Hot-selling accessories

Exotic add-ons can convert simple clothes into an attention-grabbing outfit,
says Sita Mehta

IF you are wearing an attention-grabbing outfit, it is much more effective if you also have an equally eye-catching accessory. Conversely, an exotic accessory can convert a bland outfit into a head turner. Items like a stylish bag, artistic jewellery, a chunky belt and an exotic footwear can add a lot of zing to your outfits. As fashion designer Anju Chotrani emphasises: "Fashions change. But accessories are constant."

In this matter the fashion year 2011 has done well and the accessory spectrum for this year is huge. Vintage jewellery, chandelier earrings, cascading necklaces, broad belts, fancy clutches are the flavour of the moment. "These can spiff up your outfit like nothing else," says jewellery artiste Rohini Puri.

Let us take contemporary jewellery first. Here is a bit of advice from Rohini Puri, fashion designer of Kolkata. "Dress up in a simple white kurta and jeans with an elaborate silver or gold ornament or keep it light with just a sparkling stone-encrusted bracelet." Puri’s collection (priced between Rs 1600 and Rs 17,000) is a glittering one and is made up of cubic zirconias, fluorides onyx, Peruvian opals and blue chalcedony set in silver or gold-plated silver. Says the Kolkata-based fashion jeweller: "I call them flashy contemporary jewellery. Though I must emphasise that flashy does not mean gaudy." The look, she believes, is neo-classical, a mix of the Mohenjadaro and Harappan feel, that is also contemporary.

It is essential that your contemporary jewellery should be delicately handcrafted. Otherwise, it will be no different from run-of-the-mill costume jewellery.

Designer Ratna Mohite of Pune is sure that there is no way to perfecting your outfit than by having some bling. Mohite has created two distinct lines of jewellery to match her collection of evening dresses. One line is all about silver teamed with turquoise, while the other is a combination of crystal and pearls. Chandelier earrings are a rage as well as ultra-long neckpieces that can double up as belts.

Accessories are the backbone of wardrobes today. Chandrika Goel of Mumbai, whose forte has been formal handbags (the Indian look is a hot seller), decided to add belts, jewellery and jootis to her repertoire. While she goes heavy on the use of semi-precious stones to add colour to her accessories, she is also dabbling with other elements, for a touch of exclusivity. She uses spiritual emblems, healing stones, pieces of carved wood, marble inlay and copper and silver engravings as the add-ons.

For those who would only go ethnic, there is no better way of doing it than scouring the flea markets for Tibetan jewellery. For a designer touch, there is always a line of eye-catching (and hefty) neckpieces that have been created after a deep research on monks and monasteries. "Those keen on a dramatic look can try on the Tibetan line of headgear. Yidams, or meditational deities that symbolise various aspects of enlightenment, can look just right with ethnic wear. Fashion designers have played with Yidams as the theme, as people the world over are gravitating towards the East, seeking spiritual strength, energy and enlightenment," says Goel.

While there is a notion that Tibetan jewellery carries curses, it is not always true. If the stones and other elements are not activated for astrological purposes, they can be worn any time without any inhibitions.

If you shouldn’t go anywhere minus the jewelled look, try not leaving home without the right type of bag. "Handbags are small, while day bags are large and roomy," says designer Kavita Roy, whose line of bags is a rhapsody in silver and gold. The evening look is all about kitschy prints and multi-coloured embroidered patchwork. Designers Ritika Bhasin, Khaitan and Mahadevia are throwing in much glitter and shine. — MF