Festivals are a harbinger of celebration, joy and along with it bring a reason to look and dress your best. Soon the social calendars will start brimming with events and functions, including the nearest festival Rakshabandhan. In a country where each festival is celebrated with great aplomb than the other, curating one’s festive wardrobe often becomes a daunting task.
Once upon a time festive wear was considered a confounding dress code, today it is one of the most fluid words in the fashion dictionary. Festive wear includes everything from vivid colours, smart cuts, minimalistic look to dusky and nude shades and extravagant drapes.
If you haven’t made your sartorial selection yet, Ciceroni brings you a list of places that you MUST VISIT for your festive wear shopping in SURAT.
1. THEORY – THE MULTI DESIGNER STORE
Started in 2015, Theory is one of the very first multi-designer store in Surat that changed the fashion scenario of the city as it displayed over 80+ established designers at their store.
Samiksha Nandwani, Manager and Curator at Theory, elaborates on the trends in the festive season as they prep for the season and shares “People are moving away from the usual Kurta and Dupatta. They are exploring more options that are subtle yet elegant. Crop Top with Flared Pants or Jacket and Cape over an ensemble have taken over the festive wear ward-robe.”
On what does the audience prefer while shopping for festive outfits and what budgets to they sway, she adds “Generally, fashionistas prefer buying jewel-toned ensembles as festive wear as it feels dressier for the occasion. It brings in cheerful vibes and the mood is upbeat. However, in recent times, pastels have paved their way to the festive wardrobe and people prefer wearing it during day functions. Unless shopping last minute, fashion aficionados do not spend more than Rs.15,000/- for an outfit. Designers like Anoli Shah, Nautank, and Sougat Paul are favourites amongst the client as they provide elegant options at a favourable price.”
2. SAANJA
Saanja’s colossal store houses over 60+ designers in Surat. The city, that was otherwise bereft of multi-designer stores, now boasts of housing many such destinations marking the growing fashion market. The display at Saanja is impressive with its wide variety of options. The collection is updated every two weeks, and new designers are added quarterly to refresh the selection of the entire store. Now isn’t that interesting for the fashion-forward audience?
Kalindi Mehta, Owner & Curator at Saanja, gives insights in consumer preferences for Rakhi Fashion Trends this year as she adds “Shararas and Dhotis are the favourite picks this season. Both these styles have a touch of tradition along with being distinctive. Smart and fuss-free styles are preferred as the functions often involve dancing.”
Besides shararas and dhotis, she observes “People are also buying lighter lehengas because of its flattering silhouette. Jacket and Cape elevate any outfit, and therefore it is preferred for small functions.”
“The best-loved colour currently is Mustard. Mustard is synonymous with sunshine and happiness. It is often worn at many festivities as it’s associated with positivity and enlightenment” shares Kalindi on which is the fastest moving colour in 2019 in Surat.
“Designers like Zeel Doshi, Devnaagri, Label Anushree, I am Design and Rishi and Vibhuti are the current favourites at Saanja. As far as spend goes, people are willing to spend up to Rs. 20,000/- for a Rakhi ensemble in Surat” she adds on buying potential and designer preferences.
3. DESIGNER MANISH RESHAMWALA
An International Fashion Week Designer, Manish Reshamwala’s eponymous label is always up-dated with trendsetting designs and ensembles that will leave a mark whenever it is adorned.
The designer has over 15 years of experience, and his unmatched panache and passion reflect in every outfit by the label.
Pastel Colours like Sky Blue, Peach, Lime, Sea Green, Powder Blue, Baby Pink are ruling the colour palette for the festive season as Manish Reshamwala pulls his gears for kickstarting the festive season.
“This Rakhi season, frills and drapes are trending across the country; millennials are especially preferring smart cuts and unique silhouettes. Off-shoulder gowns or one-shoulder ensembles are being preferred rather than traditional styles, including kurta and pants” elaborates Manish as he describes preference of Surti fashion lovers over exclusive styles rather than done and dusted ones.
The buying parity of Surti’s is reflected in the budgets set aside for even functions like Rakhi. “While people are willing to buy an outfit specifically for Rakhi, they look at a budget of Rs, 10,000-15,000 maximum” adds Manish.
4. LABEL SURUCHI PARAKH
Designer Suruchi Parakh from Surat offers timeless yet versatile ensembles fit for every occasion. Her unique collection represents a beautiful amalgamation of finesse, style and craftsman-ship. Known for intricate embroidery and detailing, her latest collection is ideal for upcoming fes-tivities.
Talking to her about Rakhi and the sartorial choices one can make, she said, “Style has moved from classic to contemporary with different drapes, silhouettes, and cuts. Recently #SareeTwitter created a much-required buzz around Saree, the new forms of saree including ruffled and pre-draped are gaining momentum as we speak. The trending Dhoti and Peplum tops are one of the first choices for an event like Rakhi; it is definitely a powerful style statement”
While everyone else agreed, Suruchi differs in her opinion of Rakhi shopping as she commnets “People do not seem to experiment much around Rakhi, perhaps because it’s a small function.” Suruchi Parakh’s festive wear collection is displayed at her store, from Dhoti-Peplum set, Ruf-fled Sarees to Light Lehengas and Anarkalis.
Be it ruffled sarees, dhoti-peplum set, sharara or dhoti set, jewel tone or pastel shades, go ahead and experiment in fashion. After all, Rakhi is the first festival that marks the beginning of busy six months ahead. Slay in style.
