Fashion
DRESS UP FOR SPRiNG AND LOOK REGAL!
Spring is finally here! Let’s focus on packing away the heavy velvet saris/lenghas of fall/winter and shawl dupattas, and move toward lighter, airier looks still royal as ever. India Lakme Fashion Week hit off also, and the newest IT looks are regal, but fun too!
HIGH LOW MOODS
High low outfits were flooding runways at Fashion Week. Formal and casual suit tops are now flaunting risen fronts and lowered backs. Skirt, palazzo and churidaar bottoms are all in right now, mix and match them for some whimsy. For a bolder look, try a kameez with a split front, vest-like, for an elevated feel. Dupattas here, to my disbelief as usual, are kept ‘optional’ but I’d wear one to polish my look.
HOT PINK VIBES
Finally, we can look really girly again! Hot pink is such a fun, pretty shade that compliments every complexion and personality. It brightens your face and yours and everybody’s mood around. For the runway look, opt for a monochromatic ensemble. A hot pink lengha, suit or sari with gold banarasi foil or embroidery/sequin embellishments will shine. If not ready to take the pink plunge just yet, match a muted or neutral color ensemble with hot pink palazzos or jewelry. Lipstick, too, can help create this trending shade.
DRAPED AND CINCHED AND GOLDEN
Thanks to period-based Indian movies and TV shows, history is now heavily repeating itself in many styles. “Padmavati,” “Prithvi Vallabh” and “Porus” are being watched by millions and the looks of queens are being emulated, proudly. Beautiful dupattas, especially (yay!), are being displayed front and center in lenghas, and even suits. Draped across the front, but pleated thinner, sash-like, they’re even more figure flattering with a belt cinched around your waist. For a put together look, use a thick corset belt, gold belly chain or leather strip for a more chic feel.
BLACK MAGIC
Black in spring? Yes! Normally, we shift towards lighter, brighter notes of color when spring comes around. Seeing black so saturated in Fashion Week had me rethinking ... is black the new black? Allover black suits, lenghas and saris in self-embossed or added black sequin work add some sparkle, too. Keep hair up/half up and jewels to a minimum for a less heavy feel.
FROM CAPE TO DRAPE
Okay, this is the boldest but most royal look of all. The capelet and open vest looks of winter have been replaced with the current dupatta of your lengha or suit draped cape style around your shoulders! How to keep the look without constantly fumbling with the dupatta falling or your arms getting tangled in the long sheath of fabric behind you? Safety pins and broches can help with the keep-it-on part. Your arms, well, keep them close, and you should be fine. Know this look is beautiful and exciting, a fresh take on actually using your dupatta (again, yay!!) fully and on trend again.
So many new trends to try and the weather is beautiful for it! Keep styling, keep smiling, and as always, remember to ‘gro with style’!
Kiran Bahl of Gro Styles, “An Indian Boutique” in Tampa, can be reached at (813) 843-9040, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.facebook.com/grostyles