A Head Start

The maang teeka has shed its demure image to emerge as a bold accessory

The psychedelic accents in a collection by designer Manish Arora are unmistakable. Equally noticeable now is the jewellery that his models sport. And the maang teeka is fast emerging as his favourite piece. After giving it a tribal twist,as seen in his Spring-Summer 2013 collection,the designer revisited it for his couture show at the recently concluded Delhi Couture Week.

Though an integral part of Indian bridal jewellery,the maang teeka has so far been worn demurely,both in terms of size and styling. But going by trend statements emerging from the recently concluded Aamby Valley India Bridal Week and the latest edition of India International Jewellery Week (IIJW) held in Mumbai,the accent this season is definitely on the traditional version of the maang teeka. However,the style has graduated from its delicate single-drop look to emerge

like a bold accessory that adorns not just the forehead,but the hairline as well.

Showstoppers at IIJW such as Sonam Kapoor,Neha Dhupia,Kangna Ranaut and Mahima Chaudhary were seen sporting this trend. Brides these days dont shy away from going all out with jewellery choices on their D-day. The maang teeka is now as important a part of the bridal set as the main neckpiece, says Yash Agarwal,Creative Director,Birdhichand Ghanshyamdas Jewellers. The brands Amer collection,showcased at IIJW,was inspired by the grandeur of Rajasthani architecture and saw the maatha-patti style worn by Ranaut. This style was also prominent in the IIJW collection by Shobhna Shringar Jewellers and saw their showstopper Chaudhary wear it as well.

The focus on the forehead was also noticeable at Delhi Couture Week 2013 where designers Ritu Beri,Manish Arora and Anju Modi turned the teeka into hip headgear with bold designs. For her collection Draupadi,Modi designed an entire collection of jewellery and the crescent-shaped maang teeka with chains covering the hairline,which may find its way into bridal jewellery this season. The maang teeka definitely accentuates the beauty of a bride. There are many interpretations to it different parts of India. It went well with the bridal aspect of my collection, says Modi.

The traditional maatha-patti design apart,neckpieces are also doubling up as maang teekas. Dhupia,who carried off the look very well at IIJW,is one example. She wore an elaborate kundan haar with multiple strings in a contemporary way,almost like a crown. Brides take note.

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