THE SPECTRUM:
GARDEN FRESH
Pastels have gone a notch brighter to become hot property for the coming months. Find a middle ground between pale leaf and acid green to sport just the right mix of guava.
HOW TO
Yes, pinks and violets are bang on target, but try a unique yellow for ultimate fashion presence. Cate Blanchett wowed in buttercup at this year’s Oscars and Saira Mohan brought
our feature alive with a printed lemon version (See pg 112).
With prints, one is spoilt for choice…nautical, exotic African, floral, oriental, are all winners. A striped boat neck shirt in cherry and navy, a slit wildflower skirt, an Indian brocade belt in threads of soft gold and polka dot loafers would make for a ramp worthy outfit.
For those wary of the above, try monochromatic separates in haldi, teal or citrus orange. Head-to-toe white (try different fabrics here, maybe a blend of organdy, linen and pure cotton. If opting for embroidery, stick to chikan) will also hit the spot when accentuated with coral jewellery and big hair studded with starfish brooches.
Liven up your man’s wardrobe too…ditch boring brown and black, replace with aquamarine and tomato.
Go for it: Esha Deol, Simone Tata, Konkona Sensharma.
Collections: Aki Narula, Surily Goel, Behnaz Sarafpour, Tuleh.
THE ‘IT’ SHOE: HIGH, LOW, ANYTHING GOES
Kolhapuri heels, ballet slip-ons, tie-up platforms and open toed sandals…exploit your shoe fetish to the hilt because versatile feet are fashion’s ‘dahlings’ of the moment.
HOW TO
Neon patent leather slippers and attention grabbing moccasins (See pg 103) are great buys for the season…pair them with your favourite granny dress (so summer…remember to define the waist though) and silk stole.
Jute and straw wedges will make a trendy contrast to the knotted fuchsia dresses Abu-Sandeep recently presented in Mumbai. Plus, their comfort factor reasserts itself at the after show parties to follow!
Merge bohemian, modern punk and feminine…Anita Dongre’s lime, cotton skirts in block prints; round-toe plum pumps with paisley pop socks and a sling on, lavender beaded purse if you’re feeling confident and gutsy.
Similarly, Jaisalmer juttis can be tweaked with sparkly rope laced up to just below the knees. Partner with patchwork minis or kantha embroidered hot pants, crochet obis and a sleeveless, cream, polo neck top.
If the stiletto obsession hasn’t left you yet, personalise these sophisticated slingbacks with some fun elements like colourful toe-rings, baby payals and sequined anklets. Denim pedal
pushers with this fusion are a must.
Go for it: Tanya Dubhash, Pia Trivedi, Ramona Vadhera.
Collections: Rajesh Singh Pratap, Ashish N Soni, Luella, Bally.
THE DIVINE CODE: RELAXED DRESSING
Deconstructed, unstructured and generally unformatted is the basic key, but don’t lose shape entirely. Combine freeing, loose outlines with some cut and fit to emulate the runway summer ‘look’.
HOW TO
Drape a long scarf like a sarong top (See pg 103), slip on Madras checked pyjamas, squeeze into a miniature shrug (they are back in action and how) and keep a fiery bikini handy….March and April will be easier to bear with these cool comforts.
Dresses in almost every conceivable style – togas, voluminous shifts, baby doll versions, empire waisted columns, wrap-arounds, shirt dresses and tennis dresses – any length, every silhouette goes. Since there is no restriction on colour or print either, just go where the mood takes you. A neutral chiffon or lace overcoat will glam up the ensemble.
Tulip skirts (YSL Rive Gauche) and balloon pants (Rocky S) characterise the lounge attitude to perfection. Keep it simple since these bottoms say enough as it is – maybe a long choli blouse (See pg 107) or layered tube tops for definition.
Blend casual fabrics with richer ones. A satin and lace chemise in ice grey, mulmul drawstring trousers in two-tone cranberry linen and Chinese silk flip-flops.
Go for it: Sushmita Sen, Priya Raje Scindia, Komal Wazir.
Collections: Deepika Govind, Wendell Rodricks, Hussein Chalayan, Fendi.
THE EXTRAS: KEEPALLS, JUNKY TRINKETS, SUNGLASSES GALORE
Wooden bangles make great companions to pricey backpacks and metallic eyewear. Pull a cap on for chic coverage and you have all the accessories to get you through a sweltering, sunny day.
HOW TO
Use bandanas and headbands to make your mark…traditional kerchiefs from Ritu Kumar or customised hair sashes from London, both will do the job. Don’t be afraid of bold colours and loud motifs.
Let tribal Indian baubles complement your togs but remember that the motto is handcrafted and natural. Shell bracelets, plastic cocktail rings (indulge in Louis Vuitton’s yum range), ribbon and felt chokers, bone and pebble necklaces, raffia corsages and more. Chunky
is the only other factor to keep in mind (See pg 111).
Visualise the 60’s Sharmila Tagore in a shaded chiffon sari, back-knotted blouse and the latest Gucci glares and its crystal clear that a pair of sunglasses actually best enhance what we consider the epitome of Indian grace. Stock up on expensive as well as the cheaper, more fun ones, so that you can see the world in a new light every day!
Just because it’s small doesn’t mean it won’t create a stir – various sized
paste stones on ankle cuffs or peacock feathers dangled on skirts (à la Prada) can be a different take on an accessorised ensemble.
Go for it: Simone Singh, Katrina Kaif, Schauna Chauhan.
Collections: Tarun Tahiliani, Shantanu Goenka, Jean Paul Gaultier, Missoni.
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