Designer Pria Kataaria Felicitated in Dubai

Indian designer Pria Kataaria Puri has won the International Designer of the Year award for her contribution to the fashion world at the annual Masala Awards held here. She thanks her husband for her achievement.

"Years ago when I had started to design, my goal was to take Indian fashion to global level... Being awarded with this international designer award means more than one could ever imagine," Pria said in a statement.

"One person who is responsible for opening up new and various markets for me, especially in the Middle East, is my husband, Sumit, without whom I couldn`t have had the exposure and experience that has inspired my most successful work yet. I hope to continue pursuing my undeniable passion for fashion and portraying high fashion as a fusion of many different cultures and ideas of the world combined," she added.

The event took place Dec 23 and other than Indian fashion industry, it was also dominated Bollywood biggies who were honoured for their contribution to the Hindi film industry.

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan won the Global Achiever Award; Arjun Rampal received the entertainer of the year award; Malaika Arora walked away with the UAE`s Dancing Diva award; and Veteran actress Shabana Azmi received the lifetime achievement award.

A Tete-a-Tete With Malini Ramani

After creating stylish clothes, designer Malini Ramani, who has recently introduced footwear styles in collaboration with a leading brand, is ready to step into the interiors business. She says it is like a dream come true.

"I am busy doing a lot of new and interesting things. One of my big dreams has been to get into interiors. It is finally coming true and I am opening a big lifestyle and interior store called Dreamscape in Goa next month. I can promise you that it`s going to be very dreamy and fantasy-like," Ramani told IANS.

The designer, who first launched her clothing collection "Rockstar Meets Indian Princess" in 2000, is known for her East meets West-inspired designs.

If the interiors business is new for her, so is the collaboration with footwear brand Bata India.

She has created wedge-heeled kolhapuri-style footwear for the brand and says it was just fate that brought her this offer.

It was actually fate! I had met Mr.Thomas Bata at a party in Phuket exactly a year ago and we exchanged business cards. When I got back to Delhi, I wrote to him and he asked me to put together a presentation, which I did and the rest, as they say, is history!" she said.

As a designer, Ramani`s philosophy is simple. She only creates clothes she would love to wear herself. She likes working with vibrant colours, plunging necklines, and believes in adding dollops of glamour to her creations.

"Fashion for women needs to be feminine and flirty and with a high dose of audaciousness and aestheticism; our clothes makes it all the more powerful. So whether you`re skiing in Gstaad in Swiss Alps, sunning in St.Barts or just desirous of looking undeniably chic, a Malini Ramani piece is always the perfect fit," said the designer.

Currently, she retails from her outlet in Mumbai, Monte Carlo, Dubai, Beirut and Moscow. Her creations are a hot favorite amongst celebrities like Ekta Kapoor, Koel Purie, Sameera Reddy and Pooja Bedi.

The designer considers fashion as her passion and credits the industry for her achievements.

Indian fashion weeks gave me the recognition as a designer and I have respect for it. The platform got us our best orders and helped us in building our brands. I would say that designing, which was earlier my hobby, has transformed into my business," she explained.

She also has a piece of advice for aspirants in the fashion world. "I want to suggest to people: follow your heart and don`t try to be anybody else or you will not be able to create your own style. Also, don`t give up! It`s a long and hard journey, but full of rewards," she added.

Asked about her plans of styling for any movie project in future, she said: "I have been busy designing lots of exclusive glittery party clothes for my Goa shop, I was busy shooting an ad-film and setting up Dreamscape...so all this has kept me busy so far," Ramani said.
(IANS )

Fashion Trends: Boho and Vntage

Fashionistas made heads turn with vintage-inspired dresses and graphic prints, and models lit up the ramp in wedge heels, animal print scarves and chunky jewellery. Here’s a look at the hot trends in 2011:

Vintage Fashion: High-waist trousers, drape-style maxis, peplum silhouettes and kaftans returned to the fashion scene with a glamorous makeover. Fashion fanatics also dressed in retro-inspired flared trousers, matched with chic tops and accessorised with animal print scarves or ribbons.

