Western flavour to ethnic wear

In the new normal, as restrictions start easing up, festive look will change with the scale of gatherings and festivities that are now allowed in 2021. After the 2020 lull, there will definitely be enthusiasm towards celebrations that will be reflected through ethnic fashion modelled in western cuts and silhouettes.

Playful spin

• Peplum tops worn with sharara pants
• Crop tops combined with lehenga skirts
• Shirts and jackets worn as saree blouses

In a fresh look

Designer Gaurav Jagtiani insists that ethnic would rule but in new forms. “While celebratory would stay ethnic, the young today are not going for complete kurta, salwar, duppatta look but fusing Indian natural fabrics in western style like Ikkat pant suits or saree gowns.”

The meaning of ethnic has vastly changed in the Indian fashion industry today; people like to play with beautiful ball, mermaid cut, A-line, trumpet and fit and flare giving it a cultural shift and glamming up with western fashion yet keeping it traditional enough with their polkis and kundans. “The range in the market has broadened and has enhanced cocktail wear to wedding wear,” puts in Japnah Gambhir, the designer and owner of Majestic by Japna.

Make way for velvet

“Velvet is a festive fabric that has been gaining traction in recent times and it should be quite popular for festive wear in the next year as well,” shares label Varsha’s spokesperson Yashraj. Fabrics with slubs (slight lumps) and dobby weaves (all over figured) for summers and light velvets for winters are likely to rule the year.

Mirror, mirror on the wall

The big fat Punjabi weddings would save the day believes designer Sonu Gandhi, while she admits market has gone price conscious, that’s not going to affect ethnic fashion much apart from the fact that clients are now looking for more durable pieces. “Currently, there is a move away from too much bling. Since one is going for vibrant colours, mirror work, little sequin, katana, vasli work would make waves.” One of the biggest print influences is digital florals, which will continue to be a prevalent design predicts Ameet Panchal, chief executive officer, Ethnicity.