Fashionably festive

FOR HIM & HER

The merry months begin with fervour and to mark the many occasions one must have a wardrobe that matches the mood. The season is such that you not only need a spectrum of festive season must-haves, but also an array of wardrobe staples that will last you beyond the festivities. Here’s looking at some of the top trends of this winter festive season:

Hot colours

The palette is muted this season with a burst of gold, glitter and sparkle. From jewel tones making waves on the runway, ruby red, sapphire yellow, emerald green, garnet and lapis blue are going to be seen doing the rounds and are a must-have colour wheel for your winter festive wardrobe.

Earthy tones of taupe, mocha and beige or pastels such as custard, mint green,
celestial blue and pink champagne are also here to stay. From traditional wear to
western and Indo-westerns, both men and women can select from a range of colours that resonate with their personal style, be it a rich palette with burgundy, bottle green et al or softer hues of lilac, dreamy peach or blush pink.

Or else, opt for the monochrome magic. Everything in black and white — polka dots, zebra stripes, horizontal and vertical stripes, graphic prints and 3D illusions make you look fabulous instantly. From festive graphic saris to lehengas and gowns for women to a sharp monochromatic look for men’s traditional wear and western wear, nothing compares to the sophistication and elegance that black and white bring to the festive table.

The shine factor

With all that dancing you’re going to indulge in, it’s only fair to adorn finery that shimmers and shines like it’s ‘Disco 82’ again. From traditional wear like lehengas, long jackets, indo-westerns like sari gowns and other fusion ensembles to tunics and bespoke western blouses, infuse crystals, metallic fabrics and metal embellishments to your festive ensembles.

And men, don’t shy away from the shine. If a crystal-studded jacket or a sequinned kurta is not your thing, add sparkling elements to your accessories in the form of pocket squares, ties, shoes or more subtle pieces like the waist jacket to get on with the festive vibe.

And velvet is back with a bang this season! Menswear will see this trend going strong with sherwanis, full tuxedos and Indo-Westerns created in velvet. Let the fabric do the talking and keep surface ornamentation to a minimum. Previously used as part of trims and as accent only, this year is about being bold by adding a magical statement piece made out of this exquisite fabric to your wardrobe.

Make a statement

What’s different this season is the modern styling, interesting layering, contemporary cuts and the drapes. Do away with the heavily embroidered lehengas and cholis, and invest in statement pieces that can be styled to suit any occasion. Mix, match and combine pieces that make an impact without being too over the top!

Go boho chic. Live it up and live it carefree this festive season. Think cowl pants with a cropped jacket, palazzos paired with long and short kurtas alike, cascading
cotton, block-printed anarkalis, asymmetric layering of separates and further
accessorising with jewellery pieces that make your look festive instantaneously.

Borrowing a trend from summers and bringing it into the festive-winter setting, fringes and tassels will be seen in offices, dance floors and weddings alike. From fringed jackets, tasselled dupattas, fringed tops, bags, shoes and more, this luxe bohemian get up is here to stay.

Exaggerated asymmetric hemlines, sharp cuts, defined shoulders make for a modern silhouette that is sophisticated and fierce at the same time. Bringing sexy back for both men and women, these tonal ensembles are more about styling, subtle design techniques, muted colours, experimental combinations than bling-infused collections we have seen in the past.

From geometric to floral, monochrome to colour burst, from the runway to the street, the super stylish, fuss-free, graphic trend is something both men and women can make a part of their wardrobe this season. From kurtas, tuxedos and even separates in stylish prints, men should definitely invest in the not-so-traditional kurta or a deconstructed jacket that will last beyond the festivities. Adding an odd shirt as daywear in interesting prints can add the quirk factor to an otherwise serious line-up.

Dramatic headgear glamorises an outfit instantly and should be included in this season’s must-have list. Do away with the traditional pieces and include the more modern statement pieces with furs, flowers, crystals and sequins! Crystal headbands will also add to the romantic charm and will be quite a popular look to sport this autumn winter!

New staples

Long, short, embroidered, embellished or plain — the cape is one item that needs to be included in the must-have list. From being paired with saris, lehengas, and long skirts and as a caped dress, this striking silhouette is fresh and completely formidable.

Military style is another hit. Epaulets, metal accents, braided detailing and structured silhouettes in earthy tones, regimental get-up is definitely something you’ll love sporting this season. Think cropped jackets in camouflage colours like military green, chameleon brown and acidic blue with structured shoulders, leather highlights that make both men and women strut in soldier style this festive-winter 2015.

Traditional embroideries have taken a back seat this season. Witness the emergence of a more modern surface ornamentation technique with sequins. Accentuate this season with flat, clear coloured sequins on tops, lehengas, sarees, shoes, bags and the works!
When it comes to feminine separates, think Breakfast at Tiffany’s, French knots and pearls. Yes, midi skirts paired with impeccably-tailored jackets in softer hues or knee-length dresses, demure, lady-like silhouettes will be the perfect day look for meetings or a brunch out with your girlfriends this latter part of the year.

Apart from that, the runway also witnessed quilted magic for both men and women. From quilted accents on trouser sides or jackets to completely quilted jackets themselves, this understated yet elegant technique works beautifully on tuxedos, jackets, sari blouses and more.

Modish bride and groom

The runway saw an array of luxe looks that were just right for the festive winter bride and groom. Where the bridal wear saw inclusion of flat embroideries in gold and silver and high necklines with embellishments and sexy backs, menswear was more pronounced with pleated and quilted sherwanis and tuxedos. Burgundy will be the trending colour for both brides and grooms, even though the classics like red and peach will make a distinctive mark on the nuptial dressing scene. Structured gowns and fusion dressing will still be popular making the whole over-the-top wedding look completely passé.

Defined and distinct statement pieces and makeup will be used to create gorgeous ensembles for the autumn-winter 2015 bride. Grooms will follow suit with sartorially impeccable separates that will surely make an impression to last a lifetime.

(The author is a fashion designer)