Drape it right

The latest styles of drapes in dresses, tops, and trousers that are enhancing the seductive curves of Indian models and Bollywood beauties alike. Shruti Kothari checks out this fashion trend. Drapes are a boon to Indian women, especially those who are curvy on the hips.

Draping has always sexed up the Indian woman’s body. No, we’re not talking about saris but the latest styles of drapes in dresses, tops, and trousers that are enhancing the seductive curves of Indian models and Bollywood beauties alike. Shruti Kothari checks out this fashion trend.

Drape it dramatic

What exactly is a drape? Draping in the fashion world involves having a loosely hung fabric that creates a flowing effect with few free forming folds, which are visible across the outfit, something similar to the sari.

According to noted designer Sonya Vajifdar, “Drapes are a boon to Indian women, especially those, who are curvy on the hips. They fall in the way you want them to and trick the viewer into believing that beyond all those folds of cloth is a goddess’ body! But we know what lies beneath.”

So, if you have a body that is horizontally happy, drape yourself vertically. This takes the eye from top to bottom instead of from left to right. Tops with drapes that fall in vertical lines or ones that take attention away from the problem area should be selected.

Drape it backwards

We know of cowl necks and drapes that fall in the front. But what we don’t see too often is the back drape or cowl back. This style has a V plunge with a draping effect that is similar to hanging window drapes. The material can be left either in a loose, free-flowing fashion or with uniform pleats. There is no common sleeve length or any particular styling that accompanies this trend.  Wearing the drapes in this manner shows off the back of the wearer and oozes sex appeal!

Conventionally, clothes show off the neck line or the front of any garment whilst with this style, the drama is in the rear. This draping style was more common in the grandeur of fashion in the 1970s and 1980s and has now resurfaced in the 2000s. Gowns, more than trendy wear, feature back drapes.

Drape a dhoti!

What is a dhoti? Nothing but a drape of fabric! It is now being hailed as the craziest yet the most innovative drape of all times. Tweaked a bit from the original dhoti, the anglicized version is extremely stylish. “The dhoti trousers have been one of my most popular pieces. The fabric is light and the lighter the fabric, the more elaborate and detailed the drapes become. In addition, the comfort is immense and this style retains the modish vigor too,” says Sonya. Wear them with short cropped tops, shirts topped by double breasted blazers, bolero jackets, and shrugs; these draped trousers are causing quite the frenzy!

Skirt the drape

This style set the runways on fire this season. Skirts of all lengths from the mini and the mid-thigh to the knee-length — had drapes in them. “Draped skirts were in the top collections of the year. Burberry was drapes all over, Givenchy showcased a lot of evening draping and Donna Karan, who is celebrated for her becoming cuts also cut loose and worked this trend,” says Nazia Hafeez, a designer from London.

Draping of this sort requires a lot of skill. “But the best part about draping is you can experiment with different draping all the time and come up with new looks just by twisting and turning a piece of cloth!” reveals Sonya.

It is, ultimately, the follow through of a dress that helps in creating a perfect silhouette. Add a dash of draping and you have a true body shaper on your hands. Remember, just drape it right!

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