Monochrome tunic by Rahul Mishra
Tunic dress by Rahul Mishra
Tunic lehenga by Nikasha Tawadey
Off-shoulder peplum tunic by Rahul Mishra
It’s interesting how every fashion cycle sees a style reversal. Over the last few seasons fall collections look like spring while spring concoctions have fall accents. This clash of trends and ideas make contemporary fashion a delectable cocktail for today’s evolved fashionistas who want to follow trends yet have fun with their quirky take on them.
When you usually think of summer, a flotilla of pastels, neons and florals come to mind, however this sunny fashion period is big on monochromes. While some see it as a classic trend which has been beautifully reinterpreted by the likes of Moschino, Balmain, Oscar de la Renta, Aquilano Rimondi and many more, others see it as a spillover movement from the last autumn winter. “It is also one of the easiest trends to pull off. Opt for strong make-up and graphic eyes and complete your look with a solid accessory. Monochrome can be tone-on-tone too like a white dress, which is an interplay of both opaque and transparent fabrics. A black-on-black ensemble looks perfectly fine as well. For instance, if you are wearing a black t-shirt, you can wear a chunky black necklace on it. I think short women should avoid clashing too many patterns,” says designer Rahul Mishra.
Monochromes in linear and graphic patterns may look stunning on models but one has to see one’s body type before clashing too many patterns. “The black and white look is wonderfully classic, however there should be one focal point of contrast instead of looking like checkerboard. More importantly it has to be flattering to your body type. If you are following this trend, then opt for a high quality fabric with an impeccable finish. The whites and the blacks have to be supremely saturated,” says designer Nachiket Barve.
Be it designer Abraham and Thakore’s summer collection or Diane Von Furstenberg’s print wrap dresses, monochromes are delightfully eclipsing the style radar. Radhika Gupta, Creative Director, Moon River says, “A monochrome ensemble takes you easily from your workplace to a social do. It is clean, streamlined and easy on the budget too.”
Designer Arpan Vohra, who showcased some monochromatic looks in his recent show at LFW in a sexy-yet-sporty way says, “Pick the best colour that suits you and the right silhouette. Put together an outfit of the same colour family from head to toe and use the right accessories to prevent it from looking overly matching. Accessories like scarves, slim belts or just a nifty neckpiece or cuffs can make the trend stand out.”
Designer Nikasha Tawadey feels that everyone can easily pull it off. “Take a colour and build the layers in the same colour family, for example, a white shirt, a pair of off white linen pants, a sandy beige scarf or a coral top, a burnt orange skirt and an ochre dupatta. The advantage is that mono colour theme will make you look leaner and taller as the line of vision will travel vertically. Use cooler metals, a bright silver chunky necklace or bangles, beads, glass bangles in green or even black/white add a nice touch. Finish your look with open-toed flats or tan kolhapuris again,” says she.
Made To Pleasure 