Illustration by Maitri Mody

Going on international jaunts to update and upgrade the wardrobe is no more the need of the hour as global fashion makes an Indian style statement, says Sujata Assomull.

Since India has become the ‘it’ word in global style, shopping abroad is no more as much fun as it used to be. So much of what you see in the chic boutiques of New York’s Soho district, London’s South Molton Street and Rome’s Via Condotti, looks like it was home-grown. Bandhini skirts, tie and dye kurtas, jhumka earrings are just everywhere, from Henri Bendel to H&M. It seems as though India is on the brink of finally making it internationally.

This year, stay back and shop at home. Embellishment, ornamentation and drama being the new buzzwords in fashion, everyone is looking at India this festive season.

Tunic Time

Walk into Whistles in London or New York’s Scoop and you will see a deluge of kurtas. The kurta has become a classic staple, just like the shirt. Recognised as the tunic internationally, this silhouette is here to stay. It may go through minor stylistic transformations (this season, the kurta is worn longer, has slits on the sides and a deep neckline) but it is now an evergreen. Designer wise, Monisha Jaising’s kurtas seem to have caught the fancy of uber chic boutiques around the world. In fact, Scoop is currently selling her ‘boudoir’ line – these printed pink kurtas were last year’s story in India. They can be worn over jeans for a casual look, or be turned into a cocktail ensemble; wear a mini as a slip under your long kurta, throw on a belt – and voila, you have a chic and slinky cocktail dress. When the kurta begins to age, toss it into your beach bag for a very appealing swimsuit cover.

Flights of Fancy

The most coveted must-have of the season is the skirt. From the first lady of Indian design, Ritu Kumar, to the always sexy Ranna Gill, every Indian designer has gone strong on this style. Since the skirt works well on pear-shaped women, it is no surprise that the gypsy skirt is a popular favourite among Indian women. It epitomises the Boho look that every international fashion magazine is currently endorsing. Worn with a halter or string top, it makes for perfect party attire. Paired with an embellished tee and you are dressed up but still look arty and fun. For an Indianised look, wear the gypsy skirt with a brocade corset and a chiffon dupatta and you’re ready to dance the night away at a sangeet.

Expertspeak...

Designers selling abroad comment on the Indo-Western look and the must-have pieces of the season.

Tarun Tahiliani, popular desi couturier: “I think it’s a combination of Indian fashion coming of age, thereby becoming more wearable. Also, the western woman has become much more open and experimental with her styling and dressing. The use of Indian prints and motifs in modern silhouettes, the celebration of colour, bejewelling yourself, all these factors makes the Indian look hip and happening. This season, our signature jewel look, whether on a tee, a chiffon-sculpted corset or even a chiffon kaftan, are the fashion must-haves.”

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