Diwali: trending fashion and styling tips

SANYUKTA Singh is a 20-year-old fashion enthusiast whose clothing brand, S The Label, is a celebration of contemporary ethnic wear. It amalgamates traditional Indian elements and modern/western fashion.

Singh, a final year marketing and media student at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, was listed on Forbes Africa’s 30 Under 30 list earlier this year. The magazine’s list acknowledges some of the region’s most successful entrepreneurs under the age of 30.

POST asked Singh for Diwali fashion and styling tips:

*COLOURS

Q: What are the popular colours for Diwali?

A: It’s definitely all things colourful, bright and printed. Floral prints have made a comeback in a variety of colours and hues such deep pink, bright reds, navy blue, turquoise and teal. This Diwali is about making a statement with colour in a way that is truly and authentically you.

*DESIGNS

Q: What are the trends this year full-on traditional dress or an amalgamation of traditional and modern?

A: This year is about comfortable elegance - with easy-flowing silhouettes that are an amalgamation of traditional cuts with a modern touch.

Pants sets with palazzo bottoms have been a hit this season because of the ease that wearing a pants provides when running around on Diwali day and visiting family. The palazzo pants have the elegance of a skirt with their flowing cut.

High-waisted bottoms and boho-chic crop top co-ord sets are also a must-have leading up to the festive period. Within these high-waisted co-ord sets, which are trending, are a comeback in traditional prints such as bhandini and patola work skirts. I have paired these with statement blouses in unique cuts and silhouettes such as deep v-necklines and keyhole tie-up backs for a modern touch on traditional looks.

People enjoy being reunited with their families and dressing up at every chance they get after being away from their loved ones over the past two years of the Covid-19 pandemic. So, this Diwali people are all about dressing up, being colourful and unique, but also being comfortable in whatever they are wearing.

Silhouettes have to be flattering but non-restrictive, so Diwali can be spent doing everything you want to do with those you love.

*JEWELRY

Q: What are the trends for jewellery this season? Is there still room for heirloom traditional pieces like Jhoomar's, Jhumkas, etc, in a modern wardrobe?

A: Enamel-work jewellery is on-trend as well as hand-painted jewellery. The trend of the season has been about keeping a bare decolletage and going with statement earrings.

A gold, colourful gem earring with hand-painted floral detailing on the gems, or even an oxidised jhumka with long pearl tassels and a hand-painted peacock feather against the black stone for the pop of colour, are on trend.

However, nothing stops you from using your favourite earring of your nanis, ajis or mom’s pieces that have sentimental value.

Fashion should come from within - expressing who you truly are - and I am all for keeping my culture alive through my fashion.

Going with a statement earring, a handfull of bangles and no neck piece is enough to stay on-trend and accessorise to perfection this Diwali.

STYLING

Q: If the younger generation does not want to go full-on traditional, how can one best pair traditional elements with a modern/western outfit?

A: I like to use a verb that my mom and I came up with a while back, which is, “Indian-ise.”. That refers to giving everything we wear or own a bit of spice, with an Indian or ethnic touch.

I think the best way to do that would be to find a way that you can add an Indian flair to your everyday wardrobe - be it with prints, or colours. You can also accessorise with classic Indian timeless pieces such as jhumkis, payals, or blockprint fabrics.

Traditional looks such as a lehenga and sarees can be paired with a modern touch with sneakers, or pairing a cute vest with a lehenga skirt without a dupatta, to give it a more casual but still Indian look.

You should never let following trends stop you from being true to who you are. Always wear everything you wear with your own flair.

* For more fashion inspiration follow Singh on Instagram. Her business platform is S The Lable and her website www.sthelabel.co.za

POST