STYLE AND SILHOUETTE, REHANE
Deepavali also kick starts our big season of weddings. Festivities spell colour. So be prepared for a visual overdrive. I can already see florescent pink and canary yellow grabbing eyeballs. The purple family is also out in a big way. And yes, green continues to play a solid supporting role.
As for the silhouettes, though the kalidhars still hold sway, I think they've been overdone in the past few seasons. It's time to pack them up – don't forget the mothballs! Nevertheless, those planning to add a lavish touch to their dressing can try kalidhars over multi-panelled ghagras. It makes for an interesting silhouette. Kurtas with centre slits and side slits that run way up can also be worn with lehengas.
With most people turning to practical Western clothing for day-to-day wear, ethnic clothes are perfect for the festival season. And people go that extra mile to dress up with elaborately-crafted clothes during this time. So bling and tassels are integral to traditional chic. If you are not that much into ostentation, go for simple cuts that flatter the figure. If you can carry it off well, there's nothing as smart as a sleeveless kurta.
WIDE ANGLE, CHAITANYA RAO
To me, wide is the way to go! Yes, wide-legged, palazzo-like salwars teamed with narrow kurtas, tunics work this season. You can even try wide-legged trousers with fitted tops or kurtas if you are looking for a pared-down look. I love asymmetry, so I've tried them too for the season. Sheer, flowing fabrics look rich and lovely. While jewel tones go in tune with festival dressing, the ivory-gold combination is big this season. It's a colour story that subtle and classy – goes with my design vocabulary.
HUES CAN MAKE IT!, TINA VINCENT
Since Deepavali is a festival of colour, my store is a riot of hues. Play with colour and see how it works this season. But too much colour can be chaotic. So, I've tried bright salwar suits in monotones with contrast dupattas. You can't help but think rich for the festival. So the suits are generously embellished with Swarovski crystals and zardosi. I've also used plenty of woven fabrics in eye-catching shades. Kalis are in and there are straight cuts for my Plus size clientele. Since it is the festival of lights, wear something that lights up your face and accentuates your pluses. Choose your colours well, and most importantly, be confident in what you wear.
GIVE ME RED, ERUM ALI
Jewel tones are usually sought after during the festival season. To me, this time, fashion is all about red and coral. We've seen plenty of them on the Indian and international ramps. The silhouettes are fluid and vibrant tones of emerald, ruby, amethyst and sapphire are sure to accentuate the festive look. People are getting experimental with hemlines, ankle-length anarkalis with big hems are in. Whites too are in vogue. You can add interesting highlights to them with touches of colour. Jackets and bandhgalas are also a major draw this season.
