The kurta’s coming of age

We look at the ubiquitous Indian kurta and reimagine it in today’s context

- Riaan Jacob George & Apla Shrivastava

Just a couple of years ago, the Indian fashion industry had touted the bandhgala as the country's best fashion export. Cut to 2022, where the gaze has resolutely shifted towards the humble kurta. In the last two years or so, the kurta has seen such a massive transformation with designers across the gamut reinventing and reinterpreting it. Today, we've seen the kurta represent so much more than just a piece of traditional clothing-it has evolved into a canvas of expression of sorts, for designers and wearers to spearhead multiple causes like indigenous handlooms, craftsmanship, gender fluidity and East meets West, among many others. We spoke to designers at the top of their game who offer their opinions on the kurta and how you can take this simple garment and elevate it.

THE KURTA'S 2.0 AVATAR

We got to talking about the modern transformation of the kurta We got with designer Sanjev Marwaaha, whose gorgeous kurtas have Mumbai's fashionistas raving. "Be it the disappearances of slits or moving into a shift dress-like silhouette, or ankle length kurtas that easily give loungewear vibes, the transformation of this outfit is immense and much can be written about it. The kurta being the quintessential flag bearer of gender fluidity, designers are thrilled that it breaks the bias of restrictions for clothing. This is the general direction that is being taken by the industry at large."

How to style a kurta with a sarong

1. A perfect look for a sangeet or mehndi could be a silk sarong or lungi with a Rajasthani or Gujarati bandhani-badhej kurta.

2. Tuck your kurta in at the waist to give it a fun twist.

3. Keep that ethnic statement jewellery and footwear ready and flaunt this stylish look.

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