieces that could form the foundation of their closet. My brief to Akshay was to focus on how to build multiple looks from just a few key items. I wanted him to help us explore how men could mix and match within a minimalist wardrobe. Akshay’s expertise really shined in his ability to bring out the nuances in these pieces, showing how small details and styling could transform a simple set of items into a wide range of looks. His eye for detail and styling mastery were key to bringing this vision to life. 

Q. Traditional menswear has a bad reputation for being all-too-similar and repetitive. How would you say your collection breaks this mould? 
 
SK: Our collection challenges that idea by focusing on the hidden details—the nuances that only the wearer will notice and appreciate. It’s not just about the outward appearance; it’s about how the garment makes the person feel when they wear it. We’ve incorporated subtle design elements that aren’t immediately visible but become clear upon closer inspection. For example, the centre front isn’t always perfectly centred, the hem curves in unexpected ways, or the pockets might be placed in unconventional spots. These small, deliberate details are what set the collection apart and give it a sense of individuality. We’ve stayed true to our brand ethos of minimalism and clean lines, but with these hidden twists, the pieces become far more dynamic and intriguing. 

Q.How do you approach the tailoring process for Indian wear to ensure a perfect blend of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design, while maintaining comfort and functionality? 
 
SK: My understanding of tailoring started at a young age, particularly when I was studying in London and being tutored by a tailor at Savile Row. This experience gave me a solid foundation in tailoring techniques, which I’ve been able to incorporate into both my womenswear and menswear collections. When it comes to menswear, translating that expertise into Indian silhouettes was actually quite intuitive. At the core, tailoring is about working with fabric, scissors, and the human form—knowing how to shape the fabric to fit the body. With Indian wear, I’ve applied these principles while also embracing the traditional craftsmanship unique to our culture. The key is balancing the precision and structure of Western tailoring with the fluidity and comfort that Indian design demands, ensuring the garment is both functional and comfortable, without compromising on style. 
 

Q.What was on your moodboard and who were your biggest fashion inspirations for this collection? 
 
SK: My moodboard for this collection was centred around feelings rather than specific places or artists. It was about capturing a sense of security and the idea of not seeking external validation—just being comfortable with who you are. I was also drawn to the concept of duality, especially the complexity we often see in men. There’s this tension between being the "alpha" figure—someone who’s strong, protective, and outwardly tough—and at the same time, having a more vulnerable, softer side that remains hidden beneath the surface. This duality became the core theme of the collection, and you can see it reflected in the design details. The balance between strength and sensitivity, the contrast of hard and soft, runs through the pieces, both in structure and in subtle design elements. 
 

Q.What are the most common fashion faux-pas you see among Indian men and their style? 

SK: Honestly, I don't really believe in fashion "faux-pas"—I think everyone should dress in a way that feels true to themselves and comfortable. Fashion is a personal expression, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. However, if I had to point out a common mistake, it would be following trends too rigidly instead of developing and sticking to your own unique style. Trends come and go, but personal style is timeless. It’s important to dress in a way that reflects who you are, rather than just chasing what's currently "in.” 

Q.What advice would you give to soon-to-be grooms or men looking for great Indian wear options for the wedding season? 
 
SK: My advice would be to invest in something you can wear again. Wedding wear can be really expensive, and as someone who's currently shopping for my own wedding, I can tell you—it adds up quickly! So, if you're going to spend that kind of money, make sure the piece is versatile enough to be worn on other occasions. Choose something that not only suits the event but also fits into your broader wardrobe, so you can get value out of it beyond just the wedding day. 

Q.According to you, who are the best-dressed men in the country currently? 
 
SK: For me, the best-dressed men in the country are often the ones you don’t hear much about—like the older men you see in Rajasthan. There’s a certain timeless style to the way they wear their white kurta-pyjamas, leather jackets, and turbans, often while riding their bikes. There’s something effortlessly cool about that combination, and it’s always fascinated me. It’s a unique blend of tradition and practicality that has always influenced my approach to design. In my eyes, they are some of the best-dressed men in the country. 
 
 
Quote by Akshay Tyagi-   
 
Embarking on this collection with Shweta was pivotal for us as we aimed to create a series of pieces that belong in every individual's wardrobe. Specifically, our men's edit features carefully curated pieces that capture the duality of vulnerability and strength, catering to different aspects of a man's persona on any given day. Working with Shweta, a long-time friend, was a special and evolving experience. We collaborated closely, ideating, mood boarding, and refining our vision through five rounds of edits to achieve the final 24 looks. This collection is designed as a versatile 24-7 wardrobe, with thoughtful pieces that can be mixed and matched to suit any occasion.  

The journey was both respectful and beautiful, with us constantly learning from each other and blending our ideas seamlessly. Being involved in every detail, from conceptualization to final touches, was fascinating and rewarding. I hope this capsule wardrobe resonates with people for its timelessness, allowing them to embrace key pieces without feeling the urgency to acquire everything at once. Seeing our hard work come to life has been incredible, and I look forward to its impact."