Crazy mishmash, clashing colours, and a riot of experiments are being unveiled on the international runway. We’re talking about graphic prints on dresses, tops, shifts, jerseys et al. Surely, the new way to wear print is smart and sophisticated, but at the same time there’s a lot of fun happening there and that’s what helps make a statement. Fluid waist-less and drop-waist silhouettes, complete with cut-outs and low-slung shoulders, in mostly graphic tribal-inspired geometric prints are hot on the international fashion scene right now. These prints are slowly seeping into this summer’s high street pret lines in India as well.
Fashion designer Gayatri Khanna says, “I do a lot of digital prints too. Graphic prints are usually very noticeable and they make you stand out. So going too graphic may not be a great idea because I feel that the wearability might be limited. You could go for them in nice shifts, long maxis, or knee length dresses according to your body type. I personally love prints, and I think they are fun and give you an edge.” She cautions though: “You can wear multiple colours, but remember that stronger the print, the less the wearability.”
Fashion designer Lina Tipnis reasons that prints reflect the state of mind. “And the dyslexic prints doing the rounds on international runway reflect the designers’ thinking as well. Prints speak a lot about who you are. Personally, I don’t prefer intersecting lines; I’m an ‘art for art’s sake’ kind. In India, prints are mostly vibrant floral this season. Large diffused floral prints that create the illusion of foliage are doing really well,” she explains. And how should one wear prints? “It’s tinier prints for petite people, short skirts and a printed top for a person on the heavier side, while a tall person can go all out and wear head-to-toe prints,” advises Lina.
Designer Rimi Nayak points out that though digital print technique has been always there in India, we’re still a bit sceptical when it comes to sporting very bold prints. “Here, the prints will be embraced in tandem with our styles — not too loud. And you can strike a balance by breaking the prints with a belt or a jacket in a solid colour.”
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