If that wasn`t enough, celebrities like Angelina Jolie, Katie Holmes, Rihanna and our own `desi bala` Deepika Padukone boosted the vintage-inspired wardrobe.

Skinny jeans: Remember Madhuri Dixit or Raveena Tandon in skinny jeans and oversized tops? The style made a comeback, but of course with modifications and fresh styling.

In shades of yellow, green and purple as well as in usual blacks and whites, skinny jeans and pants made a splash this year. Designers Narendra Kumar, Shantanu and Nikhil and Asmita Marwah were instrumental in popularising the trend.

Prints: The bigger, the louder, the better! Prints became more playful and expressive than ever. From fruit prints to bold animal prints, there was a huge range, but what caught people`s fancy was digital prints, especially after it was promoted aggressively by designers Kallol Datta, Rimzim Dadu, Namrata Joshipura and Rahul Mishra through their collections on the Indian ramp.

Bright Colours: The splash of yellow, orange, cobalt blue, teal and purple livened up the fashion scene. The bold and bright colour palette kept popping up on dresses, accessories and bags.

Boho Look: The boho look or bohemian style was dominant throughout the year. If pop stars Britney Spears and Lady Gaga made style statements with it, fashion free thinkers too followed the bright colours and wild cuts merrily. Floral prints and lacy tops to fringe-trimmed bags and chunky accessories accentuated the bohemian style, originally popularised by artists in the 1960s.

Ruffles and Layers: First, ruffles and layers hit the ramp and later stretched everywhere - from big stores to flea market. Tunics, skirts over pants, layered shirts and vests became a must have for every wardrobe. What was considered the coolest look was sporting ruffled skirts with T-shirts.

Designers like Gauri and Nainika, Babita Malkani and Nandita Mahtani experimented with the style, and displayed how to get the look right.

Tassels: Sometimes a little detailing makes a garment more noticeable and this time different types of tassels were the hot choice to accentuate a design. Adorning everything - from handbags to shoes to dresses and hats - it was tassels everywhere.

Hats: The Greta Garbo look was a hit this season - the Hollywood style icon used to complete her enigmatic look with her slouch Fedora hat. And this time hats were a must - from simple, elegant to elaborate ones decorated with nets, lace and feathers set a trend.

The demand for them was boosted by the royal wedding of Kate Middleton and Prince Williams where women made style statements with hats and other headgear in various shapes and shades.

Chunky accessories: Neon bags, chunky necklaces, bangles, earrings and belts as well as retro-inspired plastic sunglasses with thick frames, worn by Vidya Balan in "The Dirty Picture", gave a new dimension to the stylish divas` boho look.

Wedge Heels: Stilettos, flat chappals were very much there, but what made a woman stand out was the wedge heels. Size notwithstanding, it grabbed maximum space on the shoe racks. International designers like Fendi, Prada and Chanel made them in vogue.

They had been in the market earlier, but this time there was a huge range of variety to choose from - wedge heels were available with embellishments, cut-out details and lacework were hot picks of the season.

Three Day Vivah Exhibition Starts in Delhi

The ninth edition of Celebrating Vivaha Exhibition starts Friday here and with this season organizers hope to target the global recognition.

The three-day Vivaha extravanganza will see more than 90 brands displaying their wedding collections.

"When we launched Celebrating Vivaha in 2003, I decided to test the wedding market in the country. I endeavoured to redefine the concept of wedding and wedding exhibition in India with Celebrating Vivaha," said Tarun Sarda, CEO of Vivaha.

"After seeing the domestic success of Vivaha, I plucked the courage to take Celebrating Vivaha international. My aim is now to reach out to more and more people and get a variety of entrepreneurs directly involved in the business of wedding," he added.

Being held at Ashok hotel, the festival will be a one-stop solution for all wedding needs - clothing, jewellery, skin care, event planners, gifts, honeymoon packages, photography, etc.

