PRINTED LEHENGAS FOR FESTIVE FLAIR
To florals and polka dots, printed From abstract and geometric patterns lehengas are calling the shots, this season
Be it a cousin’s wedding or a pre-Diwali celebration, a lehenga is a wardrobe staple that you just can’t do without. Our favourite duo of all time — lehenga choli — not only marries tradition with modernity effortlessly, but is also a versatile garment that can be styled for any occasion. Once confined to the periphery of wedding halls, it has now entered into the realm of festivities, and how!
From Kareena Kapoor Khan to Shilpa Shetty Kundra, our Bollywood divas are often spotted embracing this chic ensemble on several occasions. Recently, actor Katrina Kaif was seen wearing a mesmerising red and yellow floral printed lehenga by designer Sabyasachi, on the event of Dussehra. And, a few days earlier, actor Radhika Madan was seen flaunting a soft-hued leaf and floral patterned lehenga by House of Hiya. So, why not take a leaf out of tinseltown’s style book and try out these printed stunners, this festive season?
And if you are worried about making silly styling mistakes with patterned pieces or are confused about how to go about choosing the right one, we’ve got experts to share some helpful pointers and suggestions. Keep reading!
KEEP IT SIMPLE (OR NOT!)
Printed lehengas can be styled in more ways than one, keeping your personal style in mind. “A dressy blouse paired with a printed lehenga is a good way to make a statement. I recommend trying traditional Indian handcrafted prints like ajrakh and block prints rather than digitised copies of these crafts,” says designer Nachiket Barve, adding, “The other interesting option is to do modernist prints that are artistic and flamboyant. You can also pair a shirt or shirt jacket with a lehenga to add a contemporary touch.”
A dressy blouse paired with a lehenga printed is a good make way a t statement. I recommend Indian traditiona handcrafted like ajrakh prin and block prints. NACHIKET BARVE, Designer
WHAT’S THE OCCASION?
While styling printed lehengas, the one thing that needs to be paid the most attention is the occasion that you would be wearing it at. “Soft and subtle printed organza lehengas and vibrant printed tiered georgette lehengas have our hearts, this season. While the soft prints make it easy to keep the accessories experimental, the bold prints are groovy on their own. Depending on the function, you can opt for one of the above options,” suggests designer Arpita Mehta.
BECAUSE I’M HAPPY
Meanwhile, designer Anupamaa Dayal emphasises on happy coloured printed lehengas to keep it light and fun. She says, “I have always enjoyed creating patterned and printed garments including lehengas. They are vibrant, spell local visually, and are wearable in several contexts. For this festive season, I would recommend going with joyous and unpretentious
coloured lehengas.”