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From denim getting a new look to pastel colours doing the rounds this season, there is a lot in store for fashion lovers. The latest trend spreading like wild fire is patterned patchwork attires.
Be it in ethnic or Western clothes, this style is here to stay and is being enjoyed by all age groups. Fashion enthusiasts are following this trend and experimenting with their looks to create something impressive and eccentric.
Shalini Chopra, fashion blogger at ‘Stylish By Nature’, says that this style is catching up in India and she has come across a few such outfits from popular brands in the market.
“Not just apparel, patterned patchwork is trending on shoes as well. Though it was already present in home decor, it has now been revamped and is doing well. Everyone is loving this trend as it is quirky and different.”
She highlights that it is getting popular in outfits like Boho blouses, denim shirts, trench coats, military style overcoats and parkas. It is an early 90s style which, Shalini says, tends to give a vintage feel. “The more quirky these outfits are, the better they looks. Mostly, the base is kept neutral in denim or sky blue and brightened with patterns and patches in pop-up colours. These designs are generally colourful; a mix of stripes, tribal prints, Bohemian and even food prints are trending,” adds Shalini.
She also points out that this style is not just popular in Western wear but it also gives a different dimension to ethnic outfits like saris and ‘kurtas’. Presently, patterned patchwork is becoming bolder and more colourful, and most of the time it is either striking or camouflaged.
Ramya Ravi Girimaji, the owner of ‘The Attic Gray’ boutique, says, “This style is coming back in a big way. But, whatever said, every trend should be used carefully and according to what suits one.”
She adds, “Since it is still in the experimental stage and people today are open to experimenting with their outfits, there are a lot of innovations that can be seen happening with this style. Floral prints have been in vogue for quite sometime and people don’t mind combining them with something else. Micro prints are getting popular as well.”
Solid colours, she opines, play an important role and help enhance the prints. “I have mostly seen people sporting these outfits during the day. As they are becoming open to bright colours at work, they don’t mind sporting patterned patchwork at work too. One of the interesting looks that I feel can take this trend by storm is jumpsuits with patterned patchwork teamed with a solid-coloured crop jacket,” she says.
Vimhakhonuo Esther, a student of JD Institute of Fashion Technology, says that this trend is not that popular in India as of now; however, it is getting there slowly. “We have tried our hands at this style recently and incorporated a unique artwork inspired by the Naga headgears in a collection called ‘Ouvre’. Contrasting colours are trending when it comes to patterned patchwork. While researching about this trend, we found that many designers worldwide used different colours, lifestyle and artworks of ancient times and also depicted the day-to-day life of a city. We took inspiration from them and tried showcasing something from an Indian point of view,” she says.
Designer Sweta Tantia from ‘Garo Designs’ says that she has seen patterned patchwork mostly with denim shirts and pants and lately, this is being introduced into shift dresses and skirts as well.
She says, “Patterned patchwork gives out a nice Indo-Western look and it is even seen incorporated creatively in ‘dupattas’. Patterns with bold geometric and bright colours are the talk of the town this season.”