The itsy-bitsy choli gets an au courant twist with B-Town beauties sporting it with panache this party season
From Jacqueline Fernandez to Bipasha Basu, from Athiya Shetty to Alia Bhatt — the summer staple gets a festive touch this fall/winter.
Karisma Kapoor made quite a fashion statement a few weeks ago when she posted a picture on Instagram in which she sported a black bralette. Festive clothing needn’t be boring. A lehenga can look super sexy if teamed with this mid-riff baring sartorial wonder. Not surprisingly, it makes for an eye-catching party pick for our Tinseltown lasses. Not long ago, Alia Bhatt was spotted in a lace version, which had peplum-like detailing and Jackie sported a floral one with noodle straps. Bipasha Basu went tone-on-tone, layering her bralette with a matching long jacket.
It’s worth applauding how Indian designers have interpreted this international runway trend in desi Baroque style — thus making it relevant for a fun, destination bride and her entourage of bridesmaids. Internationally, luxury brands like Prada, Alexander McQueen, Altuzarra and Victoria Beckham have explored the closet essential with a sportified flourish. Alexander Wang flirted with it in a wrap-around style while Alexander McQueen spiked it with artisanal studs. On the other hand, Altuzarra sweetened it with vibrant cherry prints. In India, designer Payal Singhal has been at the forefront of the bralette experimentation, teaming it with dhoti pants and palazzo separates. But what makes it such a hot favourite among our actresses?
‘GOT IT, FLAUNT IT’
Most of our screen sirens are in excellent shape and can flash their midriff even in their festive, ornate outings. “Everyone is getting incredibly fit thanks to their dedication to rigorous workouts. Girls today have a bit of a ‘have it, flaunt it’ attitude. All my brides and bridesmaids ask for skimpy bralettes that they can team either with a high-waist lehenga or a full-sleeved jacket,” says Payal.
She suggests teaming this fall favourite with a lehenga and a cape dupatta. “Today sari pants are all the rage and the bralette goes beautifully with that silhouette. This season, we are doing various versions of it in the scalloped style,” she adds. Payal even sees the trend going strong for the coming spring. “I see it becoming a key separate which would be perfect for a beach holiday or a resort wedding. For summer, I’d suggest wearing it with a pair of denim culottes,” suggests Payal.
GIVE IT AN ATHLEISURE EDGE
Stylist Ami Patel suggests pairing it with sporty separates like a pair of track pants. “It has become quite a fashion statement and a go-to piece for our actresses. However, one needs to have a taut midriff to rock it,” she says.
A VERSATILE ESSENTIAL
A basic white and black bralette is pretty versatile — team it either with a tweed shirt or a pair of shorts, a contrasting printed maxi or striped palazzo. “If it’s in lace, layer over a cropped tee to get that cool layered feel or throw on a denim bomber jacket and finish off the look with a flowy maxi,” says stylist Eshaa Aminn. For a polished evening look, Eshaa suggests pairing the piece with a pair of leather pants.
INVEST IN AN ORNATE VERSION
Designer Aniket Satam has been reinterpreting the bralette season after season. “We use a lot of colour blocking, which adds a pop element. It’s one piece of fashion that is relevant beyond summer and can get easy access into your festive wardrobe. A neutral embroidered ornate style is a great investment piece, which one can easily team with a sari or under a pantsuit or layer it with a deep-plunging neck-lined jumpsuit,” says Aniket.
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