As the most watched fashion event in India, Lakmé Fashion Week made sure to pack in plenty of action on Day One. And of course, we were sitting front row to help you spot the trends before anyone else. At Ritu Kumar, tulle skirts (remember Carrie Bradshaw from Sex And The City) made an appearance, in this case, used as cover-ups for pastel-coloured swimsuits. The brand also used showstopper Disha Patani to bring attention back to the décolletage, a trend that certainly suits Indian women. Want to know how you can give your wardrobe a neat little make-over? Start taking style notes as we scout the leading trends from day 1 of Lakmé Fashion Week:
Corsets
Ritu Kumar and Masaba
The corset has undeniably held an important position in the history of women’s fashion, with the earliest known corset being seen back in the 16th century. It was only with the advent of designers like Coco Chanel—who adopted clothing that freed the woman from the tight lacing of the corset—that the corset was buried forever, but up until the late 19th century, the cinched waist that resulted in the much-admired hourglass figure was quite the fashion.
It’s 21st century now, and we’re seeing corsets return—don’t fret, they’re not the restrictive ones of old—as innovative add-ons. At Masaba, we spotted matching corsets worn over quirky-printed saris and A-line maxi dresses to draw attention to the waist . Meanwhile, at Ritu Kumar, corset belts with tassels abounded, as did corset dresses, especially the appliqué-embellished dress worn by showstopper Disha Patani.
Shoulder dusters
Sonal Verma and Ritu Kumar
The runway at Lakmé Fashion Week was dazzling today—no, not with the constant flash of the innumerous cameras—with shoulder dusters that played peek-a-boo with the models’ hair. Sighted at Label by Ritu Kumar and Rara Avis by Sonal Verma, these jewellery pieces had a message loud and clear—wear your statement earrings with pride. And no, you don’t need an unfeasibly long neck to pull it off.
While Sonal Verma introduced tasseled earrings, Ritu Kumar’s focus was more on shiny star-shaped accessories that were worn on just one ear, bringing the mismatched earring trend to light.
If bringing this trend from runway-to-reality intimidates you, try our fool-proof style tip: whether you’re opting for a loud print-on-print ensemble or an understated pastel-hue, skip any extra baubles around the neck area and let the shoulder duster remain the sole focus of attention.
Tulle skirts
Anita Dongre and Ritu Kumar
Forget body-hugging sheaths—this season is all about airy skirts you can dance in. Ankle-length tulle skirts were first showcased in Anita Dongre’s Winter ’17 collection at India Couture Week. Styled with tabards and short kurtis, the lightweight skirt in pastel hues replaced the heavily-embroidered lehengas, providing modern day brides with a modern day solution.
The same trend was noticed at Label Ritu Kumar’s collection, where models sashayed down the runway decked in tulle skirts that were paired with swimsuits.
Whether it’s your wedding you prefer to wear it to or your friend’s Sunday pool party, the tulle skirt will act as a versatile piece that you can style up or down.
Décolletage
Ritu Kumar
Bid adieu to boat necklines, mandarin collars and cold shoulders—this season is about flaunting your best assets. Low necklines were observed at Masaba and Ritu Kumar, where models showed off cleavage through gaping V-necklines on dresses and tops.
