V.K. SANTOSH KUMAR
It will be Deepavali this Sunday and the festive mood has hit a high as Indians in Singapore get ready to celebrate the five-day Festival of Lights.
Not only have homes been decorated and delicious treats prepared for the guests, but beautiful threads have also been picked out for the joyous occasion.
And, although the traditional Indian attire is a mainstay every Deepavali, the women are kicking it up a notch, mixing the traditional with the cool and trendy.
They pair the sari with a crop top, oversized shades and eclectic handbags, with cool kicks peeking out from under the bright and bold fabric. Yes, sari over sneakers.
“Of course, you have to look traditional when you go to the temple,” said Mrs Jessica Partibhan, owner of Aksha Weaves at Belilios Lane.
“But you can sport something trendy when you are dancing or partying. I see more of this happening when people enjoy the festival in groups. They just want to let their hair down.
“Our Deepavali collection saris now have more rose gold, copper and copper zaris (gold thread used decoratively on Indian clothing). It used to be just gold or silver.”
Make-up artist Chandni Sahu said “women are becoming more experimental”.
“They are excited to dress up, wear jewellery and look well-groomed. They prefer nude make-up, showing off their natural looks.”
Kathak dancer and teacher Shaily Badkul believes women prioritise comfort. “We want to dance and party and not let our heels slow us down. So, we wear sneakers, shoes, sunglasses... which are cool and comfortable.”
The sari, a symbol of grace and resilience, sits well with today’s women who are strong, confident and tenacious, according to Ms Anu Samtani, owner of events and entertainment company Action Reply.
“I like to express myself by being comfortable in my own shoes, combined with my own style, swag and simplicity. This Deepavali, a beautiful Jamdani sari with my favourite pair of sneakers will make me feel festive and fabulous.”
Mrs Asia Worldwide 2023 Chilakal Vijaya Durga said Deepavali is not just about lighting lamps and enjoying sweets. “It is also a time to express your individuality through your fashion choices.”
She added: “Covid prompted us to re-evaluate our priorities and reinvent ourselves and fashion trends while sticking to our roots. Fusion wear can be incredibly chic and comfortable – perfect for a long day of festivities.”
Graphics designer Shilpi Seth, who has created her own sneakers, said: “Mixing saris with sneakers is mixing style with comfort, the Western twist making the Indian outfit shine.”
Despite the “hot and bold” moves to stand out in a crowd, entrepreneur and Kamala Club president Padmaja Yerramsetty said women are now replacing extravagant and fancy jewellery pieces with subtle ones.
“They will go for whatever they feel is unique – jeans, shoes, belts and spaghetti straps with saris. But this Deepavali, less is more – delicate necklaces, small ear-studs, simple bangles. Subtle pieces of jewellery can complement your attire without upstaging your overall look. The charm lies in understated elegance.”
