SUNDAY POST FEB 8-14
But, which sort is ‘you’? We identified foursuper categories. Most designers and wearers tumble into one of them. Take your plunge after some thought, suggests P S Bhavana
The Quirky
What:This type goes all out when it comes to colours and prints. It romances almost everything mundane and every day as forms of art—think cameras, pie charts, colour wheels, cartoons and animation (Pac Mans or Mickey Mouse), lipsticks, spools, truck art, owls, ants, script,and what have you. In fact, the triter, sketchier and colourful the sari gets, the better it looks. Well, of late, the terms ‘quirky’ or ‘kitsch’ also refer to a unique way of styling—say wearing a traditional sari uber-differently. For instance, a Kancheevaram silk sari draped over a pair of denims and worn with boots, will certainly fit in this groove and make eyes pop.
How: The trick in wearing such a peppy piece is to flaunt it individualistically and match it to that fun-loving, humorous or eccentric part of you. It HAS to go with what you are and do on a daily basis. But if you are the demure types, wearing a sari with an extremely cheeky print (suddenly for the heck of being trendy) may look a tad out of character (you don’t want to tip over into the ‘wannabe’ realm, do you?) Next, while sporting it, try not to overload it with many contrasting elementslike matching accessories and heavy make-up (unless you really, really want to go whacky and are sure of carrying it off).
Who: Masaba Gupta, Nida Mahmood, Mayank Anand and Shraddha Nigam, Gaurav Gupta, Aartivijay Gupta, Deepika Govind, Kallol Dutta, Nachiket Barve, Yogesh Chaudhury, Payal Pratap, Pranay Baidya,Playclan, Quirkbox, orSatya Paul.
The Arty
What: This kind always has had a Nehruvian and Antediluvian sort of an upbringing with minimalism lying dormant at its core. Although, both bright and basic colours takethe lead simultaneously in this sari’s personality, most of the time it is donned with earthy elements—folk or tribal art, bucolic-inspired prints, fabric deco like stich lines, subtle traditional embroidery or applique, weave textures and the like. Draping one from this family means to make a statement about cultural pride, eco-sensitive ideology and lifestyle, as a whole. Elegance and maturity are intrinsic parts of this drape, too. Traditional weaves from myriad Indian states and world folk lead the rung under this category.
How: If you want to zip around in this style, make sure you truly believe in this grounded aesthetic sensibility. But if are whacky at heart and dig this trend, wear it with care (add your own zinglike anti-fit or contrasting blouses if you must). Ideally, extremely heavy and glossy make-up, maximal glitter in accessories and rock-chic add-ons don’t go with this sari type (unless you are way too good with mixing looks). Psst: Beware. Going the Nandita Das or Vidya Balan waysa wee bit blindly may not really help your styling, will it?
Who: Anavila Sindhu Mishra, Aneeth Arora, Payal Pratap, Jenjum Gadi, Gaurang Shah, Rahul Mishra, Dev r Nil, Rimzim Dadu, Sanjay Garg, Arjun Saluja, Ritika Mittal, Raw Mango, Fab India, Anokhi orCottons Jaipur.
The Glamorous
What: This sari kind is chic, modish and glitzy. It could have shiny (lurex or satin), sleek (chiffon, dupion,georgette or crepe), rich (jacquard, brocade, velvet or silk) or sheer (net or lace) fabrics, plush embroidery like Kundan, Zardozi or bead work, and luxe trimmings. Mobility and comfort is usually not its strong point or focus. But it sure makes you feel and behave like a Queen. If you love being the centre of attention and a head-turner at socials dos, this type is for you. Vintage texturing is another facet of this sari story. Think Sabyasachi Mukherjee’s touches with antique borders—glam and old-world at the same time.
How: Ah! This sari’s Red Carpet-esque or Rekha-ish bit works magic, almost always! But the sad tale is; you are not in these modes on a daily basis, are you? So, flaunt a luxurious take judiciously. Save yours for cocktail evenings, dinner parties or celebratory occasions.If the fabric itself is very opulent, go low-key—nudes, monotones or neutrals like black, white, navy, or tan; monotone matte gold, silver, copper, bronze or pewter—on accessories.
Who:J J Valaya, Tarun Tahiliani, Ritu Kumar, Manish Malhotra, Shane & Falguni Peacock, Hemant & Nandita, Gaurav Jai Gupta, Payal Singhal, Vikram Padnis, Shyamal & Bhumika, Rabani & Rakha, Swapan & Seema,
The Fusion
This is a mix of the East and the West in literally more or less good proportions—a.k.a. fusion. Its reinvention could come across as Greco-Roman sari drapes, sari gowns, sari dresses, sari tunics, scarf saris and more. Fuss-free single wrapping, button pleating, quick knotting, hasty zipping and minimal pinning are pivotal points of this sari style. The easy-wear trait of this design it its brilliant highlight. However, take this plunge with colossal attitude (you will need oodles of it to carry this look off). Tip: If you are a traditionalist, you may want to stay away from this design!
How: Wear it as a slip-on with off-beat stuff like a long jacket, waistcoat, Bolero, granny blouse, or belt. A few come fitted with pretty peplums or pre-stitched dhoti drapes for that pizazz. Internationally, some were cowl-y drapes in an array of textures and colours.
Who: Nikhil Thampi, Kiran Uttam Ghosh, Masaba Gupta (yes, again), Shivan & Naresh, Naeem Khan, Sougat Paul, Farah & Firdaus, Debarun, Agnimitra Paul, and even Chanel, Marchesa, Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Jean Paul Gautier, Dries Van Noten, or Balenciaga.
