50 shades of blue
Blue is the new black. We’re talking varying shades of the gorgeous colour. Lupita Nyong’o stole the show in her custom Prada dress. She showed the world that sky blue is for winners. Calling it ‘Nairobi blue’, clean lines and plunging V-necks are also going to be seen around a lot more now.
If you prefer darker tones of blue, then look no further than Amy Adams. Her structured Gucci gown in sapphire blue was quite a hit as was Sandra Bullock’s midnight blue gown by Alexander McQueen. Stylist and fashion blogger Pranita Mehta says: “Blue is a refreshing colour bringing back equilibrium to pastels, setting in the mood for spring/summer. Placid as well as midnight blue have both been scoring footage.
The red carpet witnessed a spectacular display of blues in various silhouettes. I prefer cool colours for evenings. Blue when worn in an appropriate silhouette is a perfect blend of subtlety and boldness.”
Back to black Black is an eternal favourite and the Oscar red carpet was no different. Charlize Thereon showed us in her Dior ensemble that if you’re wearing black, you can go in for an uncharacteristic neckline and maybe some net/mesh detailing on your skirt.
“One can never go wrong with black. And while the LBD must be a staple in your wardrobe, it’s also time to experiment with different textures and styles. Given the summer is here and people refrain from wearing black during the day, go in for sheer garments in black for an evening party. Garments in black lace are another personal favourite,” says model Sandra Britto.
Pretty in peplum
The peplum trend has been around for a while and some designers even wrote it off. That was before It girl Jennifer Lawrence in her tomato red/tangerine column shaped Dior dress. Pair it with a statement necklace and swept-back hair to bring out the diva in you.
According to Pranita, “When a trend generates buzz season after season, it is a keeper and not a fad. Lawrence’ peplum version with ruffles wrapped around her waist, shows the trend can surprise every now and then in beautiful and better versions. Evolving from beautifully-draped gowns to short dresses and even tops, peplums can be silhouette of choice for the day as well as evenings.”
Blushing nudes
Paler shades and nude tones were a conspicuous trend this year. If you’re aiming at keeping it simple and elegant, you might want to rock the look with cap-sleeves like Cate Blanchett did in her Giorgio Armani Prive dress.
While blush as a colour is trending, make sure you pair it with sparkly jewellery.
If you prefer to take the strapless route, Jessica Biel showed us how in her beautifully embroidered Chanel Couture gown. Her side-swept ponytail also worked.
“Whether embellished with glitter or given a floral dimension, covered with ruffles all over or falling with the perfect drape, gowns in nude shades are trending. The trick is to style the nude tone dress boldly. Stark red lips, one sided hair or up-dos pretty much do the trick,” Pranita suggests.
Shimmer, sparkle, shine
With designers and stylists claiming the season is all about bringing back sequins and stones, one ought to hand it to Anne Hathaway who walked the red carpet in a Gucci number. The halter neck gown with a warrior princess bodice encrusted with crystals grabbed eyeballs. In the coming months, sparkle will be seen as much on garments as on accessories.
Angelina Jolie’s metallic gown has also wowed fashionistas as did Emma Watson’s dark grey metallic number.
“Sequins and studs are being worn in combination now. While you may see sequins on dresses, tops and jackets, studded statement jewellery and accessories will be worn simultaneously. Metallic texture clothing never really went out of fashion, but now they’re going to be seen around a lot more especially at evening dos,” observes freelance designer Niyati Manoj.
Gold and the beautiful
While Indians’ fascination for gold is nothing new, at the Academy Awards, international stars also shone the spotlight on gold! From statement earrings in rose gold to yellow gold cuffs and white gold cocktail rings, this metal has sure heated up the scene. Angelina Jolie’s gold bezel diamond drop earrings were swoon-worthy!
The good news is, the market here is evolving and there are newer, more contemporary designs in gold to choose from.
According to jewellery designer Ishita Sinha, “Gold has a shiny future around the world. Whether worn alone or layered, gold has its way of drawing attention.
I think stacked gold bangles and rings are going to have a huge fan following in India. Also, I see monogrammed necklaces in rose gold making its mark here.”
