Riot of spring colours

It’s springtime folks! Time to pack off the pashminas and eye the sheers and the shades.
The spring story on the international ramp is witnessing an assorted flavour that’s dominated by street chic as well as couture carnival. From Stella McCartney’s Saville Row sharp tuxedos to Chanel’s thigh-split skirts, fashion is in free flow.
Designer Nachiket Barve likes an element of translucency and prefers to play with contrasting bright and deep hues. “This is the season to go colour happy and lay your hands on layered dresses, ultra light coat dresses, tunics worn with slips and trousers with luxe details,” suggests Nachiket.
The designer has traced his spring inspiration to a rather unusual source, as he reveals, “My latest collection is called Toxin. It refers to deadly toxic creatures, which can kill in seconds, yet are strikingly beautiful with dazzling colours, graphic organic patterns, glowing surfaces and intriguing textures.” While white remains a major draw, he lists varied colours like black, carmine red, aztec green, turquoise, rusted orange, scarlet red, cobalt blue, rocky brown, silver, metallic green and purple that are high on the trend chart.
The surge of colours is not without reason. “A winter wardrobe in major parts of the world caters to the cold and cloudy weather, so spring in a way signals a change towards something bright. The collection is in tune with that mood.”
If it’s all things bright for Nachiket, designer Archana Kocchar is drawing an Indo-French spring connection. “Light net saris teamed with bejeweled blouses in pastels whipped out of the softest creams and laguna green are good picks as evening wear,” she says.
Called Salaam Mademoiselle, Archana’s creativity reflects the bygone French opulence and rich Indian heritage. The designer suggests a return to the ethnic mode at this time of the year.
“While we endorse the west’s spring theme, let’s not overlook our very own basant. It has the potential to spin many fashion tales. Nothing looks better than a vibrant yellow. Throw in some indigo blue and you are set for the season,” points out designer Sunaina Suneja.