2016 was easily the year of many fashion revelations. If you’re a true fashionista, then you know exactly what we’re talking about—yup, the major comeback of the choker (and it seems like it’s here to stay); the chunky, almost platform-type, sandals that actually had us channeling our inner Spice Girls this summer; and what about the most recent pajama trend that had everyone feeling comfortable even outside the bedroom?
T-shirt dresses, cardigans, jackets, and over-coats—basically, doesn’t everything oversized just look absolutely remarkable? Any oversized piece can be used to layer and give that extra dramatic effect to your outfit. And if you’re wearing an oversized tee, chances are you can easily pass it on as a dress and wear it with a cute pair of sneakers for a casual lunch, or spice it up with a bold pair of heels for an evening look. 2016 was all about accentuating drama in anything and everything oversized.
[An oversized dress shirt or coat with dramatic lapels? Why not both? BG Aishwarya shows us how to rock the most trendiest look of the year. But wait, she’s a step ahead—did you catch the sneakers and knee-highs? Photos via Instagram: @ash_ravi.]
2. A ‘bomb’ bomber jacket:
This jacket became a wardrobe staple in 2016. A simply constructed design, available in various colors with embellishments, a bomber jacket can really amp your streetwear look and make you look extra chic from every angle. It’s not too late to get your hands on one of these babies and step into 2017 with style.
More commonly known as the “off-the-shoulder” trend, dresses and tops that bared the shoulders were a summer must-have! Seriously what top didn’t come with a bit of the off-the-shoulder look? This summer ‘16 trend was a happy medium between classy and edgy, and you can’t go wrong with that!
[The off-the-shoulder look comes in so many styles and BG Kamana wears two different variations above. Her looks are perfect for any spring/summer day. Won’t you agree? Photos via Instagram: @socialandstyle.]
And if these styles weren’t enough to get you through your shopping spree, add these tops to your basket:
The iconic bodysuit, perfect to pair with a skirt, high-waisted pants, and pretty much anything else you can think of.
The go-to jumper—top and bottom all-in-one. Convenient and trendy, don’t you think?
A vented top, ideal for pairing with leggings and jeans; or even with a cutesy short!
The Not-So-Basic Bottoms
1. Distressed Denim:
When it came to pants, this trend easily stole the show. Fashionistas around the world were so inspired by the distressed denim, that there are now thousands of DIY tutorials on how to rip your own pair of jeans! Distressed denims are definitely NOT a faux-pas, so go ahead and be a damsel in distress-ed jeans!
[BG Payal definitely inspires us to be damsels in distress-ed jeans with this look which is exclusively styled by @picturepayal. Photo via Instagram: @payalmua.]
2016 fashion trends saw an array of spiffy skirts. They ranged from the classic midis to puffy a-lines—but these were all trends of the past. So what new was introduced this year you ask? Do the accordion and slit skirts sound familiar? I bet they do because this spring and summer every fashionista was geared up to rock one or the other.
[Accordion skirts and ones with slits were all for the win in 2016 and check out how Kamana styled hers throughout the year. Photo via Instagram: @socialandstyle.]
Shoes, shoes, shoes
1. The Over-the-Knee Boot:
Did you think Kylie Jenner was the only one who could rock this 2016-fav with verve? Think again, because here’s our very own BG Priya giving us some serious fall/winter boot inspo.
[Over-the-knee boots can be worn in different ways, but BG Priya shows us the classic way of rocking the “it” boot this season. Photo via Instagram: @priyamooky.]
2. The Staple Sneaker:
This trend seriously picked up a lot of steam in 2016—it has literally been worn with EVERYTHING. Gone are the days when a pair of white sneakers were only worn with tracks. This year highlighted the versatility of every pair of sneakers and heightened demand! Wear them with a dress, jeans, or skirt—actually how about with your lehenga the next time you dress traditionally? We dare you!
[We can’t get enough of the signature white sneakers and neither should you. Trust us. Photo via Instagram: L: @ash_ravi; R: @socialandstyle.]
3. That Open-Toe Doe:
Need we say more?
