Garba Couture Ups Fashion Quotient This Navratri

Nagpur: As garba dancers swirl to the beats throbbing from the DJ’s sound system, it’s not only their dancing skills which are on display, but also their special dresses that are in sync with the latest trends in the fashion world. In Nagpur, unique colours, fancy designs and elaborate embroideries have made their way into the traditional chaniya choli, giving it a ‘modern look’. Reena Chawla, a fashion designer, said, “For the first time I am seeing pristine white as a colour for the ghagra cholis which is a welcome trend. The colour white is associated with sombre occasions, hence this is a social statement as well.”

Her boutique, Label Reena Chawla, has seen requests for different designs streaming in. “People are experimenting with bolder designs and it’s being accepted by all. No more are backless cholis being looked down upon and we see multiple variations now coming in,” said Chawla. Dimple Chatwani, a fashion designer who owns Sankalp Garba Dresses, said, “We have been renting garba dresses for 18 years now and the fashion trend has changed a lot. People want fancy designs to be added to the traditional base. This year, we are seeing golden sequences, nets and woollen elements coming into dresses.”Youngsters say designing a dress involves not only the latest fashion trends, but also comfort level and synchronization with body shape. Khushi Gupta, a student, said, “Some people find lehengas comfortable for dancing due to flared design, while others prefer fitted chaniya cholis for ease of movement.” Another youth, Shreya Burle, said, “In chaniya choli, heavy border work is in high demand and it’s the best combination of comfort and style.”Student Sanz Lekhwani said certain colours are making more of an impact. “Pastel lehengas are just some of the best trends that are set to dominate the fashion scene this year as the colour is super subtle and is cool to the eyes. And the one type that I do not like are metallic colours as they’re too much for the eyes,” said Lekhwani.Student Khushali Meshram said, “I think this year printed lehengas are in vogue as many people are wearing it. But I believe that cape lehengas are very pretty and stylish.” A customized dress can go for anywhere between ₹3,000 to ₹10,000, with the price climbing higher, depending on the accessories being added on. Many prefer renting it for a day and the cost for it varies depending upon the size and quality of work.