Yesterday Once More

Quilting
Fashion designers have always used this style of stitching to embellish their works, according to designer Shahab Durazi. It went AWOL in the recent past, but has made a comeback ‘‘because it’s mostly used in structured clothes, which are back’’. Tarun Tahiliani’s Fall-Winter collection has long, quilted coats in jewel colours; Rajesh Pratap Singh has designed quilted jackets for Be:; and Hidesign has quilted biker jackets in white and red.

Satin
‘‘There’s just something about the look and feel of satin that makes a woman feel sexy,’’ says designer Monisha Jaising. Most designers give the slinky fabric a tick—Suneet Varma’s must-haves are a dressy top in aqua satin and a handbag in satin and suede. Dhaka gives a thumbs up to charmeuse saris, which were a rage in the early 1900s. Versatile satin is also being used to make cocktail dresses, trousers, skirts, sari blouses and draped tops. Tarun Tahiliani’s slim satin pants, and Gauri and Naynika’s halters and skirts for Be:, are to lust for.

Animal prints
Who wasn’t grateful when this trend went six feet under? But it’s back on the prowl. Be warned, the prints are tricky to carry off. ‘‘They make a huge impact, but you need lots of confidence,’’ says Nikhil of Shantanu and Nikhil, who have used animal prints for their Autumn-Winter collection.This time around, animal prints don’t mean Lycra tees and tights. Think layered dresses and flowy fabrics or just little peeks.Yves Saint Laurent’s platform shoes and Christian Dior’s bags all but roar.

Armlets
They were a rage at the turn of the century, but disappeared soon after. But it’s the hottest jewellery trend of this season, says Dhody. ‘‘Arms are on show almost all year round, and armlets are exotic and sexy,’’ she adds. Sanghavi says antique gold armlets are very popular.