It is festive time and one needs to get fashion ready for the fireworks. Anurima Das chats with upcoming designers Kaveri Lalchand, Natasha Davda and Param Sahib about the looks for this season
With the festive season knocking at your door, it’s time to get ready. And here’s how? You want to look good, wear something different and trendy, and of course be the show stopper. Whether you choose contemporary fashion pieces or want to try the traditional ethnic ensembles, you just want to get it right on point. Just to help you juggle your preferences of fusion, ethnic wear, Indo-Western fusion or the Western ethnic fusion we have on board designers to guide you. Let’s tell you how you can look your part by adding an ‘oomph’ factor to your style this festive season. Here’s what some of the top Indian designers have to say about the fashion trends you can follow this festival season.
Take the quirky route
‘Today, things are a lot different compared to the past, where being festive meant wearing colourful and embroidered garments. For me it’s all about comfort and feeling good, which is best done in an Indo-Western ensemble. This is because you can mix and match separates as per the occasion and mood,’ explains designer Natasha Davda.
Her label Natasha J-wear is also about the perfect blend of comfort and style, while maintaining the wearability of each garment. Natasha’s design sensibility and a personal touch of detailing add a unique touch to each and every piece available in her collection. It is the quirky elements, a mix of colour blocking and prints, or even an over-the-top bold tassel, that make them must-have pieces in every wardrobe. The label’s key focus is separates that are chic and on trend, and are crafted to suit all body types.
When talking about must-haves for this season’s festive wardrobe, Natasha says that an easy-breezy long cape, in an Indian influence print is all you need to look stylish. ‘It goes with my ripped jeans, a dhoti and even a ghaghra,’ she adds.
Also, talking in perspective of sustainable festive fashion, she highlights that, ‘Yes, people are definitely getting more conscious. Buying only what is required and using more than once! Keeping this in mind, I feel festive clothes are more versatile. It can be worn in more than one way to give the garment longevity and the person different looks!’
According to her, you should try these looks to be in trend this season, ‘Our little ‘Kamarbandh Baguette’ for sure. It’s our version of a fanny pack, with a little print and embroidery. I have clients wearing it with jeans and tees, dresses and at weddings with ghaghras and shararas as well. A voluminous statement skirt teamed with just about anything – a camisole, shirt or a crop top,’ Natasha recommends.
Walk the traditional path
‘I love keeping it traditional when it comes to festivals. You can play around with cuts, colours and embroidery, but keep it real to the roots and tradition. However, to bring in a little change, you can go the fusion route, and mix and match with nice jackets for a little twist. Statement jackets are a must-have for the festivities this season. Finish your looks with sharp and striking jackets to make heads turn,’ says designer Param Sahib.
A splash of colours, patterns and textures finds a special spot across his collection. His label is vibrant and you will hardly miss noticing a garment. That’s why Param recommends that you ‘select stunning applique skirts from our collection and stand out from the crowd on every occasion. For a day look, you can wear a great solid-coloured cropped bomber jacket with a nice white kurta, keeping it easy, breezy and striking. For the night look, a sequinned jacket is must.’
Without losing your mind over shopping lists, stick to the advice by the pros. Just don’t forget to make it glitter.
Make a statement with comfort
The essence of brand Kaveri is a free-flowing articulation of a spirit that is confident, comfortable and relaxed. Kaveri, the brainchild of designer Kaveri Lalchand, is all about wearable clothing in fabrics that are breathable and light. When it comes to festivities in India, Kaveri Lalchand advises everyone to choose according to their authentic self. ‘I encourage women and young girls to express themselves in a way that is true to their selves and dress in clothing that is comfortable. You cannot have fun if your feet hurt from the high heels. Similarly, you cannot enjoy the festivities in a garment that is too complicated or delicate to wear.’
While in India, there are certain things one should keep in mind when it comes to dressing for religious and family events, she points out. ‘But the choice is not between India or Indo-Western or any type of clothing that has been categorised as such. Formal or informal should entirely depend on the occasion for which you are dressing,’ Kaveri adds.
Talking on similar lines, she says that to look stylish and be a showstopper one needn’t have to follow any particular trend. ‘Women today enjoy wearing natural fabrics. I am thrilled to see that the appreciation for natural, handloom and traditional fabrics is on the rise. More cotton and linen is being worn to formal events as well,’ she explains.
Kaveri has put together a festive collection that allows one to experiment with different looks. ‘To begin with, there is the European look – called Victoria and the Vintage Garden. You can wear them to celebrate festivals as well as to work or parties. Also, there is the Gold Dot collection, which is ombre-dyed garments with big gold dots printed on it – ethnic with a contemporary twist and the Kintsuki Collection, which is edgy and avant-garde.’ So, style as per your choice and design sensibilities to rule every day of the festivities with your charm.