Some of the experts, set to present an outrageous mix of design elements in clothing line, are Manu and Mamta, Preeti Ghai, Tanya Khanuja, Parneet Mehra, Niharika Kamani, Amirah and Bhumika Sharma.

In the jewellery section, brands like Navrattan Jewellers, Bikaneri Jewels, Shimmer, Vikas Chain, Shilpa Purii, Ruhee Nanda, Kavaan Jewels, Jusra Jewels and Entice will display their ornaments.

The platform will also provide a chance to meet wedding planners, skin care experts and others.  

Malini Ramani designs for Bata

Footwear company Bata India has collaborated with leading designer Malini Ramani for trendy and contemporary shoes and sandals and she is excited as her creations will now reach a wider section of the people.

This is for the first time that the designer has collaborated with a brand.

"I am super excited that the designs I have envisioned will reach a very wide audience, thanks to Bata. This is a highly creative and innovative partnership and I am sure women all over the country will love our offerings," Ramani, known for her trendy pret collection, said in a statement.

The collection, available in hues of onyx black, beige, brown, gold and black, is an amalgamation of traditional Indian Kolhapuri designs and contemporary lightweight wedge heels.

The designer says that the strapped look of the footwear will make the collection prefect for every occasion.

"The intricately embellished straps lend a stylish look to the footwear and make it perfect accompaniments for every attire be it casual day wear or dressy evening wear," she said.

The price range starts from Rs.1,999 and the collection is available at Bata stores across Delhi, Mumbai and Pune.

Go For Unisex This Winters

As winter knocks on the doors, stock up on a mix of bold colours and experimental designs that suit both genders, say experts. Coats, jackets, dresses, hats and scarves and even a mix of Indo-Western will be the major trends this season.

Designer Nida Mahmood, known for her flair for creative and dramatic creations, stresses on androgyny fashion for this winter.

"Androgyny and colour blocking is very much in trend and looks great. This season is all about teaming jackets with sharp trousers, ruffled blouses or buttoned-up shirts. Also, shoulders and high waist are the highlights of the androgyny look, and going metallic with colours is also a very cool idea," Mahmood told IANS.

She also feels the international fashion trends from the 1940s will make quite a splash in the Indian market.

"A smart trend which will hit the fashion markets are clothes inspired by the 1940s style. While long lengths are very prominent this season, full sleeves, floor length dresses and skirts teamed with buttoned-up collars tops are going to set the mood," she added.

Mahmood`s fashion tips were more for the bold girl who doesn`t mind experimenting. But if you are one of those who likes to stick to feminine silhouettes, try dresses, accessorised with belts and leather jackets.

"For those who want sophistication, metallic dresses, red carpet gowns and pencil skirts, teamed with belts and leather jackets can do wonders. To add fun, go for hats of different varieties like berets, beanies, cloches and caps," advised designer Jatin Varma.

"Hues like orange, aubergine, burgundy, purple, teal blue and indigo in fabrics like tweed, silk dupion, organza can work wonders," he said about the colours and fabrics in vogue for winter 2011.

Designer Archana Kochhar suggests the Indo-Western look.

"Colour blocking is an excessive trend which can`t go wrong regardless of either an Indo-Western outfit or a complete desi garment. As far as prints are concerned, floral, spotted and wild prints will continue to be in fashion. But I feel vintage prints will have a special significance in inspiring trends," Kochhar said.

The regulars like the coat and jacket will obviously be around.

"Top picks for the winter season will be a smart hat, gloves, high boots, an overcoat and woollen scarf. Maxi coat, double-breasted short jackets will be in vogue. Feminine blouses with bows or scarves are impressive. Not to forget leather which is also a hit this winter," said designer Kapil Arora of label Kapil and Monika.

Also, unlike common perception that embellishments are best kept for summer, Mahmood feels such add-ons lend a style quotient to winter garments.

