At an Abraham and Thakore show, what captivates is how their design language of understated luxury extends into a subtle spectacle that stuns despite its inclination to restraint. The David Abraham and Rakesh Thakore show at the House of Glenfiddich presents FDCI India Men’s Weekend 2026 in Jaipur was no different. The audience was taken by surprise with the offbeat opening of models swimming out of a pool to present a pair of robes.
For the duo, fashion shows “remain a powerful storytelling platform”. With ‘Sartorial Sarongs’, it was a narrative of reinterpretation, inspired by the common man’s daily wear — the lungis and mundus. Using their signature monochrome palette, the duo decoded a fresh fashion statement for contemporary urban men and women, seamlessly blending non-conformity with utility. Their designs, infused with architectural elements inspired by Jaipur’s rich heritage, and textiles deeply connected to Indian identity, elevated the luxury presentation, making it both aesthetically captivating and meaningful. A t2 post-show chat with David Abraham and Rakesh Thakore:
How did you come up with the unique idea of models swimming out of a pool for the opening of the show ?
We wanted the opening to immediately disrupt expectations, much like the collection itself. Sartorial Sarongs questions the everyday codes of menswear by taking a familiar garment, the lungi, and presenting it in a new context. The idea of the models emerging from water was symbolic, almost like the garments were being rediscovered. It set the tone for a collection that reimagines something deeply familiar in an unexpected contemporary way.
Over three decades of the label yet each of your shows reflects the zest of a beginner. What excites you about shows now?
For us, fashion shows are an opportunity to present an idea in its most immersive form through garments, choreography and atmosphere. After more than three decades, what continues to excite us is the possibility of asking new questions through design. Each collection allows us to revisit tradition, reinterpret it and share that dialogue with a contemporary audience.
What drew you into making a fashion statement out of a common man’s daily wear?
There is something very compelling about everyday clothing. Garments like the lungi are democratic. They belong to everyone and are worn without pretension. By bringing such a familiar piece into a more sartorial context we wanted to celebrate its simplicity while revealing its elegance. Sometimes the most ordinary objects hold the most interesting design possibilities.
The palette was of course your signature monochrome...
A restrained palette allows the form and construction of the garments to take centre stage. Black, white and gold felt graphic and timeless. The monochrome base also echoed the clean lines and architectural inspirations in the collection, while touches of gold added a quiet sense of celebration. It created a visual clarity that allowed the drape and structure of the garments to be experienced without distraction.
What inspires your design language of recontextualising traditional forms and existing style vocabulary?
India has an incredibly rich design vocabulary that already exists around us — in architecture, textiles and everyday clothing. Our approach has always been to look at these references with fresh eyes. Rather than treating tradition as something static, we see it as something that can evolve. By placing familiar elements into new contexts, we try to create garments that feel rooted yet contemporary.
And designers globally too are now looking at India for inspiration…
India has always had extraordinary craft traditions and textile knowledge. What is perhaps changing now is the way these are being interpreted and communicated globally. Designers, artisans and brands are collaborating in new ways, and there is a growing appreciation for authenticity and craftsmanship. While recognition may come in phases, what is important is that the conversation around Indian design continues to evolve with integrity.
How do you look at the change that menswear in India is witnessing?
Menswear today is definitely becoming more fluid and expressive. The traditional idea of power dressing is gradually giving way to comfort, individuality and ease. Garments like the lungi naturally embody that spirit because they are relaxed, adaptable and free from rigid tailoring. As conversations around identity and self-expression expand, fashion inevitably reflects that openness.
Menswear in India is also becoming more experimental while still remaining deeply connected to its heritage. Younger audiences are open to new silhouettes, drapes and ways of wearing traditional garments. At the same time there is a renewed respect for textiles, craft and local knowledge. The future of Indian menswear, we believe, lies in this balance — where innovation grows from a strong cultural foundation rather than replacing it.