Modern twist to tradition - Karwa Chauth

Mona

Rich jewel tones, heritage weaves and oversized maang tikas, if you are looking for last-minute inspiration to deck up for Karwa Chauth, we’ve got you covered. The traditional festival now enjoys a glamorised make over, courtesy Bollywood. Shadi ka lehenga is now upcycled and wardrobe divided into sargi, day-wear and the evening-do! Depending on what you intend to do with the day — ramp show, party or stay cocooned at home — do it in style!

We rope in designer help to keep you at pace with what’s trending. If Karwa Chauth remains one day when you can wear lehenga and not look over the top, closing following its supremacy on the day are lehenga-sarees and Anarkali gowns. “Lehenga-sarees and Anarkali gowns have gained huge popularity because of their versatility, offering a modern twist to classic festive-wear,” shares designer Archana Jaju, who has a passion for reviving traditional Indian craftsmanship. Key colour schemes for a festive wardrobe depict rich jewel tones with emerald, ruby and sapphire. That said, if you are black and ivory loyalists, in this day and age, nobody is going to judge you for offbeat choices either!

Then there are the Karwa parties offering exquisite mehendi, stylish gel nail art, relaxing foot spa, even katha and all of them witness the best of fashion. “Brightest of bright colours, short kurtis with sharara and lehengas are in,” offers Ritu Kochhar, founder director of the International Institute of Fashion Design (INIFD). Even the western co-ord sets have inched their way in. “Hand embroidery on co-ord teamed with stoles, ornate kaftans, asymmetrical dresses and draped skirts, one is spoilt for choices,” adds Kochhar.

If you are looking for something that you pre-own, make a case for heritage weaves. “Beautifully worked hand-embroidered detailing along with rich heritage weaves like Banarasi and Chikankari are also making their way back,” says Jaju. Moving away from fast fashion, today fashionistas are investing and celebrating traditional weaves. “Sustainability is the focus, more consumers are opting for eco-friendly fabrics and pieces in handloom,” Jaju adds.

Wardrobe in place, it’s not the time to go demure on accessories. Go all out! Bold yet elegant, such as statement jhumkas, oversized maang tikas, and layered necklaces, nothing is over the top this season. “Ethnic-wear, along with Indo-Western jewellery, like fish or bird motifs in earpieces to stone chokers, jewellery today celebrates both the traditional and contemporary styles,” says Kochhar. Karwa Chauth is also just the right time to show light to one’s mangalsutra! Now that black beads have moved from the confines of necklaces to bracelets and rings, flaunt them along with opulent polkis to step out in style!