FASHION TRAVEL HEALTH FOOD SHOW STOPPERS OF 2016

HOLLYWOOD CALLING From patchwork to Indian weaves, let’s check out some of the dazzling trends and those who influenced these styles ALL FOR BOLLYWOOD THE PERFECT PATCH

she visits, opted for designer Anita Dongre’s printed tunic with Mughal detailing for one of her events in India. Apparently, as the picture of Middleton playing cricket in that dress went viral, Dongre’s website came crashing down due to the traffic. The introduction of #iwearhandloom, a digital campaign initiated by the Union Cabinet Minister of Textiles, Smriti Irani, on National Handloom Day (August 7), encouraged people to wear clothing made using handloom, click a photo, and post it on their social media accounts with the hashtag #iwearhandloom. In no time, the campaign became a big hit, as several people supported

Americanmerican designerdesigner RachelRachel ZoeZoe onceonce said,said, ““StyleStyle isis aa wayway toto saysay whowho youyou areare withoutwithout havinghaving toto speak.”speak.” AndAnd thisthis year,year, variousvarious celebritiescelebrities andand designersdesigners letlet theirtheir stylestyle statementstatement dodo allall thethe talking.talking. FromFrom patchwork,patchwork, sheersheer andand velvetvelvet toto denimsdenims –– severalseveral decade-decade-oldold stylesstyles andand fabricsfabrics mademade aa comeback.comeback. Sporting thesethese stylesstyles werewere thethe trendsetterstrendsetters ofof 2016.2016. HTHT takestakes aa looklook atat thethe personalitiespersonalities whosewhose sartorialsartorial sensesense stoodstood out.out. Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone who will make their Hollywood debuts in 2017, stole people’s hearts overseas with their fashionable outings. Designer Zuhair Murad created a cage bustier in white silk and tulle for Priyanka. Embellished with 3D flowers and featuring sheer detailing, the actor wore the gown at the 88th Annual Academy Awards in California, USA, in February. Thereafter, she rocked every event with élan. Deepika Padukone followed suit, as she wooed the audience at the 2016 MTV Europe Music Awards hosted in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Deepika slayed in designer Monisha Jaising’s design — an olive green thigh-high slit skirt paired with a black bustier and a shimmery bomber jacket. The look was completed with fringe statement earrings and a Balmain belt. Edgy and chic — these Bollywood actors turned heads with their looks this year. the cause. Smriti said, “The handloom industry is among the top employment generators in India after agriculture. More than 43 lakh weavers and allied workers are engaged in it, 78% of them being women. #IWearHandloom is a campaign to show support to a community that weaves the diverse fabric of our nation’s rich heritage and brings international fame to our nation. It is a tribute to women who contribute to 15% of the cloth production; in India and 95% of world handloom production, it is saying thank you for their hardwork and dedication for keeping our traditions alive. Upload a picture wearing handloom on Facebook or Twitter and use the #IWearHandloom to show support.” Calling it a great move, designer Ritu Kumar, who has also been active in promoting Indian weaves over the years, says, “This campaign is the icing on the cake. Today, there is more appreciation (for handlooms), and it has captured the imagination of young brides.” In October, two renowned designers in the world of fashion —

and — visited Mumbai. The designers spoke about their love for Bollywood. While Louboutin pepped up the event by singing ‘Laila o laila’ (Qurbani; 1980), Prabal credited the industry for inspiring him. “When I opened my first store in Delhi, though I am known for my high heels, people would come asking for flat shoes and little sandals. I thought it was interesting that even if you are known in India for specific things, people still want exactly what they are going to wear or what they are going to need. And that’s one thing about Indian women; they are actually quite confident, and they know what they need.” Louboutin said. Gurung, who has grown up watching Hindi films, said Bollywood allowed him to dream the impossible. It has influenced the way he designs, the way he drapes, and the way he looks at clothes. Both these designers are favourites among Bollywood actors, including Priyanka Chopra Sonam Kapoor and many more. Patchwork was initially used to cover up tears in the ’80s. However, it is seen on jackets, purses and several accessories. Designer Jayesh Sachdev told HT that patches and pins were often seen on denims worn by hipsters and bikers, and that teens followed the trend. They have now reappeared as fashion accessories. The trend has caught on in a big way among Bollywood celebrities as well.