[Fresh pedis are uber important for this fashion statement. And oh, try socks with it while you’re at it and you’ll definitely make an entrance! Photo via Instagram: @ash_ravi; @socialandstyle.]
An Attractive Accessory
1. Choker necklaces:
We know everyone from the 90s had these tucked away somewhere, all in hopes that one day this style statement would make a comeback! Well, ladies, we didn’t wait in vain because the choker necklace was 2016’s most sought-after neck piece and here’s how some of our very own BGs styled it this year:
[Chokers don’t have to be just for your western gear. Check out the ways in which these BGs have styled this iconic accessory. Photo via Instagram: @payalmua (photo in middle (left)- styling by @navedacouture; @priyamooky.]
2. Basking in bags:
Everything from backpacks to cross-bodies is fair game! Backpacks became go-to for every BG who was traveling long-haul; and a fun, glamorous crossbody is just kinda-sorta a must-have for every diva! (A special shout out to our sponsor Simitri Bags for giving us some serious fashion bag goals.)
[How do you feel about these beautiful bags? We sure love ‘em! Designer bags are courtesy of @simriti_bags. Photo via Instagram: @payalmua.]
3. Accessor-eyes:
Tune in below to see how shades just made their style statement a bit more stronger this year—pictures really speak louder than words, ladies.
[Who wants some shade when they’ve got the hottest accessory in town, shades. Photo via Instagram: @payalmua; @socialandstyle.]
As 2016 comes to an end, one thing we can assure is these fashion trends will be must-haves for the new year. But not to worry, if you missed those boxing day sales or pre-Christmas Day specials, a bit of splurging never hurt nobody. Happy New Year, fashionistas! XO
Sandeep Panesar is a legal editor, and freelance writer, based out of Toronto. She enjoys everything from the holiday season to the cold weather, and the warm beverages available in the winter months- a true Canadian, eh? When she’s not binge-watching her favorite Bollywood movies, or sipping on tea and gorging on pakoras (or Timbits), she’s keen on highlighting the pulse of community issues through her writing assignments. Sandeep is driven by her passion for fashion and writing, and uses both as catalysts to express her individuality; she’s an avid believer in the power of the word.
January 27, 2023February 1, 2023 2min readBy Sandeep Panesar
The results are in — the Pantone Color for 2023 is here — and it looks like Viva Magenta will be ruling runways, the streets, and (even) your wardrobes.
Viva Magenta is a deep shade of red, and Pantone describes it:
Brave and fearless.
It’s meant to be celebratory, and joyous, and encourage experimentation. If you were thinking of toning it down a notch with your wardrobe in 2023, it’s time to think again. It can really be your time to shine in something bright and colorful!
Aprajit Toor, Arpita Mehta, and Rahul Khanna break it down for you — what to wear, how to pair, and everything in between. Their takes on the Pantone Color for 2023 are simple but they’ll help you make a bold statement anywhere you go!
Take a look at what they have to say.
Rahul Khanna of Rohit Gandhi + Rahul Khanna:
Viva Magenta is a color that suits all skin tones. It’s a color for all occasions; women and men can both wear this color with [the] right styling. Cocktail saris, jumpsuits, and reception gowns are some great options for women whereas, for men, the color has started picking up a lot lately. Men have started experimenting with their looks and we as designers have more options for men as well. Recently, we made a custom-made silk velvet fit for Ranveer Singh in the same color. Apart from your everyday clothing, Viva Magenta is also going to be the ruling shade for the upcoming wedding season.
The best way to do Viva Magenta in your everyday wardrobe is to go top to bottom in [it]. Be it in co-ord sets or a kaftan or any comfortable outfit. It’s such a bold & beautiful color that it looks the best when it’s self on self rather than teaming it up or breaking it with another color.
Aprajita Toor:
Viva Magenta is a very powerful and empowering color that descends from the red family. It is an animated red that encourages experimentation and self-expression without restraint; an electrifying shade [that] challenges boundaries. One can easily incorporate this color by picking a statement footwear, bag, or jewelry in Viva Magenta which can be paired with neutral or monotone colored outfits.
