Gluttony and fashion are the two undisputed kings that bond people regardless of faith and culture. Nothing can come in between the love for a hearty meal and fine life for the rising aspirational class of India. We wait for the festivities to break the monotony of the mundane; no wonder then that there is a spike in the number of Iftaar parties being hosted in the last few years. But being invited to an Iftaari just doesn’t entail Roohafza, kebabs, biryani and seevaiyan; it also means one’s got to get ready for the party.
Thus, arises the pertinent question, what does one wear to an Iftaari or an Eid party?
As the holy month of Ramadan approaches its end, people around the world have started their preparations for Eid ul-Fitr. Eid marks the end of Ramadan and the month-long fasting observed by Muslims. This year it is being celebrated on 4th and 5th June. Wearing a new ensemble is also culturally significant since Prophet Muhammad was known to have worn his best cloak on Eid. One may derive similarity of it in all faiths; new year marks new beginnings and thus new clothes to mark the joyous occasion.
Let’s rewind to the Mughal Era to gauge the fashion arc of Eid wear. For centuries, the Muslims dressed in a seamless garment that wrapped around their body, the garment was loose and flowy as it was easier to bow and kneel during the prayer. The garment was as we know today – Abaya. It is believed that Abaya was a symbol of luxury, as it was an indulgence and donned by women who didn’t need to do any work.
Post-Mughal era, Muslim women started wearing divided garments for Eid that helped them work and at the same time sit comfortably during the prayer call. These outfits gave birth to garments like Salwar Kameez and eventually the Pakistani Suit
Eid Fashion has come a long way and the modest fashion industry is growing expeditiously.
Have you been invited for Iftaari or the upcoming Eid party? Here’s a list of curated styles and trends in apparels and accessories that will give you an all-eyes-on-you moment!
1. SHARARA
The 2000 brigade called, they want the Pakistani suits back! It’s Sharara time now.
Different styles of Shararas are in vogue and what better to wear to an Iftar party than a Sharara that will look graceful and also help you move swiftly. A fuss-free Kurta paired with heavy work Sharara can notch up your style quotient instantly.
Urvish Chheda, Owner at Surat’s famous AMRUT, opines “While shararas are definitely trending, shoppers are also looking specifically for peplum kurta and tops to pair with their shararas. Contemporary style is blending beautifully with traditional ethos. There has been a style shift from gaudy fashion to subtle fashion. It is a common misconception that Muslims prefer Green over other colours. We, at AMRUT, are trying to break that myth by introducing a myriad of colours for them to pick and choose”
The market is raided with Shararas with Gota Patti work, Zardosi Work and Sequins Work to give you an effortlessly chic look. Brownie points for Shararas – just because they usually have an elastic waist so you can enjoy the humongous feast guilt free.
2. GHARARA
Ghararas are more dramatic than Shararas and that’s why we like them. Ruched at the knee, the Ghararas have a beautiful flare. Ghararas are showstoppers; think of the Begum Kareena Kapoor Khan when you think of gharara in modern day. Zari and Zardosi work Ghararas are more popular for Eid in colours like wine and burgundy. Pastel hues like Mint, Pale Pink, Dove Grey are stealing the spotlight yet again.
Talking about which colours are trending in 2019, Minal Modi, Fashion Designer and Co-founder at DAALI, a designer boutique in Surat shared “Pastels are trending but I would say Nude is the new black. Shades of nude like Beige, Parfait, Pecan are really taking the center stage.”
These understated elegant colours can easily be styled with other colours and prints
3. FARSHI PAJAMA
Oh ! How we absolutely love Farshi Pajama – a divided bottom wear with a flare that flows and falls on the floor. When you walk, you look like you are floating. Usually, Farshi Pajama is adorned with Zari work and it is till date considered one of the most extravagant piece of cloth owned by Muslim women. It is currently back in trend and if you are looking to stand out on Eid, Farshi Pajama is your answer.
