Big bags with bling in vogue this summer

NEW DELHI: Every season calls for a new style, and with summer setting in, Indian women are expected to make a fashion statement with big bags that are available in myriad fabrics, shapes and colours.

Accessory designers Meera Mahadevia and Bhavna Bharadwaj as well as fashion designer Kavita Bhartiya feel that bags are about to get bigger.

"Printed, clutches, totes and big bags in metals like gold and silver will be in. In fact, bags are expected to get bigger in the coming season with a lot more detailing," Mahadevia said on phone from Mumbai.

Bharadwaj, a stand-alone designer who also occasionally designs for various fashion designers in the capital, expects that casual varieties will make their presence felt.

"Big will definitely stay," she said and explained that the urban Indian woman demands a bag that can be used in office as well as for an evening out.

"Day bags are expected to get a cleaner look with a metal finish (not metal colours) and the use of a lot of silver buckles will be prominent. For evening bags, however, I feel beaded and sequined bags will make it big," she added.

Kavita Bhartiya, a Delhi-based fashion designer, echoed their stance. She said big bags would continue to make a mark. But she also believes that 'potli' bags are best suited for evenings and they will continue to be a rage among women with a slightly traditional taste.

According to fashion designer Raghavendra Rathore, bags with metallic details such as studs, rivets and tacks will dominate the trend. He said durable and practical designs will be the highlight of the season.

As far as colours go, Mahadevia, who also caters to the crème de la crème of Bollywood, emphasises the use of reds and maroons along with metallic colours like silver and gold, encrusted with semi-precious stones.

Bhartiya agreed: "Gold, silver and spice colours will be the flavours of the season."

Bharadwaj, however, said there would be a huge comeback of purple shades. "From lilac to burgundy, I think shades of purple are making a comeback," she said. Although her personal favourite for summer is yellow, she feels pastels like turquoise, pink, green will be in vogue.

Anand Kabra, a Hyderabad-based fashion designer, however, feels that anything oversized or with excess bling is passé.

"Understated luxury is the key word. Bags that make a statement without screaming for attention will be in. Nothing oversized with bling and nothing that is structured and stiff will work," Kabra said.

"One of the key trends that I anticipate is bags in fun colours that do not blend with the outfit but offer an interesting contrast."

Regarding the fabrics that will be used, Bharadwaj conjectures that leather and rexine will be avoided and so will suede, as they are warm fabrics. Natural fabrics like cotton and linens for the day or even raw silk to give a richer look to evening attire will rule the roost.

Commenting on the revolution that bags have undergone, Mahadevia said: "Accessories were hardly recognised as fashion until recently. Gradually, there has been huge acceptance of fashion accessories and people are aware of accessorising and putting together the right look."

Bags, according to her, play a major role in accessorising. "A huge amount of people today wants creative bags that can be matched with a simple, plain dress to enhance the entire look. A bag reflects the personal style of a person in a large way," she said.