Tots go traditional

With a burgeoning number of designers specialising in traditional Indian wear for adults, kids can’t be too far behind. In keeping with the festive spirit that has taken over the country, designers are turning their skills towards creating outfits for the under-10. And if you’re thinking it’s going to be a kids affair, think again. Children are spoilt with equally stylish and well-fitting lehenga cholis and kurtas, like their adult counterparts.

Designers Neelakshi  and Oeindrila Ray (Nee & Oink) say that although the kidswear market is growing and currently estimated at over 35 thousand crore, they still found a huge void in the market for well designed children’s clothing. “Our current festive collection carries different looks to cater to different occasions — casual kurtas, hand-embroidered dhoti sets and sherwanis for boys, patialas, anarkalis and lehengas for girls. Our clothes are playful yet sophisticated, almost mini-adult-like. Comfort is important and we use organic fabrics and dyes that are skin friendly while avoiding heavy embellishments that might be uncomfortable for kids,” they add.

Having created a name in the menswear segment Barkha ‘N’ Sonzal recently showcased a line for kids. The collection, which was inspired by Lord Shiva featured cute hooded sherwanis, kurtas and bandhgalas for young boys. “We design for boys aged two-months to men of 90-years-old. Often, women request us to design a similar outfit for their husband and their son. Each creation, even those for the kids, is unique and with an impeccable finish,” they say.

The kids market is growing increasingly says designer Sonya Vajifdar. “More kids today are deciding for themselves what to wear and have role models who are very stylish. For the festive season, I design party dresses in frill and gathered styles, as well as Indian outfits with less bead work and embroidery but with more focus on the flow, cut and colours. The point is to have the child look his/her age but trendy at the same time,” she adds.