Designer Dolly J, whose label will soon turn 20, has ventured into menswear with the handsome ‘An Heirloom Summer’. It features dapper styles for cocktails, wedding functions, the red carpet and parties. The motifs are from vintage jamawar shawls, Kashmiri kashidakari, French paisleys and integrates resham, aari, zardozi and more. We spoke to the designer on her inspirations.
Congratulations! What inspired you to finally launch your menswear?
Menswear has always lived in the margins of our sketches — waiting for its moment. With An Heirloom Summer, that moment arrived. I wanted to craft something that wasn’t just clothing, but memory — stitched with heritage, layered with story, and finished with quiet grandeur. It’s for the modern gentleman who values legacy not as nostalgia, but as something he carries forward — with elegance, strength, and soul.
How have men changed in the last 20 years?
Over the last two decades, men have evolved from simply dressing for functions to embracing fashion as a form of self-expression. Today’s man is confident in celebrating culture, craftsmanship, and emotion — he isn’t afraid of detail, texture, or tradition. He values timelessness over trends and seeks meaning in what he wears. In many ways, men have become more nuanced —balancing strength with softness, legacy with individuality. And that’s exactly the kind of man we design for.
Your men look very royal. What are the hero pieces?
Thank you! Our hero pieces include intricately hand-embroidered achkans, regal sherwanis, and sharply tailored tuxedos. Each piece blends heritage with modernity — crafted to feel like a timeless heirloom for the man who leads with quiet confidence.
Who are your favourite men whom you would want to
dress in Dolly J?
I’d love to dress a diverse range of men who each bring their own unique energy — from the young trailblazers with a fresh, edgy elegance to the established icons who carry timeless charm and commanding presence. They all embody the spirit of confidence and grace that Dolly J menswear is designed to celebrate.
How do you think menswear will evolve in days to come?
Menswear is on the cusp of a quiet revolution. We’re moving beyond just tailoring and trends—into a space where emotion, memory, and craftsmanship take centre stage.
The future belongs to garments that hold weight — not just in fabric, but in feeling. I see men embracing softness without losing strength, tradition without losing edge. Couture will no longer be reserved for women alone; it will become a canvas for men to express legacy, identity, and presence — with power and poetry.