Features: Magazine | Literary Review | Life | Metro Plus | Open Page | Education Plus | Book Review | Business | SciTech | Friday Review | Young World | Property Plus | Quest | Folio |

Blow haute, blow hotter

Will retro styles continue to rule? Or will design take a new direction in the coming months? T. KRITHIKA REDDY does some trend-tracking

PHOTO: SANDEEP SAXENA

SIMPLE AND FEMININE Models showcasing creations by Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna

Another year of new beginnings. But in fashion, looking forward also means looking back in time. As designers continue their retreat from the bling blizzard of the past seasons, styles seem to get more simple and feminine, echoing the aesthetic of the past when baby doll dresses, waist-cinching belts and breezy volumes ruled. Yes, in the coming months, designers are all set to flatter femininity.

"The ballerina look is in. Designers are going in for an innocent, porcelain doll look. Frocks, shirt-dresses and knee-length skirts will rule. On the whole, the trend is towards feminine styles with emphasis on soft silhouettes, rounded sleeves and washboard waists. It's very girl," says ace designer Rohit Gandhi of "Cue" fame.

"Yes, in the coming season, the silhouettes will take us back to our school days, when prettiness was celebrated. Empire lines that came back last year will continue to hold sway. Leggings are also hot. They can multitask and be teamed with anything. Another big trend is the return to metallic. Gold and silver are predicted to be haute in clothes and accessories," smiles designer Kiran Uttam Ghosh.

Aparna Chandra, another designer known for her individuality, too swears by the feminine look. "Feminine can also be strong and dramatic. Dresses and tops that are fitted at the bust line and flowing below make a striking statement. In many ways, the styles will echo the past."

Designer and Bollywood stylist Gaurav Gupta, known for his experiments with design, says, "History will continue to inspire. But not in an in-your-face way. Vintage balloon hems will be a highlight in skirts and dresses. Asymmetry and A-lines will be considered chic. Romance is still in the air, so dress up! Yes, dress is a sure fashion victor this season. But though structured garments are happening, I also see the emergence of anti-fit, puffed, voluminous shapes. Prints will bear couture-like detailing. And digital prints will continue to spur fresh patterns. Super soft jersey that drapes nicely will also be big this summer."

Casual chic

As you saunter into fashion houses to examine the trends that are rolling out, you can't miss the fluid drapes and relaxed styles. Says Tina Malhotra of Evoluzione, "It's going to be casual chic. When dresses started making an appearance on the ramps, we were a bit apprehensive about the kind of reception they would get here.

But now, they have become hot as they unmistakably compliment fashion's current feminine mood. The styles are refined, yet playful and happy accents are going to perk up the mood in the coming months."

According to Sabita and Upasana Asrani of Studio Saks, "There is a lot of mix and match happening. There simply is no concept. Non-conformity seems to be the rule. You can team leggings with an empire-line top or a tunic with a skinny pant. That way, fashion is fun and you can be individualistic too. Tunics are getting hotter. Cropped to various lengths, they are not just comfortable, but also versatile. As the mercury soars, a minimalistic look will emerge with tanks and tubes making a splash."

Coming to colours, you will not see a sun-drenched explosion. On the contrary, vaporous whites, ivory, corals and pleasing spring pastels will spell style. Brown will be the new black. And of course, there is no escaping metallic. "It IS going to be a season of heavy metal," reiterates Kiran. "And, you might see roses and tulips sprinkled on garments. But even prints will veer towards abstract or geometric patterns," forecasts Aparna. As for embellishment, Rohit is categorical, "Bling is totally out. Silver embellishment is going to become fashionable. But it will be subtle. Tone-on-tone embroidery, appliqué, pleats and puffs will become staple in the coming months." As for accessories, they will continue to be excess-ories! Chains that touch the navel, danglers, chandelier ear rings and hoops, big bags and bigger sunglasses, broad bangles and beautiful belts, besides wedge-heeled footwear feature in the season's style file.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail