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  Over the rainbow

Over the rainbow

| DIPTI
Published : May 20, 2016, 10:16 pm IST
Updated : May 20, 2016, 10:16 pm IST

Rainbows are probably one of nature’s prettiest play with the palette.

Creations from Cushnie Et Ochs
 Creations from Cushnie Et Ochs

Rainbows are probably one of nature’s prettiest play with the palette. This meteorological phenomenon caused by reflection, refraction and dispersion of light in water droplets resulting in a spectrum of light appearing in the sky is now taking the form of a multi-coloured arc in designer clothes and accessories this season.

What sets the trend apart from the candy colours of seasons past is its ability to imbue a cheerful dissonance of psychedelia. Designer Pallavi Mohan shares, “While sunsets are quite beautiful, they tend to be melancholic. Rainbows, on the other hand, are highly optimistic and fundamentally happy. A rainbow is a promise, a light on the horizon which tells you that while it may be raining, there is sunshine out there somewhere. That is why rainbow hues are a sure-fire Instagram hit — from the rainbow cake, freckles to the dip-dyed hair and more. The global rainbow wave is demonstrating that kaleidoscopic clothing and accessories isn’t just for the sartorial risk-takers or rebels any longer.”

In the rainbow spirit of optimism, consider trying out acid yellows, oranges, bright blues, fluorescent pinks in juxtaposed clashing fabrics and prints, suggests designer Lalit Dalmia. He adds, “Rainbow clothes are also a relatively cheap way to bring colour into your wardrobe. Unlike colour blocking which requires full commitment and various garments all at once, like a shard of light through the clouds, it only takes a little rainbow to create something beautiful. Crochet is one the best suited fabrics for this trend this season. You can also consider cotton, mesh and silk blends to be a rainbow-inspired diva. Nylon tops my list of fabrics to be avoided.”

Designer Rinku Sobti, on the other hand, suggests, “While rainbow has the potential to tire the eye quickly, it also lasts. Buying a prismatic printed skirt for spring might only yield three or four wears this season, but unlike pieces that are in ‘good taste’, which tend to be influenced by the ‘It’ silhouette or palette of the moment, something that looks fabulously garish now is likely to look fabulously garish three years from now, too. So invest in a really good piece.”

What to wear a rainbow with Designer Vandy Mehra advises, “Any colour in the rainbow. Leopard print, gold sequins and silver lamé are neutrals, and a similar principle applies to rainbow designs. When you wear every colour at once, it doesn’t ‘go’ with anything, which means the rainbow clothes in question come full circle and end up matching everything (even orange and olive green simultaneously). But if you are a little hesitant to don a rainbow-inspired garment, then trying out multi-coloured is a great option. The multi-coloured accents can be used to bring a joyous touch to an otherwise conservative black, white or navy outfit or rainbow pieces can be piled on top of each other for a delightfully insane look.”

From clashing colour-ways to unconventional print directions, rainbow-inspired trend is a sure shot way to play around. “Try unconventional patterns and keep silhouettes clean and fuss-free. Too many accessories will clash with multiple colours. So pair with sleek separates,” says designer Anjoo Karanjia of ANJ Kreations. “However, the primary reason why the rainbow trend is showing up in fashion is the fact that each of its colours is connected to the next in a harmonious, expansive way. You can let your imagination lose and mix and match the colours to make an individual statement,” she concludes.