Reimagining Indian wear for a modern, relatable and versatile take where functionality meets fun.
Indian wear is synonymous with rich fabrics, vibrant hues, and traditional prints and patterns. Its sublime appeal, elegance, and feminine charm is irreplaceable. Yet in these fast-changing times, Indian wear is also seen to be restrictive, largely ceremonial and outdated. As designer Vaishali Shadangule, who sees Indian handwoven textiles as wearable art forms, puts it, “While there are a few homegrown labels that are doing great, the modernity game is largely played by the big muscle of international fast fashion.” She detests the old and unrelatable silhouettes, more so the heavy dose of glitter and unwieldy embroideries and embellishments. Indeed, wearability. re-wearability and sustainability have become catchwords in our jet-setting lifestyles of today. However, unlike earlier times when ethnic clothes were only meant for occasions, we now see enthusiastic designers bringing adaptability front and center this season. Ethnic fashion is evidently on the cusp of a grand makeover.
What’s Changing?
Advocating an agnostic approach to Indian wear, designer Payal Singhal, who is renowned for reimagining traditional wear says, “The women of today are global aesthetes who travel extensively, go to black-tie galas and dive bars alike, and live around the world.” They have a global outlook to their style and are looking for designs that can transcend occasions and locations, she adds. Designer Mandira Wirk, known for her simple, feminine and timeless clothing, sheds further light on how people are now moving towards simple living and demanding value for their money. “The GenZ consumer today is price conscious and rightly so. They are looking at silhouettes that can be worn in multiple ways, and are timeless,” she concludes.
India for Innovation
The ever-evolving Indian wear space is making new demands on innovation and utility. The contemporary generation is looking at comfort, style and affordability-all at the same time. What do we have on offer for them? “Hybrid styles-a crossover between traditional and Western silhouettes,” quips Singhal. “We are talking about the fashion-forward, risk-taking, individualistic consumers of today. Their wardrobes are an extension of their personalities, which are not defined by conventions or rules,” she adds.
The idea is to celebrate global lifestyles keeping Indian craftsmanship and weaves at the heart of the overall aesthetic. Pairing re-wearable crop tops with lehengas, mixing and matching separates can serve as trendy examples. Wirk claims, “People aren’t looking for over-the-top garments anymore, they like to mix silhouettes.” Expressing her love for pre-draped saris and dhoti pants, she adds that these outfits can be worn in many different ways and can be easily transformed into day or evening wear as required.
Shadangule, on the other hand, feels that we need to bring back creative design and more modern and daring silhouettes in our heritage Indian hand weaves. “Like we are draping our fabrics in a different way, thanks to techniques such as cording. Embellishments, I believe, just form the final touch.” she explains.
Payal Singhal
Indian Athleisure
Jogger-kurta sets, saris with ribbed detailing, and lehengas with bomber jackets are chic yet comfortable picks.
The Festive Kaftan
A fuss-free silhouette, a kaftan is a versatile garment. It is easy to dress up or down, and is the newest star at weddings.
Boho Back-tie Blouse and Lehenga Set
The best thing about this festive staple is that you can easily use both the skirt and the blouse as separates once you’ve used it as a set.
Tunic Set
Mandira Wirk
Perfect for both ethnic and Western wear, palazzos are fashionably comfortable. Style these with trendy tunics, kurtas or tops to complete your casual look.
Soft and Colourful Dupatta
The right kind of dupatta has the potential to transform a dull, boring outfit into a completely new and trendy ensemble.
Printed Kurti
Wear this versatile separate to work, small celebrations or even to festive occasions. Simply team your kurti with matching bottoms and accessorise accordingly.
Vaişhali Shadargule
Cording
A technique that offers infinite design possibilities.
Nature
As an inspiration, nature allows one to feel in the flow.
Handloom Products
A way of creating beautiful, strong, and comfortable fabrics.
The Book of Fusion
For Singhal, it has to be festive kaftans. “We have reimagined our kaftan kurta sets in bandhani, accented with our signature yokes.”Wirk stakes claim on dhoti pants with kaftan tops or tunics with an asymmetric jacket and concept saris, which she describes as easy-to-wear yet glamorous and feminine. Her current favourite is her signature drape jumpsuit, where a dupatta is draped in a variety of ways, giving uber chic Indo-Western vibes. “Think a lehenga with a white shirt or a bridal top with a pair of blue pants,” prompts Shadangule. “This is sustainable circularity,” she exclaims. Indian wear has always charmed women across the board, however its appeal has been limited in terms of events and occasions. The good news is that it’s changing. While the new-age demand is transforming the character and motifs of traditional wear to make it more modern, edgy and engaging, the ongoing digital disruptions are taking these trends to the last mile. The blend of Indo-Western, mixing and matching of styles and aesthetics and sustainability are emerging conversations in this space. Whether you are at home or going to the office, whether it’s a small event or a lavish gala, this fluidity in design and thought will definitely work in your favour. Don’t forget to add your personal touch or quirk to make these trends your very own.
Draped Saree Set
Lehenga Set
Text by: Priyanka Swami
