All that glitters....is gold

Manika Ahuja

Seems like there are more things than one that link Bollywood actresses Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone. Both are taking Hollywood by storm — Priyanka with her upcoming film Baywatch and Deepika with her recently released flick xXx: Return of Xander Cage. Both slayed Ralph Lauren-deigned gowns at the Golden Globe Awards. And as their recent appearances at the fashion circuit indicate, both the ladies seem to be smitten with the golden hue!

While Priyanka opted for a body-fitting Ralph Lauren ‘golden’ gown during her maiden appearance at the Golden Globe Awards, Deepika spread sunshine at the award function’s after-party in her one-shoulder daffodil-yellow outfit. What’s more, perhaps seeking inspiration from Priyanka, the Om Shanti Om actress decided to don a strikingly similar albeit a more blingy version of PeeCee’s golden avatar with her Naeem Khan gown at the Indian premiere of her recently-released Hollywood film xXx: Return of Xander Cage.

Deciding to emulate them? Beware! While both, golden and yellow are flattering colours; if overdone, one runs the risk of radiating more ‘brightness and bling’ than necessary! Here’s what to do.

Dazzling desi girl

Although PeeCee’s golden gown fetched her a ready thumbs-up from a cross-section of fashion designers, Deepika’s gilded-avatar left them disappointed.

Both full-sleeved gowns in golden hue, both with a similar plunging neckline-style...so, where did Deepika go wrong? “Deepika looked great in her yellow gown at the Golden Globe’s after-party. But when it comes to the golden gown she donned at her film’s India premiere, she looked a bit clumsy. Though her gold-sequinned Naeem Khan gown was a beauty, what did her in was its bad fit,” observes fashion designer Rachit Khanna, who operates under the label Turquoise.

As for Desi Girl’s ensemble, fashion designer Payal Jain from A Design Indi Pvt. Ltd., and Khanna, speak in unison, “A thumbs-up for Priyanka’s gilded gown. The only complaint is that PeeCee should have worn an Indian designer’s creation.”

Golden hues

So, planning to glisten in solid gold or thinking of spreading rays of sunshine with your yellow attire? Fashion designer Anu PD from Anu PD House of A4A, enlists some things to be kept in mind, “Both yellow and golden come from a warm colour palette, and complement the Indian skin-tone. Team them up with orange, blue or red hues for that perfect look! As for the fabric, handloom silk and chamois satin are great to bring out the warmth of all shades of yellow, from daffodil, and lemon to mustard!”

Knot for now

Since golden and yellow are both very strong colours you cannot ‘let your hair down’ with these two, well, literally! Agrees Bhavya Chawla, chief-stylist from Voonik, “Since these colours are hard to pull off, opt for shorter sleeves or shorter length attires when sporting them, to avoid going overboard.” As for those goldy locks, well, they are better off tied up in this case, “This is one mistake Deepika made when she decided to sport wavy hair with her yellow gown. I wish she’d pulled them back in a bun. It is important to let your outfit do the talking. Keep your hair tied up. A top knot would be great,” adds Chawla.

Take a plunge

Both Deepika and Priyanka wore plunging necklines. Wondering why? Well, perhaps they knew that “When donning a floor-touching golden dress, it is essential to make sure you neutralise the bling by showing some skin elsewhere. Wearing a deep neckline is a great idea,” notes Chawla even as she warns, “Always go for paler shades of gold or yellow instead of opting for blingy ones. Just like PeeCee chose a paler version of golden for her gown.”

Make-up your mind

Red lips or brown? A shade darker or lighter? Make-up artist Rabia Grewal, shares some tips, “Golden and yellow are tricky hues to work with. Avoid colours on the eye-lids — just go for ‘smokey eyes’ using shades of black, bronze and brown. Pick eye shadows with a matt finish.” As for the lips, Grewal adds, “Gold works with all skin tones, shades like merlot, cherry on the lips can really enhance the look. Highlighted and dewy cheeks are a bonus.”

City speaks

Much in consonance with the designers’ view, Priyanka seems to have earned brownie points with the city folks as well! While for MCM DAV College student, Kashish Chauhan, the key lies in striking a perfect contrast with golden and yellow; keeping accessories to the bare minimum is what Gurjeet Kaur, Assistant Professor with Chitkara University, swears by.

Agree Harsha Thakur and Hamendra Sharma, as they add, "Your choice of lipstick shade to go with your yellow or golden attire can make or break your look."

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