Ramp Rulers 2006
They came, they saw and they conquered. A quick wrap-up of the trends that preened this year:
1. The Waist Matter
Dresses and flowing tops cinched it. Whether it was through pinched high waists just below the chest, alluring satin sashes, girlish bows or unabashedly waist emphasising chunky belts. Says fashion designer Surily Goel, "I think 2006 was all about being soft, chic and feminine. So the florals, dresses and pin tucks hit it off really well."
2. Lady Long Legs
In solids, prints, stripes and busy tones, rouched and plain, leggings set the ramps afire both in India and abroad. They came as a boon especially for the bottom heavy, and looked cool teamed with flowing silhouettes, flouncy tops and even shirt dresses. "Suddenly slim became in, the retro way, akin to the Sharmila Tagore look of yesteryear," says designer Seema Khan. "Leggings in fiery hues added a touch of the eclectic appeal to startling ensembles."
3. CSD
Capris, shrugs and dresses ruled the fashion marquee. Admittedly, the "bubble cut" flopped miserably off the catwalk. "It is extremely unflattering for the Indian figure," asserts designer Neeta Lulla. But dresses flowed, hugged and bounced, swirled and twirled and grazed knees in crepe, jersey, georgette and velvet. In jewelled tones, khaki hues, brooding browns and multi-coloured abstract designs and patterns. Elegant, sheer shrugs added to the oomph. Add to that the comfort wear melange of capris and drawstring pants .
4. The "Coo" factor
Delicate lace, net accents and fine crochet made a blazing mark. Trimmings and accents on handbags, shoes, dresses, sarees and blouses raised the glam quotient. Ruffles and frays added to the detailing. "A young and trendy look marked the high end of 2006 through plenty of smocking, appliqués and lace edged collars, kurtas and hemlines," says designer Manish Malhotra. "Even close fitting churidars in net and crochet looked hip." So the mini skirts and teasing tiny crochet dresses flowed in.
5. Straps
Ribbon tie up footwear, Roman sandals and ballet shoes elbowed aside toe peepers in chunky wedges and platforms in shades of bubblegum pink to petrol blue to jade green. Dotting each woman's collection were also ankle wrap high heels and flat, metallic toned sandals. Says Shaina NC, "Comfort wear was high on preference with the focus on figure emphasising cuts in the outfits. Sensibly so. After all, shoes musn't do all the talking when you go out."
- By Shilpi Madan