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Bohemian Rhapsody Time to celebrate colour

“I think those days of safe-play are over. People now want to live life. And they are pulling out all stops to enjoy the moment. Fashion is a celebration. And celebration is about colour. This year, we’ll see a lot of colour. Spring-Summer will go beyond white and beige. There’ll be yellow, green and pink. Personally, colours make me happy,” says ace designer Manish Malhotra.

“Digital prints have been overdone. So this time round, light, interesting textiles will be in focus. Too much colour does not mean kitsch. The look veers towards the bohemian. But it will be an upgraded, refined version. Not in-your-face. The season is also about volume – layers and ruches,” he adds.

For Rahul Khanna of the famed ‘Cue’ label, “The quintessence of style this year is mix and match. Whimsicality makes fashion exciting. Think of teaming Gucci trousers with an ethnic top or pairing Jodhpurs with trendy Western tops. Mixing styles is fun and just perfect for today’s transcontinental woman, who doesn’t live by the rules, but creates her own.”

Talk about silhouettes, and Rahul says: “Structured clothing is in. Empire lines are out and the waist is going to be in focus. Dresses will be feted this year too. But the hemline will extend to the knee. After the blizzard of bling, designers have turned to subtle ceramic and metal embellishments. Classic checks and fitted trousers will be high on the fashion radar for men. Every season takes some inspiration from the past. This year too, retro styles will be re-visited, but incorporated in an unconventional way.”

To the country’s guru of cool, Wendell Rodricks, “The mix-and-match game makes for better personal expression. It also extends the wearability of a garment. It’s interesting to see how cocktail dresses have taken the place of the kurta. They are teamed with leggings, jeans, churidars or salwars! It looks good but not as if you’ve tried too hard.”

Top-notch designer Nikhil of the Shantanu-Nikhil label swears by high-street fashion. “Yes, the accent this year will be on wearable luxury. So super-fine cotton, voile, satin, chiffon and natural fabrics will be in. And sports chic will hold sway. Mainstream clothes will be influenced by practical sportswear. Besides, drapes can’t be missed. Beautifully draped dresses that evoke the feel and fluidity of classic Grecian silhouettes will be a highlight. Tights will be popular, so will be flared trousers. For an interesting look, tights can be teamed with kaftans or short dresses!”

Talking about the global scene, he adds, “This year Japan is big. Japanese high street styles will make it to international catwalks and the trickle-down trend will soon be palpable in mainstream fashion.”

Accessories will continue to accentuate the look this season. “People will make bold statements with bags, jewellery and footwear. New materials and colours are sure to make an impact this season. It will be nice to see a necklace made of crochet beads or an acrylic bangle studded with Rajasthani enamel work,” says Wendell.

“I see single, big bangles and bracelets making a comeback. Bags will be mid-sized, not over-sized like last year,” says Nikhil, while Rahul swears by patent leather shoes and conical heels. Waist-cinching belts can enhance the look of any garment, adds the designer, who is right on Cue.

So be prepared for a year of visually-stimulating fashion.

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