OUT OF THE BOX Checks do not dominate, but take on a key character role this season. Whether woven into the fabric, or created using material patches, or printed on textile, or embroidered, the box shows its numerous avatars. Tartans, argyles, marble prints or tweed-like weaves appear in the form of sari borders, Westwoodesque dresses, trousers, military jackets or even garment linings. Strong and vibrant to washed and subtle, checks evoke imageries of the Scottish highlands, 1990’s grunge, preppy-chic or the traditional Indian gamchha. Not just clothes, but accessories too can be checkered. A sling bag, a clutch purse, a scarf or even footwear can add a graphic touch. Immensely versatile.

VIVID IMAGES The digital medium has opened up limitless possibilities in the world of print. Playing with colour shading, transparencies, diffused motifs and merged images is something that designers are trying out, to exploit the technique. Paint splashes, fireworks, cosmic patterns, mythological scenes and the human anatomy have been spotted on the runways. The effect can sometimes be painterly, sometimes photographic. Since having repeats in digital is not mandatory, images can be blown up or sized down to create variations. Emulating a texture and printing it on top of another can create very interesting surfaces visually.

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