After the scorching dry heat of Indian summers, monsoons are indeed a welcome respite. Moods are happier, kitchens are busier and a general feeling of euphoria prevails as everyone tends to admire the skyline with friends and family. Traditionally monsoon festivals like Rakshabandhan, Janmashtami, Ganesh Chaturthi and Onam have been the initiator of happy festive vibes in India. The festivities this year however will be understated and minimal due to the prevailing global pandemic. In the wake of this existing situation, Ciceroni brings you a ready reckoner of Festive Fashion 2020 – Indian Classics and Experimental
An interesting shift occurred in fashion industry in past few months owing to the lock-down. Consumers started understanding the idea of being more mindful in buying and brands started aligning with the ethos of creating classic and timeless styles instead of 4 seasonal trends. The fashion ecosystem is undergoing a major overhaul and if one has to recommend festive buys this season, it better be keeping in mind the overall geopolitical and economic scenario.
These classic and yet few experimental ensembles are what you will treasure for life, not just for festivities in 2020, trust us. Take a pick based on your individual style, go minimal or go outlandish boho, there aren’t fixed rules for festive styling.
Handwoven Liquid Molten Gold Metallic Saree by AKAARO
If there is one brand in India that is actually modernizing Indian textiles for future, it has to be hands down Akaaro by Gaurav Jai Gupta. This classic liquid molten gold metallic saree can be unanimously hailed as the modern heirloom for all handloom collectors out there. While craft enthusiast regale in the nostalgia of past, Gaurav embraces the modernity with equal aplomb and weaves a futuristic narrative for millennials.
Style this metallic saree with monochromatic gold bralette for a festive evening dinner or go bold with crimson raw silk jacket for the rakhi lunch.
Aasmani organza Azara Saari by TORANI
For the dreamy heads and sucker for Indian ‘nazaakat’, Torani has struck the raw nerve by launching ‘Shuddhi’ his latest collection for festivities. This Aasmani organza Azara Saree, made of luxe organza and adorned with handwork, is a perfect pick-me up for festive get-togethers. It will surely transport you to the opulent nawabi vibes and give you the taste of what royalty might have felt like back in those days.
Style it with their set blouse for an understated elegance and add some pearls to keep it royal chic.
Vermillion Jacket by LABEL NIMBUS
A statement jacket is on the buying list of every stylish woman. This airy wispy vermillion jacket by Label Nimbus is just that; a semi colon between the east and the west, a mélange of layers and textures mixed with delicate resham work. Invest in this breathable jacket to amp up the style of your cotton dresses and wear it to the festivities. A perfect pick-me-up for all minimalists, this jacket will be a sure shot conversation starter.
Style it with mul ivory co-ord set or team it with black raw silk dress for the contemporary festive feel.
Tissue Chanderi Handloom Kurta set by RAJIRAMNIQ DESIGN STUDIO
Organza and Chanderi have paved their way as the star luxe textiles for the festive dressing. Case in point is this purple tissue chanderi handloom kurta with embroidered palazzo and beautiful sheer silk organza dupatta by Rajiramniq Design Studio. Lay your hands on these three piece kurta set in the royal colour of purple and be ready to slay the gala dinner. It is one of those styles that pays attention to intricate detailing and allows you to take a break to appreciate the finer things in life.
Style it as is with delicate gold nanki jewellery or wear them as separates to create atleast nine new styles of it.
Cross Fringed Top & skirt by I AM ISIGO at NO BORDERS
If you are a true blue style seeker, your search for modern heirlooms doesn’t end with just Indian crafts. I AM ISIGO, a fashion label based between Nigeria, Ghana and France, seeks to create a striking awareness of how African culture can be fused with an audacious yet minimal design aesthetic. Their in-your-face-bold cross fringed top and skirt is just the right style statement for the ones who want to defy the norms of festive dressing. Beyond the Indian chanderis and organzas, lies the world of psychedelic colours and textures. Available at No Borders shop in India, this ensemble might be the one for your next festive dressing.
Style it boots and add a heavy dose of desi silver jewellery to mix the cultures and bring in your own verve.
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Jacket by BODEMENTS
Investment doesn’t always mean purchasing brand new. This festive season, go ahead and try your hands at vintage styling from the yore. This soft white collectable vintage Yves Saint Laurent jacket by Bodements can be best paired with vintage scarf printed shirts and raw silk pants to bring in the desi twist to this Parisan chic ensemble. Away from the quintessential sarees and kurta sets, this three piece ensemble might prove to be the starting point of your style shift towards more contemporary festive dressing while retaining the vintage element.
It has the extra benefit of creating newer combinations each time, let your creativity show.
Gingham Checks with Statement Sleeves & Tiered Skirt by CHAMBRAY & CO.
Basic gingham checks can look dazzling if designed with statement sleeves and embroidered cuffs, Chambray & Co. proves that well with its latest collection Orenda. Style this eye-catching crop top with their hand appliqued and embroidered tiered skirt for a unique festive feeling. This ensemble will stoke your inner nomad like no one else. Team it with sturdy brogues and add some bohemian silver jewellery to rock this experimental festive look. Mind you, this isn’t one season trend, it’s here to stay as the modern festive dressing.
Let your hair loose and have fun as you create your distinctive style by mixing some vintage and some new for this festive season.
