Trend alert: Cutwork

On dresses, anarkalis, shoes and leggings — cutwork is hard to miss these days. We give you a lowdown on the vintage technique that’s perfect for making see-through look sophisticated.
What it means
Cutwork is a type of embroidery in which pieces of the foundation fabric are cut away, creating a network of holes and eyelets that are accentuated by the embroidery pattern.At a glance, the result might look like lace, but it is actually embroidery.
Origin
The technique emerged in 14th century Italy. The trend spread, with numerous nations developing their own schools of the technique with specific names, such as Richelieu, Broderie Anglaise, Spanish cutwork, Hedebo, and jaali work which was prevalent in India.
On the ramp
Laser cutwork detailing was seen on the collections of Alpana & Neeraj and Rimzim Dadu at the 2012 Spring Summer Delhi Fashion Week as well as Bibhu Mohapatra, Jatin Varma and Rohit Bal’s collections at LFW 2012 Summer Resort. Manish Arora gave cutwork a psychedelic take with his stilettos recently, and Abhishek Dutta fine-tuned it with men’s shirts with a cutwork yoke, and a sari with a leather cutwork pallu for his winter collection.
How to sport it
Cutwork is a saviour for those who want to show a hint of skin. You can add flair to your neckline with this vintage detailing. Shrinking violets can flaunt this trend through bags and shoes.
What to avoid
Never sport cutwork head-to-toe.