Indian Chic By Saisha Suri
Local with a global soul
92
he thing about ethnic Indian wear is its adaptability. You can wear a Patiala salwar with a short kurta, a tunic or a long kurta. You can team a lovely long skirt from Ritu Kumar with a trendy waistcoat from brands like Zara, Esprit or French Connection. You can use that sensuous scarf or stole you just bought at Satya Paul with an ubercool look that includes a pair of denims and a white t-shirt, or even formal black trousers and a shirt. 1 Ethnic Indian is not just about `2,800 the silhouettes (from anarkali to onwards angrakha, and also weaves, prints and patterns from different states that find their way onto clothes). If classic silhouettes take us back to our past, textures and textiles reveal the sheer diversity of Indian fashion. Designers like Ritu Kumar and a host of highstreet brands have turned revivalists with Indian fashion.
2 `2,800 onwards
1, 2, 3,4 and 5. Ritu Kumar’s Spring/Summer 2012 collection is a bright blend of colours, prints and textures
Designer Anju Modi, who works extensively with Indian fabrics and weaves, says, “Many brands have begun using fabrics like khadi, textured cotton, raw silk, etc. in their collections. It is important to retain that Indian quotient in fashion creations, as that’s what makes clothes stand out.” Fabindia, among the country’s biggest high-street brands that started out as a little co-operative to help India’s talented weavers to find a market, is famous for its kurtas, tunics and tops designed using exclusive handwoven and hand-printed fabrics. Fabindia’s kurtas, scarves and pants are a must-have in every fashionista’s wardrobe – they are Indian chic all the way. The brand also offers a range of printed salwars, Patialas, dupattas and stoles apt for the summer season.
4
`3,500 onwards
5
`3,500 onwards
3
`3,500 onwards
| Spring/Summer 2012
| Spring/Summer 2012
T
Indian desi is the new chic. High street brands and designers reinterpret traditional embroideries and textiles in completely contemporary ways
93