“Comfort is of the utmost importance on Eid. While style is important, one must keep in mind that until Iftar, no one has eaten and a famished state of mind would want an outfit that’s comfortable to sit back, relax and enjoy the feast” adds Minal Modi affirming in the necessity of comfort over style.
Opt for Chikankari set as it will help you beat the heat while you look flawless.
You have already lost a couple of pounds during Ramadan, isn’t that a reason enough to gloat and float?
4. DHOTI SUIT & JACKET
Emerging fashionistas who want to step away from traditional styles can choose a contemporary Dhoti Suit and Jacket over the sharara and gharara camp. Suave Dhoti Suit and Jacket has a spunky youthful vibe that cannot go unnoticed.
Rajiv Arora, Owner at MASAKALI store in Surat, shared our love for this ensemble and added “With trendy fashion on their mind, younger girls are looking to add an extra element to their Sharara Set with Jacket or Cape. Skirts are also a priority because it is breezy and comfortable to wear. There are many women, especially belonging to the older age bracket who haven’t bid farewell to Pakistani Suits and it is still their favourite choice. Fabrics like Net and Mesh take a back seat while breathable fabrics like Muslin and Silk are in vogue”
This Eid, choose a cape adorned with frills or tassels to add drama to your ensemble. You can play safe too and go for classic embroidered Cape or Jacket with Shadow work.
5. ANARKALI DRESS
The timeless Anarkali is the real LBD of your ethnic wardrobe. Easy to style and carry, donning an Anarkali is a smart choice. The flowy silhouette is striking and whether you opt for jewel tones or pastel, the classic Anarkali Dress will make for a memorable outfit. While colours like Ivory, Sage Green will give a refined look you can also opt for Cobalt Blue or Black for a vivid look. Fabrics like velvet, chanderi and silk can be your choice to give a regal look.
Blogger and Influencer Pooja Naik says “I would love to adorn a White Chikankari Kurta paired with a skirt. White resonates with the peaceful and spiritual message of Eid and it looks effortlessly graceful. I would style it with striking Chand Bali and Kohl eyes are a must!”
No ensemble is complete without styling it with accessories. They are salt to your food and soda to your drink. Be it jaali work long danglers or antique silver jhumka, be it intricately crafted maangtikka or a showstealer pearl nose pin, choose your accessories once you finalise the outfit. Go bold and go maximal with choker and long earrings in gold tone for a festive look. If you prefer undertoned aesthetics, opt for pearl and silver metal jewellery.
Nazaakat, an Eid special collection by Fida, is a graceful jewellery collection for the month of Ramadan and Eid. They have a varied range of jewellery that showcases both contemporary and traditional jewellery. The eye-catching dome-shaped Jhumkas, Kundan studded Maang tikkas and intricately designed silver oxidized jewellery sets are some of the stunning statement pieces that are sure to make this Eid season a special and memorable one.
The brother-sister duo of Sohel and Sonali Lalvani have tapped the potential of fragmented accessories industry with Toniq Retail Brands that retails across country.
Sonali Lalvani, Co-founder Toniq Retail Brands Ltd, while talking about Fida, one of the brands of Toniq retail shared about their Eid special collection and added “With Fida we constantly aim to revive traditional craftsmanship and create jewellery with a contemporary twist. Each piece is designed keeping in mind the modern woman and her lifestyle, then crafted to perfection in our lightweight material, and later filled with enamel to add that color of life (meenakari). We embellish our products with intricate Bandhai work enhancing its beauty”
Closer home in Gujarat, Aayushi Jain, Jewellery Designer at Daulani Jewels in Surat, shares her views on Eid trends for jewellery as she says “Out with the old, in with the bold! Bold and dramatic jewellery with glittering gemstones has always been the favourite to accessorize the outfits worn on Eid. Au courant fashion mongers are taking an interest in westernized designing and subtle jewellery to keep it simple and elegant. Buying jewellery is still an intimate affair and I believe choosing a piece of jewellery all comes down to personality.”
And we agree with her hands down. Let your personality define your style.
It’s time to bring your ‘A’ game to the festival with flowy and embellished shararas, pastel hues and accessories that make a statement.
