Indo-Western fusion has been the key catalyst in the evolution of Indian fashion. The ubiquitous cape-utta (a hybrid of cape and dupatta) and the sexy sarini (an amalgam of sari and bikini) are some of its interesting offshoots.
With festive season already in full swing, we ask designers how to nail the fusion look as you juggle card parties and late night dinners. Designer Amit Aggarwal says, "An integration of modern shapes with intricate Indian craftsmanship as embellishment is an elegant look for women who are looking at dressing with an edge. Silhouettes that accentuate a woman’s form made out of traditional Indian textiles is what I aspire for as a fusion look for this festive season. A couture draped saree or a metallic lehenga are perfect traditional looks with a twist of our modern aesthetic to it."
Mix and match
Designer Ritu Kumar suggests, "The trousers or bottoms are the key to this look. Keep them really casual, a salwar looks great with a t shirt, preferably in either a toned in print or a happy bright floral. The top can be casual solid kurta style or even a tee."
Designer Monica Shah of label JADE observes, "Young girls look trendy in dhoti pants paired with vibrant peplum or drape style tops. Women should experiment with bold prints and cuts to express their personality. Geometrical patterned front slit shift dress paired with chiffon palazzo pants looks sophisticated with just the right dose of nonchalance."
Designer Shyamal Shodhan of label Shyamal and Bhumika says, "Opt for an Indian embroidered Victorian crop jacket over dhoti cowl pants or a cowl gown with a hand embroidered shrug. If you are not into experimenting too much with the silhouettes you could wear a western aesthetic in terms of the craft and colors on Indian silhouettes. "
Designer Rimple of the label Rimple & Harpreet Narula says, "From bohemian skirts with cowl necks tops to Patiala Salwars with peasant tops, lehengas or sarees with crop tops and assymetrical peplum jackets with dhoti pants – you can pair up any silhouette any which way – just ensure it looks aesthetically appealing and works with your body type."
It's all about individuality
Designer Payal Singhal says, "This is a great time to experiment with fusion wear as there are no rules in fashion and it's all about individuality. You can wear an embroidered crop top with low crotch pants from your western collection and then top it off with jhumkas."
Go minimal with make-up
Designer Nikhil Thampi says, "Highlighting one feature of your face, like the eyes or the lips with everything else going subtle is what looks classic and opulent. With hair, I would recommend the ladies to go with hairdos that don't stress them and that aren't too hectic to carry around."
Designer duo Sonam and Paras Modi of label SVA suggest, "A lot of people go for the mundane long skirt and top look. One can give it a different twist by teaming cold-shoulder croptops with rich handwoven lehengas. This will add more statement to the ensemble and help you stand out from the crowd."
Keep accessories minimal
Designer Payal Khandwala says, "Pick a dramatic but minimal accessory. Focus on one feature eyes or mouth. Keep the hair simple, and fuss free. A very strict updo with backcombing is dated. Pick a chic pony tail, leave your hair loose if it has naturally good texture or put it in bed head knot."
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
 "fusionista")
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}