And there you have it — three ways you can easily take a vibrant hue and turn it into something you can wear every day. Take cues from these top designers on how to wear the Pantone Color of the year and get started! We’d love to see how you style Viva Magenta!
Dolly Singh is a content creator who is from South Delhi. She earned a bachelor’s in political science from Delhi University. Singh then attended The National Institute of Fashion and Technology. She even had her own blog called “Spill the Sass.” Fashion is a true passion for Singh as she made her outfit of the day debut on Netflix’s Bhaag Beanie Bhaagon. She has even appeared on Modern Love Mumbai Edition! Singh was awarded Cosmopolitan Blogger Award in 2021 and IWM Social Media Star in 2022. Continue to learn more about Dolly Singh’s journey!
What parts of your childhood pushed you into the world of content creation?
I have always been an introverted-extrovert kind of person. During my early teens I wouldn’t speak much at home but in school I was quite the talkative showgirl. When I look back it seems so paradoxical, almost as if I suffer from a split personality. Somehow my earliest childhood memories are of my loving to be on stage. I remember when I was in the 12th grade, I cajoled my teacher to include me in a singing competition since I had never ever sung live on stage and I was persistent in my effort for over 4-5 years and eventually she gave up and she said ‘okay its your last year why don’t you go do it ‘and of course in the process I realized what a bad singer I was. But just the sheer joy of being on stage, performing to a live audience and entertaining people is what stirred me at a deeper level. I think on the other hand my reserved side allows me to study people and their nuances and store all those observations in my memory data bank which helps me create great content. I wouldn’t speak much at home, but you know when I did, it was just 2 punch lines and everybody would either laugh or get awkward. I think I always knew that I was born to entertain, and it was my destiny’s calling. I would always get jealous seeing child actors on newspapers and television and I was like ‘oh my God, I am a child, and I could be an actor, living my dream life but I’m still stuck here’.
Do you feel what you do can inspire and impact the world? Please elaborate.
Of course, I think anybody with a decent following on social media has the potential to positively impact the community. Content creators enjoy a certain reach and it’s so important to handle that responsibility meticulously and the kind of message that you’re putting out needs to be respectful of certain socially expected parameters and mindful of the basic laws of the universe. It’s better to say nothing, then to say something stupid something that is going to just bring out the worst in people or send out misleading signals. I feel like the amount of content that audiences are consuming these days can trigger positive change if it’s done in the right manner. I feel strongly about a lot of topics, and I make sure that my platform is a reflection of that in some way. With content creators as opposed to film stars and celebrities, there is a direct engagement with audiences and a more one-on-one connection and hence content creators stand at a more leveraged position to influence audiences positively. I love body positivity as a topic.
Who were your fashion icons growing up?
Any fashion events that you envisage yourself at in the future to represent the brown renaissance? I think a lot of my inspiration came from the indie pop movement of the 1900s and the 2000’s. I started watching Hollywood movies and a lot of my inspiration started coming from the Bollywood Hollywood section in glossies and I made cutouts of the media, the models, the people. Then came Disney Channel and FTV and I used to watch those when my mom was away at work. I would love to represent India at the Paris, New York and London runways and walk for Indian designers who are using sustainable fabrics and indigenous designs and helping skilled artisans make a living in India. I love Madhu Sapre, Naomi Campbell, Tyra Banks, Cindy Crawford.
As you started a style blog in college, what were some of your favorite pieces of clothing in your early years?
Yeah, it was called Spill The Sass. I love blogging on T-shirts because there are so many ways that you could style a basic white T-shirt. Another blog I enjoyed back in the day was 5 ways to style maxi skirts. If I had to choose two pieces of clothing it would be a T-shirt and jeans!
How has your style evolved over the years?
It’s evolved from minimalistic and pocket friendly to being experimental and qualitative. The more I visited fashion weeks and events, the greater I experimented with outfit ideas that I curated personally. Over the years, I’ve started leaning more towards keeping it classy, chic and comfortable.
