Thaindian News

New Delhi, Aug 9 (IANS) Bollywood actresses Sonam Kapoor and Deepika Padukone do it, so does model-turned-actress Lisa Ray. Flaunting kundan chokers, south Indian pendants and other heavy Indian jewellery with Western wear is quite a rage among celebrities.

Many say these add a touch of culture that is eye-catching.

“The reason why everybody is going for such a trend is because they want to add a cultural touch to their look,” jewellery designer Suhani Pittie told IANS.

“Indian jewellery is inspired from different parts of the country. For example, some jewellery has a south Indian touch while some are inspired from Bengal. Such jewellery is a true reflection of specific time, tribe or city,” she added.

Sonam Kapoor was seen sporting a fusion of heavy kundan necklaces and studded earrings with Western gowns at press conferences and red carpets.

Deepika Padukone also knows how to mix the East and the West. The actress has been spotted in long dazzling earrings with kundan work on many occasions.

Dressed in an off-shoulder gown, Lisa Ray recently wore a heavy gold necklace teamed up with gold earrings at the launch of her adventure show, “Oh My Gold”.

According to designer Felix Bendish, international designers are also using Indian craft techniques and jewellery in their designing.

“Today India is a global player. Not only are Indian celebrities like Sonam Kapoor, Gauri Khan and Sonali Bendre flaunting Indian accessories, you also see Indian jewellery used by international designers like Karl Lagarfield,” Bendish said.

When it comes to using heavy accessories, statement jewellery is making a strong comeback along with polki necklaces, traditional waist belts, pearls and leather cuffs.

“There are several ways of dressing up smartly. You could dress up in a formal shirt with a long polki necklace,” Pittie said.

“A long boho skirt could be styled with kundan or polki embellished bangles. A brooch can be used to pin the hair. A traditional waist belt can be worn over loose kaftans or shirts,” she said.

“A leather cuff with polki should be worn with a polki-studded necklace. Whatever be the look, your jewellery and outfit should compliment each other,” she added.

Jewellery designer Pallavi Rai said: “Indian jewellery in any form makes a statement. Long beaded necklaces strung with kundan pieces and south Indian gold beads are also a huge hit.”

“Kundan chokers and south Indian pendants also look great with plain dresses in silk and chiffon fabric. Uncut diamonds are also setting trends,” she added.

Designer Sannam Chopra said gold is the colour of the season and it looks best on long and flowy gowns.

“Metallic and clear stones are the look of the season, with gold being the colour to wear,” Chopra said.

“Indian jewellery stands out on garments that are simple yet beautifully draped. Avoid heavy embellished dresses and go for long flowy gowns and party dresses,” she added.

One can get designer jewellery within a range of Rs.1,250-Rs.6,000. One can also get classic and wooden jewellery from street markets like Janpath and Sarojini Nagar for an affordable price starting from Rs.50.

(Nivedita Sharma can be contacted at nivedita.s@ians.in)