Fashion
MIXING PRINTS IS NOW THE TREND
April is a beautiful month. Spring feels more like spring, everything just blooms fresher and brighter! To blend in, fashion weeks both in Eastern and Western genres are fusing nature with fabrics, creating works of art … on YOU! Here are some how-to’s to minimalize your efforts, but maximize your style. Because who has time to overthink fashion when the weather is this good?
MIXING PRINTS
Every collection you see is about mixing prints! First, winter and early spring runways featured prints and textures versus the popular solid hues of late last year. Now, fashion takes a lighter, more whimsical flair with multiple prints! Satya Paul of course is known for their take on nature-inspired canvas prints on saris, suits and kurtis, as well as Ken Ferns’ creations. But more subdued, romantic designers such as Manish Malhotra, Anamika Khanna and Anushree Reddy are also taking the print plunge with mixed patterns, colors and fabrics.
Saris in prints add mystery. With the warmer weather, heavy sequin and embroidered looks are taking a backseat, making way for crepe silk, chiffon and georgette looks with allover print and light stonework to shine. A sari drenched in artsy color-block or a mess of pretty geometric shapes in a multitude of colors will shine bright. A long fitted kameez with tie-dye lace work and even velvet accents with contrasting beadwork will have all eyes on you.
But how to mix prints? India is almost the mastermind for creating this trend. All the Western bohemian and gypsy looks stem from India. Look through your Indian wardrobes and you’ll see exactly what we mean. Your kurti with one design on the torso, a different pattern on the sleeves and contrasting border on neck and sleeve cuffs is a perfect example. Your suits too. A patterned salwar and dupatta go great with a completely different designed kameez with a matching border to go with the first two parts. All put-together, but so unique and now so popular!
Fusion daywear is just as simple. A long tie-dyed gray and white skirt could pair beautifully with a striped black and white tee or polka-dot brown and white camisole. A paisley orange-pink-navy blue pair of palazzo, or wide-legged, pants mesh fabulously with a block print tank top.
Just keep in mind, when mixing prints together, keep them in the same or similar color palettes. Keep jewelry and accessories neutral or metal colored too, to not distract so much. These looks are more casual indeed, but isn’t that what spring’s all about?
FOR THE MORE SUBTLE …
Many folks overall fear the mixed print looks, describing them as too bold, too youthful, or just too much. They’re not overdone, I feel every decade-born girl could pull this trend, especially those of desi origin; after all, we’re used to it! But, more subtle, easy ways to mix patterns do exist!
A simple white cotton suit will shine with a bright, floral dupatta and salwar. Add striped juttis, or flat shoes, in the same shade categories for a larger, more modern turn. A silk red and blue color-blocked sari is already a mix of tradition and twist. Add to it a checkered, enameled jewelry set in black and white or jewels and heels in white – you will dazzle!
Warm weather, warm hugs and warm wishes to all our loyal readers. Enjoy every moment with love and shine bright!
Kiran Bahl of Gro Styles, “An Indian Boutique” in Tampa and Orlando, can be reached at (813) 843-9040, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.facebook.com/grostyles