Back to basics

Forgive the cliche, but it is that time of the year again when you are busy packing one wardrobe to make way for another.

Fashion8217;s come a full circle this season with cleaner lines, no-fuss clothing and basic styling, designer Varun Bahl dishes out a quick style guide

Forgive the cliche, but it is that time of the year again when you are busy packing one wardrobe to make way for another. These in-between times can be particularly taxing. Why? Well, simply because you can8217;t really forecast the fashion ahead 8211; is the strappy pink number you picked last year worth stepping out in this season as well and what about the tweed coat, a lucky sale pick? Thankfully, such questions are best answered by the experts. And we all got lucky this Thursday. Stepping in to formally launch the 8216;Rosebys8217; store in the city was designer Varun Bahl. For the uninitiated, Rosebys is a premium UK brand which has made a foray in the Indian market with its home furnishing line. 8220;We chose Punjab as the launch platform because of people8217;s ability here to appreciate both the quality and premium lifestyle fashion,8221; mentioned Rosebys8217; India director Nikhil Sen. And how does Rosebys bring Varun Bahl in the picture? 8220;It8217;s an extension of my work. In fact, I had been wanting to do a home collection for a while now and a year back Rosebys London approached me,8221; the designer answers.

Interestingly, this has been a busy year for the designer. He just showcased at the India Couture Week followed by the Wills India Fashion Week. 8220;I have had so many shows that I think I8217;ll keep none for next year,8221; chuckles the tall designer who is set to hit the Chivas Tour in November followed by a charity show in Karachi and then one in Kathmandu. With so many fashion weeks, designers must be exhausted. 8220;Frankly I just go by the Wills one. There are far too many now and that8217;s not a good thing. Even internationally there are just two,8221; Varun makes his point.

As for what winter is looking like, the designer known for his unique way of combining contemporary with vintage, tells that it8217;s back to basics. 8220;The silhouettes are simple, layering is out and the look is clean,8221; lists out Bahl as we quiz him on the colour palette. 8220;Again, black is big but you won8217;t see it being teamed with softer muted tones. The contrasting colours are bright like pink, orange, yellow.8221; As far as skirts go, Bahl says they have 8220;vanished8221;. 8220;Trousers are in and so are coats.8221; And with the wedding season in full flow, Bahl has a word of advise, 8220;Embellishments are less and if there8217;s something that8217;s ornate, it8217;s only the jewellery.8221;