Singularly stunning

Mona

As Kareena Kapoor stepped on the ramp in Gaurav Gupta’s sculpted number, in all black, she only reaffirmed ‘black loyalists’ faith in the colour. Black’s been an eternal favourite with fashionistas around the world. White lovers too are no less in number. Together, black and white create magic as we witnessed in Guarav’s spectacular creations.

While, earlier, the monochromes were relegated to office wear primarily, changing times have blurred the distinctions between work and everyday wear.

“Right from office, day, evening to festive wear, monochromes have found a place in every wardrobe,” says Ritu Kochhar, corporate director, INIFD. While Lakme finale used just four colours--grey and red in addition to black and white--Ritu is all for keeping the colours separate. 

“Monochromes work for every age and shape. A black skirt, with white oversized shirt and say a black neckpiece works well with those on the heavier side,” shares Ritu. With social norms changing, and increasingly every colour being accepted in the festive fold, black and white are gaining ground here too. “Sticking to one colour and detailing with embroideries in the same colour lifts up the outfit for celebratory occasions,” says Ritu, and, then there is sculpting. The way Gaurav Gupta did Kareena’s piece accentuating her curves, even the Bollywood beauty couldn’t help but admit that she has never looked this good on ramp ever.

“Black and white remain timeless, classics and accessorising it smartly can turn a dress from a workplace to party wear,” believes designer Winky Singh. “One wouldn’t think twice before pulling out a black or white or a combo and rocking it for any occasion, for every other colour one considers so many other details,” she adds. 

While she is in awe of Gaurav Gupta’s Sculpt, she also mentions, “Nachiket Barve’s Chiaroscuro adds drama with his designs in florals. Feathers are for those who are ready to go bold in their choices.”

And, that you can do any number in black and/or white is what learns from collections of designers big and small. Right from Tarun Tahiliani, Anita Dongre, Arjun Saluja, Ankur to Priyanka Modi, Indian as well western outfits came alive on the ramp in these two colours.  

Celebrated designer Narendra Kumar makes it easy for you, “Go for single colour for formal setting; break it down for office wear.” 

A black and white or plain black paired with black and white print lends a semi formal touch. “When doing a plain number for a formal do, accessorise with a bright bag or shoe, but only one of the two!” Point noted.