Tell us about your favorite online character since you make a bunch of them?
My favorite online character of mine would be Raju Ki Mummy because it’s based on my own mother.
If you could collaborate with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
I would love to collaborate with Jenna Marbles. I love her to death. I discovered her few years ago and I would love to meet her in person. I mean she’s just a person who if I meet, I will just start sobbing like a child.
Have you faced adversity in your field? How have you risen from it?
Adversities are just an everyday fact of life but I like to believe my dreams and goals are bigger than my fears and setbacks. I know at the end of the day I want to be something; I want to give back and quitting isn’t the solution. Every time I face a creative block, I just tell myself this ‘get up and get to work, there are many who look up to you, you can’t disappoint them’. Also, the support from family, friends is nothing less than therapeutic especially when you’re having that typical bad day. I run towards therapy when I hit rock bottom, which happens quite often. We often feel burnt out, exhausted, tired, and just sad. I’ve been taking therapy for the last two years. It’s been beneficial. I’m not saying all my problems have vanished; that’s not how it works. It’s a continuous journey and a continuous process, but I think therapy is my mantra.
You recently turned into an entrepreneur with your own line of candles. Tell us more on what drove this decision and are there any other lifestyle products you will be launching?
As a creator I think it’s just natural to want to extend your brand trajectory to newer realms and not be stagnant in your growth path. It’s hard to gauge the shelf life of any creator considering there is stiff competition and there will be a sense of redundancy that seeps into the algorithm at some point. It’s always beneficial to expand your forte and explore multiple revenue streams is what I’ve gathered from so many interactions I’ve had with my industry peers over the past few years. There were many opportunities where people wanted to create merchandise of mine or partner on a fashion and accessory line but I wasn’t very mentally ready given my hectic schedules. I was a customer of Rad Living and after the pandemic I went into this zone of binge buying so much self-care stuff and you know candles was one of them. So when this came about I think I was ready to experiment and expand and was looking for an avenue to invest my energies on something enjoyable. I had already made a content piece on candles before this offer came my way so I had a list of quirky candle names, taglines for fragrances, matching the fragrance notes with the names. I think with this inning the whole ‘Creator’ part to me really came to use here as well and that’s what was exciting about this and it was funny because it was such ‘a life comes to a full circle’ moment for me. My mom was into candle making because Nainital at that point was known for its candles and she used to make such variety of candles, 100s of types of candles and all my life I mean the first 16-17 years of my life I’ve just seen my mom make candles at home and our house were full of wax and everything was just candles. My father used to sell candles and it was my family business. Let’s just say that I’m taking forward the family legacy and I’m very excited to go home and to my father’s shop in Nainital and put my candles there and sell them!
Will there be any lifestyle products you’ll be launching?
I was so nervous about this candle launch as I never wanted to mislead my audiences and have them indulge in something that’s mediocre. I really invested my heart and soul in this venture, and thankfully the response has been beyond phenomenal. Courtesy all the good word of mouth publicity, I’m thinking of maybe launching my own beauty and fashion line in about 2 years!
What have been your favorite content pieces that have you worked on this far?
I love most of my content pieces as I’m very particular about each one of them so it’s hard to pick a favorite. One of them is a mini film called Aunty Prem Hai and it’s about an orthodox lady finding out that her nephew is queer from his ex-boyfriend, and this is a first time reveal since the nephew has never come out of the closet. There’s also this series called How Aunties Talk About Sex, and I’ve given a twist to how old-timer desi Indians broach the topic of sex based on how I’ve seen my mother interact with her friends, post dinner conversations amongst relatives, and how it’s more like a taboo.
What are your favorite social media trends?
Anything that emits positivity and gratitude. It’s important that social media trends invoke a sense of intellectual enhancement. Anything that kind of teaches you something that enriches your existence or makes you want to live life more wholesomely. I also enjoy throwback trends, something to do with special memories and nostalgia, because I feel old school is always timeless.
Do you feel people are so trapped in social media that they forget about the world around them outside of their laptops, phones, and tablets?