She said, "Texture overload is a wonderful road to take this season. One should pile on thick and thin knits. Don`t hesitate to mix leather, sequins and patchwork...One can also go for boucle yarn to glam up the look. Plastic and metallic details happily join the look."

Designer Pam Mehta suggested, "Layering can make you look glamorous. And accessories like crystal belts, chunky necklaces, earrings and head pieces can be good options, and embroidered bibs can also jazz up the usually plain necklines."

If girls have so many options, why should men be left behind? Designer Sunneet Kapoor says military style coats, jackets, pleated trousers and bold pocket squares are making a huge comeback, apart from the usual Nordic motifs, stripes and check prints.

For accessorising, he said: "Men have restricted styles available but one can add variety to their wardrobe by adding accessories like a good watch, scarves and elegant brooches. Also, canvas shoes and loafers can work well for men this winter."

IANS

Sari gets makeover, new look lures Hollywood

That magical drape called sari is spotted not just in the Indian woman`s wardrobe, it has international connoisseurs too. From Brazilian model Gisele Bundchen to heiress Paris Hilton, they have all sported it, though like a dress.

One of the most talked about socialites, Hilton is known for sporting high-end Western wear. But she turned desi when she draped a sari for the cover shoot of an Indian fashion magazine and said that she adored the six-yard wonder by designer Malini Ramani.

Not only that. For her first formal appearance during her three-day visit to Mumbai, the 30-year-old wore a coral pink Grecian sari-inspired gown.

Bundchen too wore sari for a magazine cover.

Nicole Scherzinger, Carmit Bachar, Melody Thornton, Jessica Sutta, Ashley Roberts and Kimberly Wyatt from the American pop girl group Pussycat Dolls flaunted heavily embellished black sequin saris during the New York fashion week in 2008.

One wonders how these international stars manage to carry off a sari, originally a nine-yard cloth that takes some skill to pleat and drape!

Very simple. Stylists have found an easy way out for them by putting pleats in place and setting pallus -- one just has to slip into it.

Designer Anand Kabra, known for making a beautiful sari-inspired collection, was perhaps the first one to introduce Concept Saris on ramp.

"The Concept Sari is easy to wear, especially if you have never worn a sari before. It is ready to wear with just one wrap around and the pallu over your shoulder. I have used it in both Indian and contemporary ways," said Kabra.

"Fabrics like tulle, chiffon, silk and muslin are very much in vogue and can do wonders in bright hues like neon, crimson and purple," he added.

These days Concept Sari is being popularised by Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor -- she is seen sporting one in the ‘Chammak Challo’ song in her forthcoming sci-fi mega budget ‘RA.One’.

Another form is a well-fitted sari with pre-stitched pleats and pallu and designers Gaurav Gupta and Raakesh Agarvwal presented them at Delhi Couture Week this year.

"A Gaurav Gupta sari compliments the modern woman who is open to transformation and embraces the flow from one style of hers into another," said Gupta.

Young designer Nida Mehmood feels the sari "accentuates a woman`s hour-glass figure and that`s why most Hollywood celebrities try wearing it."

"Also, what can be the best way to add a touch of class and sensuality in a country like India where every girl wants to wear a sari at some point in her life?" Mehmood told reporters.

For years, the sari was worn in a traditional way but designer Bhanu Rajopadhye Athaiya, India`s first Oscar winner, was perhaps the first to experiment with the nine yards, doing away with pleats and giving it a skirt-like look - as sported by Mumtaz.

Mahmood, along with designers like Tarun Tahiliani, too gave a makeover to sari and made models sashay in it on the ramp at fashion shows. A sari, according to them, can be worn over a pair of jeans or jazzed up with a sexy slim belt for a trendy look.

"I used belts emphasising the waist, adding more sexiness, style and youthfulness to the entire personality. I think young girls really liked these innovative styles. This idea of wearing saris over jeans is the interpretation of wearing a sari in a trendy manner. This is a trend that youngsters can follow for any casual party," Mahmood said.

