JOIN USMen and women alike are willing to experiment with their traditional outfit these days. Contemporary styles with Indian designs are the in thing, informs Anita Dongre.
Modern Indians are willing to experiment with their outfits today rather than stick to the same old traditional look. While they challenge convention, they love all things traditional. Fashionistas have taken this in their stride and come up with unique outfits to cater to their needs. Today’s generation demands exclusivity notwithstanding the high price that it may come at.
The bridal ensemble has turned into a contemporary expression of traditional motifs.
* For an eclectic fusion look, the bride can team up a raw silk bandi (bandh-gala style top) with a lehenga - as opposed to a traditional lehenga-choli combination.
* For wedding cocktail parties, brides can now sport fusion gowns that have western styling with Indian designs, colours and embroidery.
* Alternatively, you could wear a bandi over a dhoti-style gown. But this one attire needs a bold bride to carry it off.
The fusion look works not just for the bride, but everyone who is a part of the wedding.
* The bride’s friends can team flattering raw silk pallazo pants with a matching embroidered bandi top or kurta for a cocktail party.
* Front-open anarkali jacket style with pants is another great fusion option. You don’t have to carry a dupatta with it. Even though the traditional drape is flattering for your Indian body, you can ditch it to give your outfit the contemporary twist.
The half saree is gaining popularity among girls again, as it is comfortable and functional. * Transform the simple half saree with extravagant embroideries, gotapatti work, mirror and zari work with bright, bold colours, and contrasting colours on rich fabrics like chiffon, georgette and crepe, instead of the usual cotton and silk.
* Instead of a regular blouse, pair your saree with a gorgeous raw silk bandi, or a jacket, or a bolero shrug, or a tunic-length sheer blouse, or even a peter-pan-collared blouse. You can sport a different look each time with the same saree, by simply experimenting with your blouse!
The traditional saree is seeing a major makeover with belts, sashes, dhoti style, and what not.
* Pair your saree with a belt. Right from thin leather ones to a wide obi sash, you can play around with this small piece of accessory to pep up a simple saree instantly!
* You can lose the petticoat and instead team up the saree with leggings, cigarette pants, pallazo pants or even shorts in a matching or contrasting colour for some quirky chic fun.
* Young girls are sure to love this. Instead of draping your pallu along one arm, knot it around the neck like the halter style, or cinch it at the waist with a belt. Make saree a fuss-free attire.
* The saree has come a long way from being just an occasion-wear. You can now easily personalise this attire to make it unique. Dhoti sarees are currently making a rage among the fashionistas. While this might be a popular ramp trend, you will need to be bold enough to carry it off at a party.
Over the past five years, men’s traditional wear too has evolved. n Subtle embroideries are a rage among young men these days. Don’t shy away from sporting small prints and motifs at the neck, hemline and sleeves.n Pair a classic silk sherwani with dhoti. This look is especially suitable if you are a South Indian groom or are attending one such wedding. n Sport a raw silk bandgala with a silk dhoti. Go for this look only if you have a long neck. They don’t really flatter men with short necks. n If you are not the groom, pick a simple kurta, add a trendy open-jacket, and wear it with slim trousers or dhoti.
(The writer is a fashion designer)