ACCESSORY – BAGS

This season, the focus is on exoticism and high luxury. Slouchy or sleek, mock alligator or giraffe, bags have never looked better. Whether you’re a wild child or the traditional sort, there’s one for every occasion. Let your bags speak for themselves and go all out – sequins, jewel tones, rope, metal, logos – the choices are infinite.

How to: Crocodile skin bags are the hottest and a must-have if you want to get noticed. But stick to mocks – compassion for animals is never out of fashion! Browns and blacks are timeless but a croc-stamped clutch in avocado would be well worth the money spent. Remember to keep your clothes clean and slick. An all-matching outfit with an acid coloured skin bag will give people something to talk about. Classics with a contemporary twist are what you should look for. Fringes, tassels or animal prints add pizzazz. If you’re opting for a no-fuss black and white ensemble, try one of Shantanu and Nikhil’s bags in eye-poppingly bright colours to add some fizz. To go with the renewed ’80s fashion, leather bags with chains are feminine and have a rugged edge at the same time. Radhika Channa’s bags with chain details are worth a look. Malini Ramani’s large leather duffels with metallic panelling are glamorous, as they are practical. For the night, if you’re wearing a dress or skirt, carry a pleated clutch, or a small shoulder bag. Fendi’s new metallic bauble bags are our personal pick as they work well with saris and salwars too. Try not to match your shoes with your bag – that’s over and done with. Go for contrast and mix faux fur with graphic prints or use colours that clash.

When to: For a day of pampering at a spa, wear a pretty, floral print dress and carry an oversize tote instead of a predictable dainty bag.

Collections: Kalyani Chawla, Anita Dongre, Manish Arora, Louis Vuitton.

Go for it: Priya Raje Scindia, Sabina Singh, Priya Dutt.