Trends always do a U-turn, especially when it comes to jewellery. Traditional jewellery like haathphool (hand harness) and mathapatti (headpiece) are the new stars in the style circuit. Earlier restricted to bridal wear, these pieces lately have got a quirky makeover.
Haathphools are now considered an exotic statement piece, even internationally. Ornate mathapattis are a rage and an easy way to stand out in a crowd. They are gracing prestigious fashion ramps too. These pieces are getting popular among youngsters, who are opting for their contemporary versions to team them with trendy outfits.
Eina Ahluwalia has been designing new-age haathphools and headpieces that are no longer bulky. “Jewellery is not just an accessory. Often the entire look is planned around a stunning piece. Haathphools and maangtikkas/mathapattis have opened up another category of jewellery to have and to play with.”
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Says model Sahithya Jagannathan, “fashion gives us the freedom to break rules. Rules like how some jewellery is supposed to be worn on a particular occasion. We have a rich heritage in terms of jewellery and we should put that to good use. I love wearing a mathapatti with a sari and with a jumpsuit, no harm in reinterpreting traditional jewellery. That’s how traditions don’t become extinct.”
Fashion Blogger Rhea Gupte thinks these trends lend an interesting dimension to an outfit and you can play with the look through your clothes — from royal romance to laidback boho. Since fashion is all about having fun, certain neckpieces also double up well as headpieces; so always keep your creative eye open.
When Deepika Padukone teams up a mathapatti with a shimmering gold gown and Lady Gaga dresses up her hand with a haathphool, they become a style statement. In fact, the West is heavily inspired by these desi trends. The bohemian hairpiece, very much inspired by the mathapatti, although very different in terms of looks, is very popular with young girls abroad.
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Celebrity stylist Nisha Kundnani feels mathapattis make a stunning first impression by beautifully defining the face.
“It’s also a smart way to disguise a big forehead or a very small one. Just as clothing has to suit your body type, jewellery, too, has to complement your facial structure and proportions.”
Eina believes in creating one’s own personal style. “Make sure the jewellery does not look costumey. Don’t wear them just because they are fashionable. When wearing mathapatti, go in for tiny earrings and keep the neck bare to keep the main piece in focus. The delicate hand harness is easy to wear with almost anything (from dresses and kimonos to shorts and overalls) and on any occasion. The more elaborate ones can be kept for special occasions.”
Sahithya recommends you to stir up the fashion scene. “Wear them when meeting friends and you know what the topic of the conversation will be. Wear a headpiece to a party and suddenly everyone would want you in their selfie.”