Matte effect for minimalism

While occasion wear is usually associated with bright colours and OTT design trends, the current mood indicates the popularity of matte shine gaining steam among fashionistas. Designers are adding understated tones of glitter and sequins to pep up formal dresses, sarees and even business wear for a subtle glam effect, and we are swooning over it.

To beat the blues, a bit of shine works as an instant mood elevator. Outfits with subtle sequins or fabrics that have a little sheen are quite in. Fabrics that have a natural sheen like satin, silk or even satin-silk also work very well. Designer Pooja Shroff says, “Tassels, pearls, dull sequins, and glass beads are minimal and yet the most in things right now. Outfits with this sort of detailing can be taken from day to night, which is why people love them even more. Metallic coloured fabrics make for really amazing additions to Indian as well as Western silhouettes. Gone are the days when people would opt for exceedingly loud makeup, over the top jewellery and very heavy outfits. In terms of makeup, glossy faces done up with the bare minimum foundation, shaped eyebrows, nude lips and mascara with a dull gold shimmer eye shadow would do the trick for absolutely any occasion. In terms of jewellery, delicate layered necklaces with hoops and a few rings on your fingers are all that you need.”

For the upcoming winters, knits that include shimmery threads are would be perfect to add a bit of glitz to an otherwise plain outfit. Dull sequin embroidered fabrics, tasseled and fringed fabrics interspersed with glitter tassels would add a lot to the outfit as well. Lame and sequined sheath fabric also works for both Western and Indian wear. Baadla work on flowy fabrics like georgette/silk is the perfect way to add sparkle to an Indian outfit. A twill or jacquard fabric with a shimmering weave is also great for a pantsuit or smart office casuals.

Mumbai-based designer Rhea Pillai Rastogi prefers just a touch of sparkle to evoke a timeless look, and informs that print on matte sequins is a trend that has caught on this year. From animal print textures to images on sequins, it is a super interesting and fun innovation to experiment with, she points out. “For an easy everyday look, it can be as simple as a printed scarf with a smattering of sequins loosely worn over a solid shirt or t-shirt. One can amp up a classic white shirt with matt sequin cuffs or collar. Throwing on a cross body glitter bag over a printed summer dress with a denim jacket is also a chic way to pull off the sequin trend. Sequins on distressed denim are perfect for a day to night look,” she says.

For the Indian look, designer Adarsh Makharia doles out some quick tips to look classy and minimal while maintaining the correct amount of balance with sequins. He says, “Go for a simple tissue kora sari with minimal surface embellishments and pair it with small drop diamond earrings or a diamond choker along with a sleek updo. Or simply opt for a tissue lehenga with appliqué work that has dispersed embellishments. Another look to try on could be a heavily embellished blouse paired with a minimally embellished lehenga and a light dupatta. Always remember to have one heavily embellished element for a glam factor and tone down the overall look with a combination of lighter pieces and small elegant jewellery.”

While putting up a subtle matte shine look, statement accessories can help uplift up a basic outfit. A chunky neckpiece or a gold cuff can do just the needful to complete one’s look, mentions Nanki Papneja, creative director at a fashion brand. “Off the top of my head - hand-cutting, antique-gold faux leather in unique shapes mixed with traditional techniques of hand embroidery is something we will see this season. Layering is the key in this trend, one can add a scarf with a sequin edging or a contrast jacket with a little bit of gold on a simple little black dress. This will add the much-needed glamour to an otherwise simple look. Silk habotai and crepes highlighted with antique gold sequins work well both for Indian and western wear so keep an eye for that,” says Papneja.

Whereas, designer Rhea Pillai Rastogi adds her two cents to sum up and says, “Although I wholeheartedly believe that you should wear what you want whenever you want, questioning one’s decision before slipping into a sequined number or finally pulling out that shiny belt that is been safely sitting at the back of your wardrobe only to put it right back because you can’t decide what to wear it with, is something a lot of us have dealt with. The key is to choose one central piece that takes the spotlight and build on it with neutral elements to keep it from crossing that very fine glitter-covered line between tasteful and OTT.”