Spinning the metallic magic

Runway hues

From traditional black and red to rose pink and burgundy, the ramp has been graced by striking colours over the years.  However, putting all the usual colours to rest, metallic colours are pushing its way forward in recent times.

Ruling the industry with its futuristic appeal, outfits in metallic hues are here to stay for a while and are highly incorporated into designs to give a shimmery effect. Designer Smriti Jhunjhunwala opines that metallic tones are going to be very popular this season in terms of trims, buttons and tassels.

“Many designers are getting inspired by metallic bronze, silver and gold, and the best part about this trend is, it can be incorporated into Indo-Western outfits as well,” she says. She points out that this is a very Western approach to Indian embroidery and designs. Moreover, as  winter will soon set in, metallic hues are going to compliment the look of the outfits.

So, how open are people in India towards this trend? “The young generation is pretty open to this as the metallics are in sequence. People are already seen wearing them confidently,” says Smriti.

 To give a metallic touch to an outfit, many designers are using silk which gives a good metallic shine (which is silver and gold). Smriti believes that the shades are coming out more in the fabrics than as just tones. Capes and flared palazzos, peplum, jackets with ‘anarkalis’, crop tops and mini dresses are some of the outfits that are in with this trend. And not just outfits, this hue is well, trending as hair colours and nail paints too. Silver, rose gold and copper are some of the colours that can be spotted these days.

Designer Divya Gupta primarily works with handloom fabrics and she has incorporated ‘zari’ work that gives out the metallic element. “These ‘zaris’ are not just gold but might also have a gunmetal finish. The trend is working fantastically and looks beautiful on Indian skin. Also, when it comes to embroideries, many designers are now using metallic works and not just threads. These are mainly gunmetal and muted gold,”says Divya. 

She highlights that metallic tones work for itself and it all depends on how one accessorises it. One needs to be very selective while choosing such an outfit. Of course, one can’t go all metallic (no one wants to look like a disco ball), so it is important that people go sober somewhere to carry the look with ease.

“It is not an age-specific trend, if one is focussing on one particular aspect (like a metallic dupatta or a skirt and teaming it with sober colours), I believe anyone can pull it off gracefully,” adds Divya.

Today, everyone wants to look different and if there is something unique in the market, it is an obvious choice for fashionistas. Metallic-coloured outfits give a different undertone to one’s look and that is what is making it popular. Designer Nikita Mhaisalkar gives a different twist to the use of metallic hues. She uses it for bottoms like ‘churidars’ and pants to give an edge to the garments. “Haematite gold and copper lycra and metallic and matte leather and 'Banarasi' fabrics are popularly used. To my surprise, even men are inclined towards metallic-toned outfits. There are many designers doing solid metallic blazer pockets, jackets and pants which are catching a lot of attention,” adds Nikita.