Sheer pleasure

India is no stranger to sheer clothing. Sheer saris have been a favourite in Bollywood for years. Tawadey explains that this is because sheer is synonymous with femininity. “Sheer is delicate,and it has a certain romantic air about it,” she says. Moreover,with chiffons,georgettes,net,tulle,mulmul,organza,silk and linen lending themselves well to this trend,sheer garments can be easily crafted from a variety of fabrics. This apart,sheer also scores high on the utilitarian scale; for instance,Dongre says that a sheer jacket worn over a sleeveless or a strappy dress makes the ensemble more formal.

Barve,on the other hand,emphasises that working a look with sheer can be a tricky thing. “In our country,the diaphanous chiffon sari is vintage stuff,and the idea is to tantalise. But too much of it can make it look vulgar. One must then know where to draw the line and a great way of doing it is to go for layering,where a sheer coverup is thrown over an opaque garment,preferably in a contrasting colour,” he says. In such situations,the inner wear also assumes importance.

Dongre agrees that given the Indian social milieu,not too many people would overdo sheer. “Unless,you are an actress or a model and have a body to flaunt,wearing body-hugging sheer outfits is not for you. But then again,sporting sheer doesn’t mean one has to show skin,” she says. For Tawadey though,a sheer back works beautifully for an outfit. “I personally think it is far more sensual than showing décolletage,” she says.

Slipping into a simple sheer outfit also doesn’t necessarily mean one can go overboard with the accessories. Thampi believes that the odd statement neckpiece can up the glamour quotient by a few notches,but Dongre warns that an overall minimal look works best with sheer.

Sheer as a trend has transcended into accessories as well. Furla and Armani Jeans have rolled out a line of transparent handbags,with the former having launched see-through versions of the Candy bag and the Piper Lux model. “Our collection is inspired by sophisticated see-through effects,both through the use of PVC and artisanal leather perforations,” says Giovanna Furlanetto,president of Furla,in an email interview. Meanwhile,Gucci’s Spring Summer ’13 line boasts of the Aristographic Perspex clutch that is inspired by the pattern and colours of gemstones and is created by a high technology process used in jewellery production,which can carve through thick plexiglass. Transparent shoes too have garnered popularity,with the likes of Stella McCartney introducing plexiglass wedges,clutches and necklaces.

Thampi vouches for the rising number of takers for transparent accessories. Barve,however,adds a word of caution — to not let sheer alone dictate one’s ensemble. “A sheer outfit doesn’t have to be worn with a Perspex clutch and a pair of lucite platform heels,” he says.

vidya.prabhu@expressindia.com