TRENDS
decided to bring you the hottest trends from just concluded Lakmé, Delhi Fashion Weeks and India Fashion Week, to tell you how you can turn bizarre ramp drama into everyday style ideas. By Shweta Shiware
SHOW: Shyamal & Bhumika
TREND: Steal-the-show stoles
Wearing ethnic wear to work is not always advisable, especially if you don't want to get "slotted". But teaming a bright stole offset by matt gold zari work with an
uni-dimensional Western attire, will add that glitz to an evening-out with work mates or an official dinner. The trick is in the draping. Take a tip from the reverse drape in this picture.
SHOW: Rajesh Pratap Singh
TREND: Sharp simplicity
Outfits with clairvoyant charm manifest the less-is-more teachings of spirituality. The modern sage aka Pratap attained a balance between translucence and opacity, using cotton and organza to display a contrast. If this is ultra au naturale for you, contrast the sheer top or dress with a bright singlet or neon Kolhapuris. Remember the key word: Restrained vision.
SHOW: Arjun Saluja
TREND: Pin stripes with a spin
There might be some fundamental rules of professional dressing. But isn't fashion all about playing by the rules, but not hesitating to tweak them to make a statement? Get rid of stuffy full-sleeves and staid buttons on your pin striped shirt. Combine them instead with polka dots, add volume to the shoulders and let the buttons shout out quietly!
SHOW: Anamika Khanna
TREND: Soft architecture
The Kolkata-based designer showcased a range of outfits that complemented natural feminine curves. As if bringing discipline to frivolous fashion, she attained the perfect definition of oxymoron soft architecture by using frail fabrics to create structured hour glass figures ensembles.
SHOW: Ritu Kumar
TREND: Hood
This style is no longer restricted to guys in hip hop videos. The hood has got a sporty edge to it, which is why it's a mainstay in jumpsuits. But designers are now plucking it out of there, and grafting it onto fusion outfits like this one. It's best if you don't wear it on your head but let it fall gently down your nape.
SHOW: Nidhi and Pankaj
TREND: Acid bright colours and rich jewel tones
Think orange, neon green, hot pink, ruby red, aubergine and royal blue, and give pastels a break. If you have a lean frame, opt for an entire ensemble like a cocktail dress, or jacket in a pop shade. The conservative among you can pick a clutch or heels in an acid shade, rather than an entire ensemble.
SHOW: Atsu and Namrata Joshipura
TREND: Funnel shoulders
Almost resembling epaulets synonymous with the army, these shoulder details act as energy boosters for a slouchy posture. Considering that atrociously taut shoulder pads enjoyed unparalleled popularity in the 80s, we think these über chic sleeves deserve to stay. For the sanity of style.
SHOW: Couturewalla
TREND: Tights as churidars
Aar ya paar seemed the stance most designers took this season. The conventional salwar is out. It's either the roomy harem pant/dhoti bottom or the thigh hugging churidar, except that they replaced the fabric churidars with cool Lycra and spandex tights. Heavy thighs? Just make sure the kurta is long enough to skirt your knees.
SHOW: Aparna and Norden Wangdi
TREND: Interesting neckline
This in-cut blouson in lime green, yellow and white is perfect for a sultry day, and is sure to make your neck appear slim and long with pouch-like tie for a neckline. Pick up tunics and evening dresses with funky necklines, and you don't have to bother yourself with accessorising an outfit. There's a certain personality that you need to carry this kind of clothing off, but if you can see yourself in it, go for it. It's statement-making without shouting, "Look at me, I'm different".
SHOW: Anshu & Jason
TREND: Quirky back
It's tough to find this kind of detailing unless it's designer wear, but you don't necessarily have to spend thousands to land your hand on an outfit with an interesting back. The little boutiques at Juhu and Bandra stock budget garments by upcoming designers, and some of them have quaint hand detailing that gives an outfit a quirky edge. Make sure you have a sexy back to flaunt before you pick one of these. An exfoliating scrub and some moisturiser to give your shoulders sheen, is good enough.
SHOW: Lina Tipnis
TREND: Reptile print
This designer presented a whole line of dresses in toad print. This style works for the younger lot, whether it's a screen printed tee that you can wear over casual harem pants, or an all over print tunic you can team with tights. Those of you with large hips and bust should avoid separates with prints that are likely to draw attention to these areas.
SHOW: Preeti Chandra
TREND: Striking prints
It's more like wearing pop art on your body. A maxi or blouson in a psychedelic paisley print looks great in flimsy fabrics. If the top or tunic is in wispy chiffon, which it's likely to be, make sure you balance out the volume by pairing it with cigarette pants or skinny jeans.
SHOW: Lecoanet Hemant
TREND: Neon highlights
Menswear is no longer associated with the word drab, so if you are a young, hip guy have some fun by teaming a formal full-sleeve shirt and flat front slim fit trousers with a funky coloured belt. Or, you could opt for a laptop bag in vibrant hue.
SHOW: Nachiket Barve
TREND: Geranium pink
It's one of the hottest colours this season. Inspired by a little flower called Psilostemon, one of the most striking geraniums, it's a plant that stands erect with lipstick-magenta flowers and a black eye. You wear this colour, and you are set to make heads turn. Alternately, you could opt for a lipstick in the colour. Cosmetic brand MAC has options.
SHOW: Siddharth Tytler
TREND: One shoulder, funky belts
It's essential that you get yourself a statement belt a belt that doesn't just hold your jeans up, but one that your outfit would not be complete without. Thick Oriental Obi belts are in. The one shoulder dress, top and tunic is a wardrobe essential this season. Subtle sexiness
without the bother.
SHOW: Falguni & Shane Peacock's Spendthrift
TREND: Gothic symbols, skulls
It's good to be bad. So, when you are in the mood to ditch pretty pinks, opt for psychedelic mauve. Look out for pirate and skull motifs, like this "khatra" skeleton plastered on the side of a hot sequin evening dress. Team it with prune or black nail paint, or dark berry lip colour.
SHOW: Stoffa
TREND: Not-so-normal flats
This season, shoes go funky and bizarre. Flats are back with a bang; just make sure they have that impossible large flower plastered on them, or are gladiator sandals with straps that wind all the way up to your knee. Wedges with prints on the heels, and transparent footwear are other options.
