Fashion
HERE ARE THE LATEST TRENDS FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON!
It’s holiday season! With Ganesh Chaturthi and Navratri beginning this month, let us focus on fashion trends that scream happiness, excitement and color. The following tips are simpler to abide by than you may think, and will help your screams and laughter be of fashion success and not duress!
CHIKANKARI WORK
And finally, my favorite style is the fashion choice of runway collections this season – chikankari. This is a traditional embroidery style from Lucknow. Literally translated, it means embroidery. It is a delicate style and Indian and Pakistani fashions both consult highly with this look in their casual cottonwear to fancy silk and net ensembles. Menswear too is back with the chosen chikankari working.
The look began emerging this summer when designers began encouraging the traditional Indian suit as daily wear again. Churidaars, salwars, and palazzo pants were paired with chikankari kameezes in cotton and linen in light shades of whites, pastel yellows and baby pinks.
Fall now is taking this look and redesigning it to speak formal. Choose darker shades when choosing your occasion outfit in chikankari. To keep an elegant feel, opt for a solid shade versus a tie dye or multi-print one. Bridal lenghas and saris now too are now covered in chikankari and rhinestones for a traditional but modern twist!
BANDINI SILKS
It is so much fun seeing tradition back into the fashion game of now. With casual suits becoming everyday wear again and chikankari work becoming a top choice to wear even to a party or wedding, bandini is having its moment again – a large moment.
We are expecting chaniya cholis this year to thrive in colorful and shiny bandini prints. Silks and satins overall have become a popular fabric this season, even under embellished soft net or organza/tissue selections. Contrasting multi-colored cholis and even more contrasting dupattas are the rainbows of Indian fashion this time around with their bandini bottoms.
And how saris have made a comeback! Ruffles are still in, but in softer more moldable materials. Soft silks are just as pliable, but honestly a bit trickier. The pleats inside as well as on the palloo must be more rigid, more defined. Once that is set and done, your silk sari look is complete. Being the fabric is shinier, it automatically qualifies as even a wedding ready ensemble especially with beautiful bandini patchwork or allover design. Classy and beautiful!
STRAIGHTER, LONGER SUITS
Lastly, finally gone are the oversized A-line anarkali gown suits. They usually fit at the bust and umbrella’d floor length into a tent. Can you tell how the look was never a favorite of mine? But now the look is modernized and I love it!
Anarkali gown suits are now straighter and more flattering. They’re fitted at the bust then streamlined along the body with a slit on the sides or even the center, vest style. Some are A-lining, but only past the knee really. Details such as ornate semi-sheer net long sleeves and semi-sheer bodices (front and back) bring along a delicate feel. Allover embroidery and sequin or stone sparkle. Straight pants or a gharara bottom with added working exudes detail and finish.
Deeper shades are also on the mark this time around. Dark greens, maroons, navy blues and especially blacks are bringing back a “dark romance” vibe. Still feminine but with some mystery and edge.
There you have it, the latest and greatest trends of them all to upstart and keep your holidays and celebrations immersed in joy!
Have so much fun but also remember the religious and spiritual significances of these days. Ganesh Chaturthi is the birthday of Ganeshji. Navratri begins the worship of Durgaji. Humbly thank your Gods for all, keep commemorating these beautiful occasions, 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