Decoding the glitzy look this festive season

If you’ve got to make a statement, then you can’t do without this one. But that’s not it — if you’re missing that one piece that can take your look to an all-new level, try outfits with jewellery motifs instead.

One of the most common themes in Indianwear, this trend has been creating waves in the international market too as designers are trying new prints and designs with jewelled themes. Designer Michelle Salins goes on to explain, “Jewelled motifs go best with traditional Indian clothing, where there’s a lot of embellishment around the neck. Popular attires with these motifs are bridal trousseaus, tunics and empire waist dresses. Coming to Western outfits, a sheath dress, which is basically a structured dress, is often adorned with jewellery motifs.”

In fact, ace designer Tarun Tahiliani’s latest collection has a lot of induced jewellery motifs in it. Jackets with embellished hemlines made to look like a traditional piece of jewellery and dresses with necklines that resemble necklaces have brought this theme back into vogue. Designer Anu Nagappa, on the other hand, says that digitally printed jewellery motifs can be used for dailywear too.

“Nowadays, T-shirts with an earring or a piece of jewellery printed on it has become a common occurrence. Even in Indianwear, digitally printed kurtis or tunics have become popular.”

Since most of the Indian pieces, especially traditional Indian attire, come with some jewelled motifs, salwars or tunics in these motifs or even everyday wear such as T-shirts or sheath dresses are catching on. Designer Manoviraj Khosla talks about the growing trend of jewelled dresses. “Initially, Indian embroidery was used to embellished these designs but of late, there have been a lot of frills added to cocktail dresses.”

The next big thing to consider is how to accessorise these outfits. Designer Sanchita Ajjampur feels that the right accessories could make a world of difference. “The embroideries range from lady-like pearls to bows and chains. The printed necklace motifs are varied — from feathers, skulls and charms for an androgynous alternative,” she says, adding, “If the jewelled embroidery is simple, one can try out bold costume jewellery, chain necklaces and scale contrasts, big, chunky rings and stacked bangles. The art-deco styled embellishments include turquoise with silver tubes and black Jaipur stones.”

So, here’s your chance to go bejewelled to the next party and be the bling girl.