Haute n cool

Heres how you can pep up your summer wardrobe

Heres how you can pep up your summer wardrobe

ETHNIC PRINTS
A traditional Bengal cotton livened up with Masai Mara tribal prints is a rare fashion connection. But when designer Ritu Kumar and son Amrish worked on their spring-summer collection,ethnic prints was what they had in mind. Designer Rina Dhaka translated the colours and embroideries of Rajasthan on to her dresses with suitable prints,while Kavita Bhartia had in mind Gujarati handicraft when she wanted to give her skirts some boho chic. If you are looking to wear your heart on your sleeves,the best thing you can do this summer is to invest in some ethnic prints that capture your fancy.

GLADIATOR SANDALS
The world is divided into those who like to wear heels and those who dont. Gladiator sandals provide that rare point of consensusthey come with and without heels. Once considered the most unflattering of footwear,the sandals with a Greco-Roman touch are now back as the fashion choice of Hollywood celebrities like Mischa Barton,Jessica Alba and Hilary Duff. While some of the gladiators retain their knee-length straps,the simpler versions are casual criss-cross flats. Whether you prefer jewel-encrusted ones or the sleek strappy number,theres one for everybody,and at every price. For the brand-conscious,Jimmy Choo might be the answer,but for those of you who thrive on utilitarian shopping,head for your favourite local shoe shop.

CAFTANS
As short tunics that can be worn over denims and trousers or floor-length onescaftans seem well on their way to being summer staples. While Tarun Tahiliani off-set the billowy silhouette with off-shoulder drapes and shirt collars,Delhi designer Sonam Dubal did hand-painted silk caftans,inspired by the Taisho period in Japan. Designer Ranna Gill jazzed up her tunic-like caftans with jewel necklines for a touch of flair. For those looking to pep it up further,theres just the handy tip from designers: cinch them at the waist with broad dressy belts.

SHEERS
International runways from London to Milan have ensured sheers get their spot under the sun. Back home,designers like Rajesh Pratap Singh and Varun Bahl have given sheers their own twists. While Singh played with fabrics like cotton and organza,constructing drapes that highlight the contrast between sheerness and opacity,Bahls sheers have been dolled up with silk nets and subtle embroidery in fabulous colours like gold and duck-egg blue,greens,ivories and salmon pinks. Just the right colours for a scorching Indian summer.

JUMPSUITS
The grungy mechanics overall that Yves Saint Laurent made chic in the 1960s is back this season,with designers trying out a variety of looks. Delhi duo Hemant Lalwani and Nandita Raipurani spinned out a funky handpainted version,replete with dabka embroidery and pin-tucks. Rohit Gandhi-Rahul Khanna served up anti-fit jumpsuits with appliques and fringe embroidery. But if you are looking for classic evening wear and want something that marries comfort with style,then Rakesh Agarvwal has the perfect spin for you. His jumpsuits come in silhouettes like gowns,and in colours that range from funky orange to classy blacks.