Illustrations: Vinita Chand

As traditional Indian design merges with contemporary Western chic, the International fashion circuit readily embraces this fusion, comments Sujata Assomull

Traditional no longer means boring. With India being uber chic on the international scene, dressing up traditionally has never been more stylish. Think colourful brocades, traditional zaris, Mughal style chikan and full ghera lehengas. It really is India shining on the international arena. And what better a time to dress up desi than now. You just need to remember to mix it up – add that one modern touch to your traditional look to keep it young and funky.

Six-yard style

There is nothing as elegant as a sari. It is six yards of sheer style. A sari can easily be given that traditional yet innovative twist. A chiffon sari is the way to go; it’s young, yet elegant. Team a chiffon sari with an unusual blouse, either a halter or tube-like blouse. The back is back – so go for blouses with deep cut out backs. You can even have fun with the petticoat. Lycra petticoats give your sari a really clingy feel. You can also make a style statement with contrast or patterned petticoats (very Satya Paul) or Rina Dhaka’s sequinned ones. Tarun Tahiliani’s fishtail-like petticoats are so beautiful, you can even wear them as skirts! Bold and severe colours are the way to go this season. Both Ravi Bajaj and Shantanu Goenka have gone strong on the black cocktail sari.

Kurta cool

It’s time to put away the mid-thigh length and go for trim cut knee length styles. Wear them with churidars, Patiala pants or even over a full ghera skirt. Fashion has moved away from the Indo-West look to the Indo-funky look. A knee length kurta is very Indian, yet very modern. It also works well on shorter women. Taller women can imitate ‘Umrao Jaan’ with Empire line kurtas that are gathered under the bust and then burst forth in full flow. Wear them with fitted churidars. They are the best option for days when you need to dress in a hurry. You can wear them to a reception or to a dinner, so always keep one great kurta in the cupboard. Quick to slip on, they work on most figures. A great kurta is a true fashion investment.

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