India shopping fairs are no longer a novelty for most South Africans.
There is often one on for months at a time. And while there is, no doubt, a keen local market, what many fashion-savvy women crave are the beautiful designer, Bollywood outfits we spot on Facebook or elsewhere online.
Which is why news that the designer India shopping fair, DIVAlicious, coming to town this month, has been so well-received..
The key, though, is to know exactly what is on offer, so read on for the scoop.
Designer Sonaakshi Raaj’s work is synonymous with opulence. Her femininely seductive collection is an amalgam of different moods experienced by the modern woman. She says if it’s on trend it’s comfortable, because the look this season is fuss-free. So look out for sleek silhouettes and when shopping for traditional garments ensure there is a modern or contemporary edge.
Expect to see structured gowns, embroidered jackets with cut-out detailing, sheer capes, tassel Palazzo jumpsuits, boleros and drapes in luxe fabrics such as net, taffeta, organza, tulle, georgette with delicate pearls and exquisite stone embellishments.
Raaj’s colour palette comprises bold jewel tones, blending into soft pastels.
SVA, which means "soul" in Sanskrit is a labour of love by Sonam and Paras Modi. Sonam’s expertise as a creative designer and Paras Modi’s previous background in business contributed to their eagerness to start something together. The result was SVA – a bridal and traditional fashion brand with a strong Indian aesthetic.
Their collection is inspired by the famed Hasan II mosque in Casablanca.
The collection, Mahal En Maroc, follows a romantic traveller’s heart with soft flowing silhouettes and dreamy drapes. The designs and motifs from the historic tiles and minarets are translated into prints, intricate embroideries and exquisite handwoven fabrics by the designers, in a look that breathtakingly merges history with fashion.
They suggest opting for easy flowing lehengas(dresses), summery crop tops and layered jackets for women.
Menswear, meanwhile, brings to the fore light draped kurtas, printed dhotis and jackets this season.
Masaba Gupta first appeared at Lakhmi Fashion week at the age of 19. She has since collaborated with Satyapaul to produce her Disney collection where she created saris depicting Mickey and Minnie prints and with beauty giant Clinique, for which she created a limited edition make-up bag called sugar plum to show off lip pop colours.
She says on-trend pieces include chunky jewellery, Boyfriend denims with oversized sheer throw jackets or distressed denim shorts paired with off-the-shoulder tops. All these looks could be paired with closed platform shoes.
Her collection is designed with the globetrotter in mind, exuding unconventional patterns like voluminous baggy pants, Angrakhas(tops) with layered jackets.
Valliyan by Nitya Arora, meaning hoops in Punjabi, is a reflection of the famous designer’s personality, traditional roots and modern thinking with art deco influence and no cultural boundaries. She says the Valliyan aesthetic transcends age and time and uplifts any outfit and makes it avant-garde.
“The collection I will be showcasing is called Modern Mughals. It is inspired by the mughal dynasty for a modern day woman of power. You will see a lot of headpieces, that’s a very strong new trend.
Founders Ankur and Priyanka Modi have propelled AM:PM into a brand known for the use of pure fabrics, fresh colours and chic silhouettes, all stitched together with subtle prints, surprising embellishment and attention to detail.
Their latest 2016 collection is inspired by the romantic Indian fable, Shakuntala.
The designers found surreal beauty in the life of the young woman raised in a forest hermitage, as penned in the Mahabharata.
AM:PM’s modern interpretation of this epic comes with glorious nature-inspired prints and patterns.
Motifs of the crane, lotus, monkey, along with reflections of the sky and elaborate jungle foliage are splashed on to luxurious silk, organza and satin in free-spirited silhouettes.
Tunics, saris, skirts, and classic separates come in hues of ivory, moss green, frosted blue, silver and black – all embodying the feminine spirit of Shakuntala, yet perfect for the stylish, contemporary woman.
They’ve created a version of the Indian suit this season where the dupatta is attached and goes around your neck like a scarf.
It’s just a small twist but adds a whole lot of style. Similarly we have a jacket take on the traditional Anarkalis(a frock-style top and fitted pants).
These come with a great variation of dhoti-pants and add oomph to your look, but subtly.