Speaking Chic put some of the outfits and trends from the fourth day of Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2011 through our magnifying glass and came up with some key advice for these select pieces and trends:
White for winter
Sonia Sarin’s all-white collection, with shiny bandanas.
Speaking Chic says: White is the (non)colour for all seasons, except the prolonged monsoon.
How should you wear this?: As it is, or white teamed with almost any colour is just as nice!
Florals for winter
Anupamaa by Anupama Dayal had a Mughalflower-inspired collection.
Speaking Chic says: Last season, winter florals made an appearance on and off the ramp. Anupama Dayal’s floral collection seems to have a strong summer link (though this is from her Autumn/Winter collection).
How should you wear this?: Only in deeper colours for winter.
Shiny!
Koga by Jenjum and Jasleen’s shiny surfaces were mixed with colours like greens, reds, oranges and blues.
Speaking Chic says: Over the last few seasons, fashion has taken a subdued approach to bling. But they’re still perfect for partying and glam nights out.
How should you wear this?: Only one shiny garment at a time, please!
Tailored formals
Atsu Sekhose showcased a largely formal wear collection with tailoring, along with detailing like ruffles and sequins.
Speaking Chic says: Fine tailoring, colours like purple, maroon, teal, midnight blue and black make for great formal wear. The bling factor is right for the night.
How should you wear this?: Any way you like—formals are never out of style.
Wooden fashion
Alpana and Neeraj used wood-finished mouldable materials to create striated and blistered wood textures. It was twisted, bolted, shredded and interlaced to form the structures and corsets, often getting a 3D look.
Speaking Chic says: This out-of-the-box approach to fashion gets a thumbs-up from us, though we hope this gets more wearable in the retail version.
How should you wear this?: A bit more fabric and a bit less wood would be more wearable.
Wire and cables
My Village by Rimzim Dadu incorporated metal and plastic fibres for a futuristic look.
Speaking Chic says: If you appreciate Rimzim Dadu’s technique and creativity, then this outfit will make you feel special, powerful and unique.
How should you wear this?: With truckloads of attitude.
Fluid fabrics
Gaurav Gupta used satins and lycra-based jerseys to create fluid and drapey silhouettes.
Speaking Chic says: Drapes got a different twist in the ace designer’s garments, ranging from messy ruffles to a zippered bodice. Super-like!
How should you wear this?: In a draping style that suits your body type.