Red-hot red carpet

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The awards season is just round the corner, and style divas are gearing up to dazzle and sizzle on the red carpet. As the winds of change breeze through the wardrobes of each season each year, they also brush out the old and ring in the new in red carpet dressing. Fashion designers highlight the hottest trends in red carpet dressing this year, and warn against what the fashionistas shouldn’t be caught dead in.
Designer duo Shivaan and Narresh believe, “Red carpet trends are now shifting from the usual monotonously blingy outfits with an overdose of surface to elegant and sophisticated minimalism communicated through cuts and colour.”
Their vote for the best dressed actress goes to Sonam Kapoor. “She gets it right most of the times. It’s not hard for her to give us best dressed moments. She sure knows her Dior from her Chanel. Carrying everything with panache, she is always chic. Bipasha Basu looked stunning in her bikini sari at the IIFA 2012. She is very comfortable with her body.”
Modern elegance is about sophistication and grace with an underlying sense of strength and power. Tracking the trends on red carpet in India, designer Pernia Qureshi says, “Pastel palette, low necklines and traditional saris are gaining popularity in red carpet premieres. Neha Dhupia is experimental and can carry off any style with great poise.” Pernia loved Sonam Kapoor’s choice of an Ellie Saab outfit at the Jab Tak Hai Jaan premiere.
Talking about latest trends on the red carpet, designer Pria Kataria Puri says, “The red carpet premiere is supposed to be a special event packed with an element of surprise. Most Bollywood actors want to flaunt their curves, so fitted gowns are quite popular. Sarees with sequin work and crystals and multi-layered kurtas are dominating the red carpet premieres in India. Vidya Balan in her traditional sarees has never disappointed us. Also, Deepika Padukone is one of the most beautiful, statuesque stars, who pulls off the latest styles and colours with élan.”
Keeping jewellery minimum to let the attire do the talking is the way to go. Designer Nida Mahmood says, “Celebs no longer want to wear the same old LBDs. Floor-length gowns and concept saris teamed with sexy blouses are hot favourites of Bollywood stars. Kalki Koechlin is someone who is very experimental with her looks and always surprises us by lifting her look out of the realm of the boring.