The New Fashion Mantra

Fusion is the new fashion mantra

Fusion wear is the hot favourite this season. The Kurtas have gone shorter and have become kurtis, capris and harems have replaced salwars and churidars. Teaming a kurti or a tee is a short denim jacket, which is much in vogue. Fusion wear seem to have given way to testing and try-outs. So, open up your wardrobe and begin the mix n match game!Delhi being a fashion hub, has stood witness to many trends, flavours and styles. Delhiites have always set their own style statements and one such statement which is popular these days is fusion wear. "Fusion wear" is a look generated with creative usage of materials, cuts and styles that provides funky and modern look to traditional clothes. Today, many young girls can be spotted wearing long cotton or khadi kurtas pairing with denims or capris. Shefali Sharma a student of Delhi Arts and Science college says, "I think fusion wear is better than Indian or Western alone because, by wearing it, we are modern and traditional at the same time. "While a few years ago, designer kurtas were available only in specialized outlets but now a dozen showrooms have opened up in the city. Delhiites have a variety to choose from the streets of Janpath to the best brands in lanes of Hauz Khas or Greater Kailash. Fabindia, is one of Delhi's outstanding stores which specializes in Indian clothing. Here you can get a large variety of well-crafted and smartly designed short kurtas and salwar suits. It is amazing to see wide variety of ready-made outfits available here. Sheila Ramdas, manager of Khadi Showroom at CP, says, "Nowadays every youth is fashion conscious and wants to look different and smart. Usually, in my showroom people prefer to buy ready-made designer kurtas and some also prefer to buy khadi cloth by the meter and get it stitched according to their taste." She adds, "Khadi is an ever green fabric and it always stays in fashion. The best part of khadi is it is not class specific, it is worn by all sections of people. The fabric itself symbolizes style, elegance and comfort". "Fusion wear is a positive influence on youth as we stick to our culture and add western touches to our style of dressing. I dress up in a way which is decent and not vulgar, so my parents are supportive to my dressing style. I prefer comfort over anything else, which is why I love cotton and khadi clothes," avers Priyanka Sharma, a final-year student of BITS.What can really add funky look to the fusion wear- junks and street accessories. Big danglers, kada's, necklaces, anklets, wooden and jute earrings add spice to the fusion combo. Nowadays, flats, mojris and kholapuris are in great demand. Swetha Saluja, a third-year student at Ramjas College says, “I love wearing long kurtas with my kohlapuri chappals or patiala salwar. It gives me a trendy as well as modern look I usually pair it with my tribal wooden bangels, danglers, flat chappals, mojris and long beaded malas.” Bead malas, rudraksh seeds, tulsi wood, crystal beads are also sported by many youth with their long or short kurtas with om prints. With Fusion wear evolving you can see flared skirts with traditional prints, designer kurtas or short shirts with patiala salwars. This is a surprising change in a conservative direction from miniskirts, spaghetti and halter tops.

—Anubha K Singh.