Designers like Anamika Khanna, Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Wendell Rodricks and Meera and Muzaffar Ali have done their interpretations of the sari.

Khanna invented sari pyjamas where she used crushed muslin fabric combining the sari drape with casual pyjamas replacing petticoats. Next comes Mukherjee who created the "chhotu" or cropped sari that is worn just above the ankle.

Anupama Dayal says, "Today saris are given more prominence than blouses and people take that extra pain to make the look perfect. Colour blocking, long pallus or very short pallus, and handloom fabrics are making a great comeback."

International designers also take inspiration from the sari -- in the 1950s, Italian designer Valentino designed a sari dress for Jacqueline Kennedy, wife of John F. Kennedy.

About five decades later in 2008, French fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier showed a line of sari dresses in his spring summer collection.

Women wearing skirts at workplace ‘more successful’

Women who wear skirts in the workplace are more likely to make a good impression and get a promotion, according to a new study.

Professor Karen Pine, who co-led the research at the University of Hertfordshire, said that the results contradicted previous studies that suggested women should dress more like men to succeed in business.

  

Scientists showed 300 people pictures of women dressed in navy blue skirt suits and pant suits. The clothing was identical in everyway except for the bottoms.

Within three seconds, the majority perceived that the women wearing skirts were more confident, successful and powerful than their trouser clad sisters.

The results concluded that the option women have to wear such attire creates a competitive advantage within the workplace.

“People are judged on their overall head-to-toe appearance and the fundamental role that a dress plays in creating a positive first impression cannot be underestimated,” the Sydney Morning Herald quoted Professor Pine as telling the Daily Mail.

“Women still have to maintain an identity that balances professionalism with attractiveness. The skirt suit may achieve that balance without appearing provocative,” he added

Simply Outrageous!

Kansas City, Missouri-born, fashion designer Jeremy Scott, known for dressing Britney Spears and Rihanna, has a penchant for the outrageous. How else would one explain Wednesday's Spring 2012 collection that he debuted at New York City's Milk Studios in front of the likes of Michael Stipe, Ellie Goulding, Peaches Geldolf, Sky Ferreira, Patricia Field and Waris Ahluwalia? 

Set against the revving motorcycle engine background of Mötley Crüe's "Girls, Girls, Girls," Scott showcased a rocker-meets-western collection complete with cow prints, printed chain mail, bleached denim, bra tops and most importantly, barely-there chaps paired with thongs. All in all, it was a clever exercise in fun.

New York Fashion Week Begins Today

Designers showing collections at New York Fashion Week, which starts on Thursday, will likely feature bright colors including neon pinks, greens and yellows and polished yet casual styles, say top US department store buyers.

"Dressing up is the new cool, dressing down is old school," said Neiman Marcus Fashion Director Ken Downing.

Almost 100 designers are due to show collections for spring/summer 2012 to retail buyers, media and celebrities during New York Fashion Week, with dozens more showing at other venues around the city to coincide with the semi-annual event.

Amid fears that the United States could slip back into recession, department stores want to see fashion for the warmer months that will excite and entice consumers to spend when the collections hit the shops early next year.

"Designers are thinking about what does the customer not have and what ultimately will do well at retail, and customers respond to color," Downing said of what he expected to see at New York Fashion Week.

"I'm loving that contrast of neon, fluorescent color on top of bold, bright color," Downing said. "I hope that we do see more of it ... this accent of neon has a real newness."

While the US economic recovery is wavering and consumer confidence wallows at a two-year low, people are still buying clothes. High-end department stores have earned the largest gains in sales and US retail sales posted the biggest increase in four months in July.

Buyers from Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom are also expecting to see a sportswear influence on the New York runways. But Gregg Andrews, a Nordstrom fashion director, said that sportswear doesn't mean sweat pants and T-shirts.

"It really just means separates. It means separates that can be mixed and matched together," Andrews said. "Women no longer have separate wardrobes. ... They want pieces that do multiple things in their lives."

