THE DRAPES OF DIWALI
Here’s how to incorporate off-kilter styles and jewellery in your festive attire
The recently unveiled Sindhu line of Good Earth saw some smart draping options along with some nifty jewellery pairing. A menswear kurta was accessorised with a long scarf and statement-making multiple neckpieces. Designer Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla showcased a pastel sari draped with a statement pallu, which had a scalloped border and Suneet Varma’s runway saw a sexy sari with pallu resting on a model’s arm as the breastplate became the centre of attention. Both Rahul Mishra and Raw Mango in their runway looks draped dupattas across the bust. We got a panel of stylists to suggest cool draping styles for Diwali. Own every festive party this season with these cool styling tricks
RE-CONTEXTUALISE YOUR EXISTING WARDROBE
Stylist Eshaa Amiin observes that one of the easiest ways to nail this draping is by playing with a solid-hued sari. “Add a cool belt and cinch the silhouette on the waist which gives it a Grecian touch. Alternatively, team it either with a pair of cigarette pants or dhoti trousers. Lend gravitas to your attire by inculcating statement pieces like either a haath phool or a maang tika. If you are opting for a sari with a scallop border, then let that be the highlight and drape it in a way that the drapes stands out. I’d also suggest — ditch the normal choli and opt for a crop top or a shirt instead. Let the dupatta be the highlight of your attire. You could easily pull these things out of your existing closet. All in all, I’d suggest investing in a lot of interesting dupattas,” says Eshaa.
Designer Sonam
Modi of label SVA suggests wearing light airy fabrics layered with bright bundis, or luscious silk dupattas just casually thrown over the shoulder, would be an interesting way to style an otherwise simple kurta. “Accessorising with bright pocket squares can immediately elevate a classic bandhgala. Jewelled kurta buttons, enamel buttons and cuff links are great additions to make a simple look instantly luxurious,” says Sonam.
REAL MEN WEAR BAUBLES
For the longest time we haven’t seen men sporting jewellery except for a few finger rings or a subtle chain around the neck. Brands like Balmain and Alexander McQueen have been styling platinum and silver or oxidised jewellery with suits and they look quite cool. Designer Karrtik Dhingra says, “I think jewellery is no longer a part of the women’s closet. Men, too, are experimenting with interesting bracelets and not hesitant to sport earrings with shapes like a cross. For festivities, if you are looking for jewellery with your kurta, opt for oxidised or metallic pieces. Invest in silver or platinum.
Gold might be too overwhelming. You surely wouldn’t want to give the Bappi Lahiri vibe when you step out.”