We are almost two weeks into the New Year and here is what Bengaluru’s style gurus have to say on the fashion scene. Stylist and fashion blogger, Pranita Mehta says, “It is time to rewind to the 80s. Slogan tees, vibrant stripes, statement jewellery, and shoulder pads are going to be the rage. Active-wear, or athleisure, will be a major role player in our style. To bring some quirkiness to the ordinary, embroidery and patchwork on denim and tees might be a highlight of the year.”
For men, she says, “Fashion will be inspired by 90s streetwear. Message tees, relaxed silhouettes, athleisure for work, and camouflage, are some of the biggest trends that could catch on.”
Shivangi Musaddi of Fervour says: “2017 will be the year of the cold shoulder, again. We will see designers focusing on bare-shoulder blouses and maxi dresses for an ultra-feminine effect. For men, sportswear and joggers will be the way forward. We see a lot of patterns and stripes emerging victorious. White shirts will be revamped this season. Off shoulder shirts, ruffled collars, tie-up sleeves and discreet pockets will be seen a lot more on the streets. Eco-friendly has never been more exciting. Brands are making conscious efforts to create new textiles and textures out of recycled polythene bags, plastic bottles, leftover organic cotton, and industrial cotton. Across the board, stone - the colour between white and beige, is popular with designers on international runways. It is a great colour for suits, and a brilliant alternative to stark white jeans.”
Ethnic and fusion-fashion is witnessing a revolution. Roopa Reddy, Creative Head, House of Blouse, finds “an experimental shift in ethnic fashion with trends overlapping and colours and other elements of style being influenced by western fashion. Western silhouettes in handwoven Indian fabrics such as Mangalagiri and chanderi are trending. Keeping with the spirit of #iwearhandlooms, handloom saris and ethically-sourced fabrics are fast emerging as a compulsory addition to wardrobes. Multi-wear such as long anarkalis that can double up as dresses, and crop tops on saris continue to rule the roost. Western touches to Indian outfits such as pockets on lehengas and kurtas, peplum tops over saris, and layered looks, are making their presence felt.
On cuts, colours, silhouettes, fabrics, motifs, and embellishments that will be big this year, Roopa says, “Unusual colour combinations and print mixes, influenced by international runways are going to be big this year. We will see shades of yellow combined with shades of pink, for instance. Quiet pastels such as rose, ivory and white, will continue to have a major place in ethnic wear design. Straight cuts in kurtas with classic silhouettes featuring a kurta collar and three-fourth sleeves in light weight tussars, silk cottons, and even khadi are gaining popularity. Kurtas are increasingly being worn over wide-legged pants and palazzos. Straight kurtas over long, flared skirts, front slits on long kurtas, and ruffles on blouse sleeves, are some of the other trends to watch out for.”
Making a comeback this year will be “the off-shoulder/ cold shoulder blouse, vintage inspired blouse silhouettes, and jackets over everything. Digital prints on saris and lehengas/skirts are not going to go away soon either,” Roopa says.
“Robe jackets are the perfect acquisition for trans-seasonal layering,” says Shivangi. “They come with a belted waist, prints, embroideries and heavy motifs. Ruffles that hit the ramps in the 80s are going to be more dramatic and accentuated this year.”
Pranita who is looking forward to seeing more of “sailor stripes, athleisure and tech-fashion” this year, gives a thumbs down for “fur slippers and slips over tees.” Shivangi says: “Bodycon and fitted clothes won’t be as popular. People will be embracing comfort wear and airy silhouettes with just the right amount of emphasis to body shape. We will see the continuance in flared pants and culottes, while skinny denims are going to be passé.”
On the ethnic circuit, Roopa feels it is about time we bid farewell to “running sari blouses and slim fit pants/ leggings with kurtas.”
