Going experimental with ikat

Here’s how you can make space for the handloom that’s on top of celebs’ wardrobes

Gone are the days when prints like ikat were used specifically for traditional clothes. Now, they are making a re-entry into wardrobes with blazers, shift dresses and shirts.

Take a leaf out of Deepika Padukone’s airport fashion look book. The actress who was back in Mumbai from a trip earlier this week, was spotted wearing an ikat black jacket. But she’s not the only one carrying off the print with ease. Most actresses like Samantha, Rakul Preet and others are often spotted in the handloom.

Designer Shravan Kumar who has primarily worked with handlooms says that these fabrics are some of the best choices to amp up a look. “Ikat is one of the coolest fabrics to work with. An ikat jacket makes a formal look very interesting. A fabric like this has many uses. Take a jacket for instance, one can wear it over a sari for a traditional look and then, wear the same thing over a pair of jeans,” explains Shravan. Neeraja Kona, who has styled several Tollywood stars, says that handlooms are currently her favourite. “Just keep in mind not to overdo the prints. When using a printed jacket for instance, make sure that the shirt is plain,” explains Neeraja. Ikat dresses, maxis, jumpsuits are a favourite with the ladies, but even the men are not far behind. “Ikat has a geometric motif and that is what makes it much more likeable. However, if men want to wear it for a formal look, opt for colours that are subtle, such as grey or beige. For a more informal look, one can opt for ikat work with bright colours,” says Shravan.