Gujarat Plus - Gujarat on Web

Navratri time, glamour time Tuesday, October 23, 2001

BY JASMINE THAKKAR, TIMES NEWS NETWORK
“Fashion is such an intolerable form of ugliness that it has to be altered every six months.” But not quite during Navratri. At one end you see styles which were popular in the 1970s whereas at the other you might find the latest adaptation from a Falguni Pathak video.The look this year is nothing spectacular but we have glimpses of creative tastes in outfits and accessories everywhere. It is not surprising that men discuss among themselves all the time the very gripping question: ‘Why do all girls look so pretty in Navratri?’.

The most popular fad this year during Navratri is the sleeveless back less choli which, if you can carry it off well, can look quite stunning. There are hordes of young girls sporting these. However fashionable, these cholis pale in comparision with those that have cap sleeves.

The Rabari look is ever popular with artistic bindis, kajal, thick anklets, oxidised jewellery, white chudis on the arm and bright attire. In terms of jewellery, more women are seen to wear the tika, bindi and nose ring. Even the north Indian style of draping the duppatta over both shoulders is predominant. So that the belly ring or the navel tattoo is displayed.

A spectacular change in the look is brought about by painting tattoos. Whether these are painted sideways on the forehead, on the back, at the bottom of spine, or on the navel, tattoos look startlingly beautiful. Colours which are generally used are silver, copper, and black.

Says Archana Verma, a student and a Navratri lover, “I tried out a simple butterfly tattoo on the back, with a green backless choli. The result was fascinating as everyone noticed it.” You can either paint these tattoos or they are available in plenty at most outlets. Flowers, freehand motifs and the sun are designs seen very frequently. Also, this year the use of coloured shimmer with the tattoos is a pleasant change from the usual gold and silver shimmer.

This is probably the first time that there is a fear of men outshining women. “Boys are doing great. For the first time I have seen boys dressing up so elaborately. This is a good sign and from next year onwards there will be as many exhibitions for men pre Navratri,” says Rakesh Jain of Madhulika. And vibrant cotton kurtas in shades of green, blue and orange seem to be the trend this year. Even the Kathiawadi dress is a rage this year.

There is little experimentation in terms of hairstyle. Vineeta Chopra a choreographer says, “Every year people are trying to create. There is an attempt to give a young and vibrant feel in dress, in make-up, in choreography and in the atmosphere. Even in these few days we have seen these creative attempts. Maybe this year the ambience is a little dull due to the global tension.” However all is not gloomy as the wild youngsters of Vadodara knows how to celebrate in style despite all odds.

That is precisely why you see so much of sparkle and shine on the Garba grounds. And it is not just the lights of Navratri, it is the glamour of this festival that adds colour to life.
jasminethakkar@indiatimes.com

News Source : The Times of India [India's best Newspaper]

 

This site is dedicated to our friend Younus M, who passed away on 28th Sept 00, and left on us an indelible memories ! - Team GujaratPlus.com

[P] Privacy Policy | © Copyright 2000-2006 |

Designed & Hosted by eZee Web Solutions