Fashion | DesPardes.com

FASHION	E-mail this
Kurtas are back in vogue

MUMBAI: Fashion follows a certain pattern and every season promises to bring in new trends that become the "in" thing for the fashion-conscious people. Kurtas have taken on a new dimension altogether in the present times, they are fast becoming a fashion statement not just in India but also in the West. A Khadi kurta with a Ghandhian cap became synonymous with the freedom fighters. And for a long, long time, kurta stuck to its serious image, until recently when it was revived by the new breed designers into an attire that has both poise and style. Today kurtas spell attitude, and come in almost all colours and fabrics. From funky to kurtas with sequins and beads on them, all kinds kinds are available in the market. The best thing about these kurtas is that they are not just worn by men but are preferred by women also. From churidars to Denims, from pants to skirts, kurtas can be easily worn with anything and everything. It is not a vernacular or "behenji type" outfit but has evolved into a hip-hop fashion statement. Wearing kurtas is very "in" and makes one look hot and happening. While many prefer to wear these short and long kurtas during the day in office, for others it is a comfortable and stylish outfit for a party or an evening out. Men and women wearing kurtas at fashion shows and other social gatherings is a common sight these days. A cool casual wear to a well-textured evening wear, kurtas are here to stay. Whether you buy it from a designer store or pick it from the street-side vendors, they make you look cool. There can be sleeveless kurtas, short or long kurtas or "kurtis". Tight kurtas like in the 70's or casual free-flowing ones, they offer many choices. Said Queenie Dhody, model and socialite: "For the past year and half you see a lot of kurtas. They look very graceful." The market nowadays is flooded with kurtas for men and women of all shapes and sizes with prices that range from reasonable to expensive depending on the material, the design and the work. For men, there are plain cotton kurtas in plain shades, kurtas with different necklines with embroideries on them, and kurtas with bell sleeves with paintings on them. For women, they range from slim styles to rich tapered ones with rich motifs and delicate embroideries and laces on them. Kurtas are not just worn by the common man but by many rich and famous people as well. "I have been wearing kurtas since 1991 and like denims, Kurtas have always been there. They have never gone out nor have they come been. I just love them", remarked Marc Robinson, choreographer. According to A D Singh, restaurator, "Kurtas have a lot of regality and an air about them. Short kurtas are really cool for daytime while regular kurtas are best bet for evening and parties." Kurtas look good not only in old matured people but on young people as well. In the opinion of Niti Patel, fashion store owner, "Kurtas have always been in India and today we see a lot of variations since the West have adopted it in big way. Kurtas have re--arrived in India. It really looks good on Indian woman as it does not reveal much and still looks good on them. Most importantly you can wear it without thinking that you have to lose weight." Designer Arjun Khanna states that "fashion always takes a cycle and what is old always comes back. Like kurtas which were popularized by Rajesh Khanna in early. The 70's are again back to being fashionable. In fact see Enrique Igliasis and Madonna donning Kurtas. Making it an important part of everybody's wardrobe." Indian fashion is among the most happening houte couture in the global fashion scene. Remember "Kurta yeh jaali wala us par motiyan ki mala, kurte ne le lee meri jaan". (ANI) Catwalk Fashion news Star & Style- Aishwarya Rai