The Look
East and West
written by Jasmeen Dugal

The Look East

five must have accessories'Fashion is fickle, it's style that a relics'… quite a famous quote to follow, especially if one believes in the 'art of dressing'. But for today's Gen 'Y', absolute bliss is not following trends set by their peers, but flashing their own style statement by creating a perfect mesh between the classic and the contemporary. Keeping this in mind, Bridal Asia participants added "a little something" to complement their collection.

1 - Headgears have always been prevalent in the Indian wedding scenario. A bride can wear a circlet or tiara made in white gold, or diamonded-encrusted tiaras in yellow gold. Or if she wishes to wear the tiara on one of the pre or post wedding functions, she can sport tiaras made of Lac, created exclusively by Vinita Pitti or choose from one of the innumerable scarves - the forte of Sabyashachi (created in an assortment of hues and styles keeping in mind the vivacious new generation and their testing nature).

2 - Though the initial reason for wearing armlets was 'to protect the stores of wealth', it has lately become more of a style statement. Among the trendiest designs spotted at Bridal Asia
was one in the form of a snake with his hood up and ready to strike! One can also choose from gold or silver chains or metal wires, embellished with Swarovski studs, or even the evergreen glass and beaded ones.

3 - With the deluge of lower naval trousers, the belt has become a 'hot-bought'. The bridal exhibition featured a smorgasbord of belts - slim ones in metal and bead for that petite look, thick ones in leather shaped like a man's belt for that strong but sexy look or maybe the few made of cloth with mirror work, giving quite a traditional look to any ensemble.

4 - The exhibit forecasts that flashy shoes will work, especially stilts; ankle length boots will remain a favorite, flats with just a streak of glitter gives class to any ensemble, but - no blocks!

5 - Handbags have revolutionized the entire trousseau collection. You can choose from handbags with slim handles, or pouches with Rajasthani mirror-work. The trendiest are in jute, denim, leather etc., so make sure to pick at least one of each this season. Beware - Handbags looking like they can carry enough stuff for a small army is a big No.

The Look West

white nights Forget the little black dress and jump over to the brighter style of things. White frocks, gowns and even saris made there way onto the Spring 2004 runways, giving fashionista’s a suttle hint to lighten up this season.