F A S H I O N - Surekha Kadapa-Bose ( Courtesy - BTW Magazine)

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Just be yourself. There are no fashion dictates for year-end parties. In fact, it’s all about being comfortable in what you are

Year-end party times are here again. It’s time to ponder on what one needs to wear to make a mark, look stylish and unique but at the same time feel comfortable too. Party animals will be glad to know that this season it is time to be what you want to be and wear things with élan and confidence and be the cynosure of all eyes.

“The current scenario of fashion focuses more on simple and subtle dressing but at the same time the style quotient is paid attention to by laying a lot of emphasis on the kind of colours chosen. There are phases in fashion trends. The current trend portrays an environment which is classy and confident,’’ explains Radhesh Kagzi, president of Creative Lifestyles, which owns 109 F. Delhi’s designer duo Rahul Gandhi and Rohit Khanna suggest, “Men can go in for a more relaxed look by wearing muted tones like greys and off-whites and yet shine through with all their subtlety. Longdown jackets and tuxedos can also be an option. Women on the other hand can opt for skinny pants worn with high heels and boyfriend jackets. Long dresses that are inspired by a Grecian look can also be an option for the new year." Most fashion designers believe flaunting Indian wear is the most in-thing at any party not only in India but even at the international party circuits. One can easily contemporarize the traditional Indian wear. At present jackets are much in demand, be it leather, denim, Dupioni silk, brocade, silk or self-woven fabric.

Topping your wedding trousseau zardosi or zari embroidered ghagra with a jacket is likely to be a headturner. “Even a simple, welldesigned kurti, corset, or a bustier worn over a ghagra or a sari draped differently will top the party trend, ’’advises Mumbai designer Nisha Merchant, who specialises in wedding collections.

Chiffon layered long kurta, worn over a pair of leggings, churidar pajamas or straight pants would make a great combination. You can enhance your party wear by clothing yourself in cross-garments with varied colours in flowing prints or vibrant embroidery. Even Sherwani shirts on straight pants with a lot of fabric and texturing will make you look trendy.

Mumbai’s Roma Narsinghani recommends keeping away from too much shiny bling. “Use unconventional materials like buttons and chains as embroidery instead of sequins and beads to enhance your attire,’’ she says. Roma advises: “In colours, nudes and grey with a hint on accent colours such as a maroon and yellow in cottons, natural dyed fabrics would look great with jumpsuits which will have fabric manipulations such as pleating and panelled sleeves.’’ Don’t be surprised if you come across the iGeneration clothed in a lot of embroidery, one shoulder dresses, miniskirts and denims: for that is the flavour. The colour most popular would be fuchsia pink, Indian chilli green, navy blue with light embellishment using subtle beads and thread. This combination with matching accessories like well designed bags, clutches, totes, boots – black and brown, jackets, knit scarves, etc. will be a great hit.

Another emphasis would be the head gear. Last month, Hindi film actor Shabana Azmi and her lyricist husband Javed Akhtar held a party at home and the theme was headwear. Turbans and head wraps, which have been prominent this season on ramps at fashion weeks and were used extensively by Delhi-based designer Tarun Tahiliani at Wills Fashion Week, are going to be sure hits. Even Hollywood actor Salma Hayek wore one to a party recently. So enjoy your parties and get all set for a magnificent new year.

Latin Quarters: Palladium, Phoenix Mill Compound, Lower Parel; Mega Mall, Oshiwara, Andheri (W); Tarun Tahiliani Boutiques: M1 Casa Building, Junction off St Theresa Road 28th Road, Off Turner Road, Bandra West; Villar-Ville building, Ground Floor, Next to Taj Mahal Hotel, Colaba; 109 F: Atria Mall, R City Mall, Shoppers Stop, Dynamix Mall, Inorbit Mall, Suburbia,Central, Crossroad Mall; Nisha Merchant Designs House: Near Mehboob Studio, Ahead of Hill Road, Bandra West; Roma Narsighani: AMOR, Bhavya Palace, 14th A Road, Ahimsa Marg, Khar West; Rahul Khanna and Rohit Gandhi: Bombay Electric, 1 Reay House, Best Marg, Colaba