A modern twist to classic threads

The only rule to fashion these days is that ‘there are no rules’, say designers and stylists

Gone are the days when you would walk into a wedding and everyone would be wearing Kanjeevaram saris or heavily embroidered anarkalis. It’s time to mix and match and give the good old traditional outfit a modern twist.

At an event in Hyderabad, Kareena Kapoor donned a brocade long-kurta and skirt but her Suhani Pittie jewellery gave a contemporary look to the outfit. Meanwhile, Sonam Kapoor was recently spotted teaming up a shirt with a sari.

And designers say “there are no rules anymore”. Stylist Indrakshi Ria Pattanaik says, “A classic is always a classic, but if you like being a little hatke, you can turn your traditional look around. Pair a white shirt with a sari or a brocade ghagra. Take your mom’s old Banarasi and cut it up to make a blazer or a complete suit. Many designers like Payal Khandelwal and Archana Rao, have been working on these styles. Even I had given Regina the look where she wore a South Indian sari with a leather belt.” She adds, “Nobody wants a typical Indian look anymore.”

And Nachiket Barve agrees, “You shouldn’t always tamper with a sari but you can mix it up with something modern. A beautiful heritage sari can be teamed up with a leather blouse or one with studs. An embroidery jacket teamed with jeans would look great too.”

Even Nachiket has been experimenting with different styles. “We have been working with Shibori saris, chiffon lehengas with ornate jackets, etc. The idea is to have an outfit that you can break up and wear later as well,” he says.

Designer Ridhi Mehra too says the style of mix and match is a hit. “People have started experimenting. When I launched crop tops with Indian embroideries, it was a big hit. People were not just pairing it up with pants and skirts but with lehengas and saris as well.”

And the look can be changed with just a piece of jewellery, just as Kareena did recently. Indrakshi says, “Have fun with jewellery. Like, turn neckpieces into headgears.”