Traditional goes taboo

The quartet of ivory, off-white, white and black dominated Diwali parties this season. Imran Khan’s wife Avantika Malik cut an elegant figure in an ivory, jewel-toned tasseled sari, while designer Masaba Gupta paired her fresh-off-the-runway white sari, which had gold accents with a black off-shoulder blouse. Always a style rebel, Sonam Kapoor picked an off-white Anamika Khanna creation and Swara Bhaskar opted for a white anarkali silhouette outfit, which had sheer sleeves. Natasha Poonawalla accented her black and gold attire with a statement-making gold choker. Vidya Balan too went tone-on-tone with an off-white sari, which had white threadwork embroidery on it. What is it about the monochrome palette which makes it such a favourite among our B-Town beauties? Blacks and whites are no longer funereal. Perhaps, it has a lot to do with the fact that the actresses are moving towards inculcating a strong sense of individual style.

No longer unlucky colours

Designer Paras Modi of the label SVA observes that gone are the days when black and white are considered unlucky colours to include in festivities. He says, “People nowadays prefer colours that are more reflective of their personal style and are open to experimenting with new styles. Black and white are colours that make a statement in Indian wear. They add a certain sophistication and elegance to an ensemble. Hence, monochrome trend has been one overwhelming winner of the season in celebrity’s wardrobes. Embroideries and details look great on monochromes. Beautiful gold embellishments work well with black and white for Indianwear. One can opt for cape crop tops and cold shoulder styles with minimal jewellery.”

Swara Bhaskar, Avantika Malik in an ivory-hued sari and Natasha Poonawalla

White is the new black!

Designer Arpita Mehta, who recently showcased a festive collection which was heavy on black with gilded accents says, “White/cream is the new black and black is the new white! While white is elegant, black is bold. Both these colours have a unique quality of versatility which makes it an easy favourite in today’s dressing. It is no longer necessary to wear a bright colour for a festive event. These colours add an instant edge to a look. Not only are these colours worn during Indian festivals but also at Indian weddings. So many modern brides are opting for cream for their wedding day.

Mehta observes that awareness, more exposure and freedom of style has brought about this change. She adds, “Earlier people wore bright colours because they had to wear it due to family or certain pressures (which still persists though much lesser). However, now people have become more open and individualistic about their choices. Which in turn is a great twist in Indian festive dressing. The best way to do white/cream is to go sexy on the silhouette...since white looks outstanding on Indian skin.”

Sidharth Malhotra accents his all-black look with a red pocket square, Vidya Balan opts for a white sari with a tone-on-tone embroidery and Ranbir Kapoor in Antar Agni

Monochrome: new staple

Designer Payal Singhal says, “Black and white have become the new staples for Indian wear because they are classic neutrals. Black Indian wear is sensual and white is graceful and beautiful. Culturally I think these colours always existed in Indian women’s wardrobes. It’s just now that they even wear them during wedding functions but they would still not wear them during the pheras. Wearing black or white is actually really easy as they are neutrals and you can accessorise with any contrasting pop colours or mettalics like gold or silver. “

Florals are cliched

Designer Monica Shah of label Jade says, “Floral patterns and other typical festive motifs have become too cliched, and the ease of working out the high contrast look, is why black and white are being picked increasingly for festive outfits.”

Designer Ritu Kumar says, “Black and white is taking the festive season by storm. New inventive ways of blending these flattering colours with embellishments and embroidery take them to new levels. This change was brought about by the fact that these colours complement a variety of skin tones and make you look chic and sophisticated.”