"We definitely think the whole idea of minimalism is going to continue with very clean streamlined pieces," he said.

Saks Senior Fashion Director Colleen Sherin said she was calling the sportswear trend "urban sport."

"It's this idea of clothes that fit a woman's more casual lifestyle, more active lifestyle, but that are still appropriate in an urban environment for city wear," she said.

When it comes to lengths, Sherin said there does not appear to be one "right length" and she said collections could have everything from mini to maxi lengths.

Runway looks will be "clean, sleek and modern," said Fashion expert Jill Martin, author of "I Have Nothing to Wear!"

"Designers are concentrating on the details of their lines to show the importance of cut as well as color and print," she said. "You'll see subtle hues, neutrals, earthy tones, and monochromatic looks with accents of vibrant colors."

Fashion Week in New York is followed by events in London, Paris and Milan.

( Courtesy: Reuters)

Manish Malhotra brings curtains down on LFW in style

Mumbai: Three giant wooden frames hung from the ceiling edged with hundreds of bulbs, a long glass ramp gleamed under the lights, the stage framed in ornate silver with long sheer curtains and a strong Bollywood presence - designer Manish Malhotra left no stone unturned to end the Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2011 with glitz, glamour and glitterati.

The grand finale show, which was inspired by Lakme`s new Absolute make-up line, displayed garments that were glamorous and sophisticated, with a soul that was Indian.

It saw an impressive line-up of stars gracing the first row, including Deepika Padukone, Imran Khan, Karan Johar, Karisma Kapoor, Amrita Arora, Shabana Azmi and Katrina Kaif.

Kareena Kapoor was the showstopper for the show, and sashayed down the ramp in a white layered lace, silk, net gown with a shimmer.

"I loved walking the ramp because I`m wearing an amazing outfit and the show is Manish`s, whose like family to me. So I was more than happy and confident. Manish is one of the best designers that we have. He has an amazing understanding of style. His sense of colour is so brilliant. He is truly a great talent," Kareena told reporters here.

Manish was too excited to have Kareena as his showstopper for the grand finale collection.

"Kareena is like a younger sister to me, so it was great having her as the showstopper for this show. Although she is an actor and has no experience of modeling but she walks the ramp like an expert. She is a timeless beauty, ethereal, modern and classic," he said.

Along with Kareena and Manish, others present at the show were also truly in a joyous mood. They even stepped on the ramp at the end of the show for a brief jig with the designer, the showstopper and the models.

Karan, Imran, Katrina, Karisma - all shook a leg to bring the event to a grand end.

"It was a fantastic show and I danced in the end because this show is very special to me. My best friend was showcasing his collection and my sister was walking the ramp, so I was very happy," Karisma said.

As far as the collection was concerned, the line showcased Indian and western creations comprising swirling panelled lehengas, cholis, saris and gowns. Silver and resham embroidery covered the ensembles.

Fabrics like lace, chiffon, silk, net, velvet in primary shades of white and candy floss pink were teamed with black, wine, gold, pale grey, metallics and cherry red were used for the line.

Men`s wear was formal with sherwanis, some with wide cuffs, long smock coats at times pleated or gathered - were at others times lean and layered over kurtas. The colour story was masculine with black grey, white and wine with a hint of fuchsia for collars and cuffs.

Hair & Care

You needn't spend hours grooming your hair or spend sleepless nights counting the number of hair strands on your pillow, nor spend hundreds at a salon every month. A smart hair cut (chosen with your lifestyle and personality in mind), 10 minutes of daily fuss-free grooming and some diet changes can promise you hair that looks chic. Here's some expert advice.

5 commandments

•Keep your hair clean. Shampoo every day if need be but remember to rinse it off carefully

•Choose a shampoo that suits your hair type. If in doubt, consult your hair stylist.

•Use a wide-toothed comb and comb the hair in parts. Don't comb from the roots downwards, but start from the strand ends and gradually move up, detangling the hair length.

