Meher Castelino lists some ideas that could catch on with the fashionistas and create waves in the coming year.
Can an Indian woman do without her kurta? Nah. She goes back to it even if she has been strutting around in a mini for years. But will the kurta be that circus tent-like garment, made from dozens of metres of fabrics? Let’s get a little sensible, and economical. Long, floor skimming kurtas with sheer kalis look great on the ramp worn by slim statuesque models. How many Indian women look like them? So a sensible knee-length in a silhouette that is flattering, semi-fitted and not like a swirling pyramid will work well for women in 2011.
Dress rules
This perennial fashion favourite had been relegated to the backroom a couple of years ago, while fashion pundits lavished affection on the skirt and blouse combo. Now the dress re-emerges as a popular choice for all occasions and in varying lengths, ranging from the mini to the maxi, belted or left loose. Designers are tripping over each other dreaming up versions to excite the wearer. So let this garment that has stood the test of time return to the top of the fashion charts.
Wear them with a dress, sari, blouse, tunic, trousers, capris, shorts or skirts. We are talking about jackets in different lengths and silhouettes, which could be a bolero, waistcoat, shrug or normal long sleeve. And all could be lined or unstructured to give an interesting twist to the garment. Worn with a sari, a short-sleeve jacket gives a fusion touch.
Go organic
Natural fabrics, the revival of traditional weaves and crafts (in which India scores high) will be the way forward for fashion. India’s heritage is handlooms and handspun khadi, and with organic farming being encouraged in many countries (including ours), the movement is catching on and should encourage women to be in fashion in a more responsible manner.
If eco-friendly fabrics are hitting headlines the world over, then can earthy tones be far behind? Nothing looks more feminine and fresh than a nude or flesh-coloured outfit with, maybe, shades of green, blue, beige and brown or hints of sun yellow or saffron with touches of delicate ecru.
Vibrant colours, too, will make a fashion statement this coming year. And, of course, black and white will never move away from the fashion charts.
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Hand to machine
This is a trend that will make waves on the fashion scene. Hand block and vegetable prints will be very popular, since a lot of natural fabrics are going to be used. On the other hand, digital prints will also be favoured by many designers and buyers as you can get limitless permutations and combinations with them.
Of course, a mix of the two genres in one fabric and garment could cause a fashion revolution. The result will be a great fusion of modern Indian fashion with the international look.
Cutwork is one embellishment that designers love to use for many formal and bridal creations, but what will make them really happy is the laser cutwork that will give precision in the coming year. Cutwork by laser is intricate but easily done. The possibilities are umpteen and the designing options unlimited. So laser-cut designs and even laser-burnt embellishments will be seen on garments frequently in the next season.
Lean and short
For men, the look will be leaner, but short. Jackets will move to the hip line and, at times, tunic shirts may just end at the waist. Maybe males are competing with the fashionable females to get into sexy, figure-hugging clothes. One or two button jackets and a hint of the double breast silhouette, fitted and snug, will work into the look of the coming year. Last season, suits were rather skinny and so were the trousers and shirts. Next year it is going to get even shorter. That’s less fabric, so will it have a leaner price tag too?
(Meher Castelino is a Mumbai-based fashion writer and consultant)