THE BLAZER BLITZKRIEG
What makes this winter essential such a rage among celebrities... Designers share their new take on the closet classic
The pleasant nip in the air demands some chic layering options and it’s time to embrace the classic and timeless blazer, which combines warmth and bravado like a potent cocktail. Each design house’s new spin to the structured piece makes it firmly entrenched on top of our lust list. Many Indian designers and international fashion houses have experimented with this sartorial pick.
SUPERSIZED CHIC
The blazer gets more fun season after season and we aren’t complaining! “The new interpretations of blazers have made them really fun and quirky. Bejewelled ones, cold shoulder, sheer back, cut-out blazers, blazers with saris and slit harem pants are also a great way to style them,” suggests designer Sonaakshi Raaj.
Adding to this, designers also support oversized overlays. “Oversized blazers in thick grain fabrics are the best. Androgynous blazers or ones with exaggerated sleeves can be used to transform a day look to an evening look,” says designer Urvashi Kaur.
AVANT-GARDE FABRICATIONS
Talking about the best fabrics and patterns, experts ditch the typical suiting fabrics. “Typical fabric suits are gone now. Embellished blazers, scuba georgette blazers with matte finish give a really nice structure to the body,” says Raaj.
Adding to this list, some designers prefer handwoven fabrics and textiles. “Khadi wool, Maheshwari silks in checks and stripes or with grid patterns and block prints are some fabrics we choose for winter wear collections. Khes, a fabric from Punjab, is also a great way to re-purpose overlays. Fabrics with woven patterns or textures are also great for the season,” says Kaur.
However, stylist Shaleena Nathani picks the classic patterns when it comes to blazers. “Tweed and Houndstooth are a few patterns also I believe that the fabrics shouldn’t be too bulky or thick because it doesn’t work,” explains Nathani.
STYLE IT LIKE A PRO
Moreover, once you have your hands on the perfect blazer, styling it can also be tricky. “Go for neutral colours as they can throw on to anything. An oversized blazer is the best; make sure you keep the length a little long. You can team the loose blazer with a high-neck sweater and leather pants with boots. Blazers with stockings and knee-high boots also look cool. Caution: Avoid too short and fitted blazers,” she adds.
The new interpretations of blazers have made them really fun and quirky. Bejewelled ones, cold shoulder, sheer back, cut-out, blazers, blazers with saris and slit harem pants are also a great way to style them
SONAAKSHI RAAJ
DESIGNER
I believe that the fabrics shouldn’t be too bulky or thick, because it doesn’t work for any body type. Go for neutral colours as they can throw on to anything.
SHALEENA NATHANI STYLIST