•Experts now say that you try to should use a conditioner whenever you shampoo your hair. It's best to use a separate conditioner rather than a shampoo-plus-conditioner.

•Have plenty of fruits and water, and a vitamin E capsule for 15 days every month.

Long and curly

Choose it because: Long curls look great when layers grow out, allowing you enough time between trims.

Quick tip: When the hair is 80 percent dry, apply gel, hold a part of your hair and squeeze it with your hands. Scrunch all the hair in a similar way.

Great for: Curly and wavy hair.

Salon commitment: A trim every three months is enough to get rid of split ends.

Choose it because: The length flatters the neckline and the face-framing layers enhance facial features.

Long Straight Hair

Quick tip: Clasp the semi-dried hair with a clutch clip away from the face. When you take off the clip, this gives the hair a natural bounce.

Great for: All textures, but best for straight hair.

Salon commitment: Trim every 8-10 weeks and setting with heated rollers for special occasions.

Classic Bob

Choose it because: It's a wash-and-go style and so is easy to maintain. Add extra dimension to this sleek silhouette with highlights.

Quick tip: For an instant bounce, put your head down and brush down your hair.

Great for: Straight and wavy hair.

Salon commitment: A trim after your hair reaches the shoulders; highlights 3-4 times a year.

Blouse Gets A Retro Look

Remember the days when a blouse meant going to the nearest 'matching centre' to pick up rubia or cotton yardage to go with that new sari. Not any more. From being a mere supplement, blouses have gone glam with a vengeance with long sleeves, low backs, bows, strings, tassels and what have you.

In a recall to the high-fashion era of Sharmila Tagore and Hema Malini in the 1960s, trendy cholis in brocade, net and velvet, not-so-long-ago considered old-fashioned, are once again adding glamour to a woman's wardrobe.

Muzaffar Ali, known for his ethnic collections, said: "The new trend is long sleeves with a vintage or Victorian crossover look. Also, corset blouses with a variety in embroidery can add volume to the entire wardrobe. Blouses in fabrics like net, velvet and crepe playing with transparency on bright colours are perfect for Indian attire."

From designer studios to silver screen, the new trend is catching on. Priyanka Chopra was seen in a long sleeved blouse in 7 Khoon Maaf, while Deepika Padukone sported deep cut blouses with strings at the back in Aarakhsan.

Predicting more interesting traditional trends, ace designer J.J. Valaya said clean empire cuts (blouses with deep cuts in front) and keyhole necklines will make a huge comeback.

"The blouse is an integral part of the Indian psyche. Personally, I believe in sophistication, sensuality and simplicity. For me, clean empire cuts, keyhole necklines with deep backs can accentuate looks," he said.

Also, strapless blouses with a back knot and one shoulder beaded blouses, something that yesteryear diva Mumtaz was often seen wearing in her films, are some of the most in vogue styles.

"Blouses play a very important role, whether you want to look sexy, hot or classical. A lot has been introduced and tried in cholis to achieve the most sensuous look. Now women concentrate more on choosing the perfect blouse for the special occasion than they do the sari," designer Abdul Halder said.

A well-designed and properly stitched blouse can enhance the overall look of the sari or lehenga. Stylist Pam Mehta suggests that women should go for flattering cuts to enhance their overall look.

"Sensual and flattering cuts are in. The empire line could be embellished with cutwork and the sleeves could be short with accents of the embroidery from the sari. Low backs with intricate embroideries help highlight the saris and give a younger feel," she said.

"One should be aware of different aspects of blouse like fabric, colour, cut and designing to complete the attire and complement the look. Sleeves can add zing and oomph factor to a blouse. Round shape necklines are most common," she added.

Muzaffar Ali suggests minimal accessories if you are going in for an over-embellished blouse.

Most garments are very decadent and often over embellished. The wise thing would be is to downplay the added glitter of jewellery! Big pearls are a good add on. They go with most things and bring in an additional elegance factor," he said.