Yes. Personally it’s been a task for me to get detached from technology and balance the real and the reel. In the last couple of years, I have consciously cut down on my screen time, even though it’s all work and no play for me. Social media is so omnipresent and it’s sometimes scary to see this crazy social media obsession where people forget there’s a real world out there with real people and you need to forge real connections that are deeply rooted in authentic exchanges. It’s scarier to see how social media trends have now become rules to live by for a more meaningful existence for many when on the contrary that shouldn’t be the case.
It’s a word that invokes a sense of pride in me because for me it’s all about being innovative, authentic and self-made. Influencer on the other hand is something that doesn’t resonate with me because there’s no real job description. I’ve always maintained my stand of not being an influencer as I create content and make a living out of being creative and curating an audience for myself over the years.
As you’ve worked with Priyanka Chopra, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Aayushmann Khurrana, and others do you hope to be more involved in Bollywood? Tell us about your acting projects.
Of course, I would love to be more involved in the film industry not just in India but globally too. I think there is so much scope for the South Asian community to make a mark in world cinema and it’s time we pick up more Oscars and Grammy’s in the coming times. Anyone who is a creator is also a film star at heart. 90% of creators who make sketches and skits are facing the camera 24×7, making original content, improvising on scripts and all of that stems from that innate ability to be great performers who can keep an audience engaged. I would love to someday have my own podcast where I interview film personalities and get into their skin. I love the dance and song sequences in Bollywood films, and I think I’d be great doing that as well! I’d love to see how I can get out of my comfort zone and do something that doesn’t directly relate to my online alias in the future. I got a lot of offers during the lockdown and shot for a film in 2022 which sees me in a leading role and I’m excited for it to launch later this year. I’m working on some writing projects as I would love to script a documentary or a short film.
Lastly, what do you hope to take away from this interview with Brown Girl Magazine?
I think the questions have been great. The questions have been answered in a way that I feel so confident about myself right now, and I feel so proud about myself and that says a lot. I would like to thank Brown Girl Magazine for taking time out to interview me. I hope this inspires the brown community across the world!
South Asian fashion is nearly always associated with color, glitz, and ornate designs. From embellished bridal wear, weighing as much as the bride herself, to brightly colored sarees, Indian craft and hand embroidery is hard to miss — except when it’s showing up in non-Indian clothing.
South Asian artisans, also known as ‘karigars,’ are the unnamed force behind a designer’s vision. They often reside in rural parts of the Subcontinent and have gathered skill, creativity, and knowledge over generations. During my travels this year, for the launch of my fashion brand Chaa Latte, I witnessed artisans train from as young as seven years old, mastering embroidery techniques by the time they’re in their teens. Crouched over a table in a dimly-lit room, these artisans work tirelessly to adorn yards of fabric with beautiful beads and sequins, or weave glistening gold yarn into silk and cotton with sometimes nothing more than their memory to guide the motif. Some of them have little to no education and have never stepped outside of their village. Yet, hand them thread and a needle and they are among the best embroiderers in the world.
Is Indian hand embroidery as prolific as French lace? I would argue yes, and maybe even more, but without the fame. Established brands and their collections have stood on the craft of these rural artisans for decades but have rarely given credit. Only few Western designers, such as Dries Van Noten and Isabel Marant, proudly celebrate their relationship with Indian craftspeople. Perhaps because of this nearly silent partnership, a label that says “Made in India” or “Made in Bangladesh” does not equate to beautiful, luxurious work — rather, the complete opposite. Fast fashion may be one output, but the true strength of South Asia lies in centuries of incredibly intricate, slow, and artisanal processes.
In a Times of India article, David Abraham of Abraham & Thakore — a well-regarded Indian label — eloquently says that we must recognize the fact that India is one of the very few countries left that can still produce small lot, labor intensive, highly-skilled craft and textiles.
He adds, “And that is the true luxury in a world of growing mass consumerism and an antidote to the very real threats of environmental pollution, global warming and a growing understanding that we need to buy less, pay more for fashion that is more timeless, classic and responsible.”
South Asia’s fashion identity is at a crossroads, and it’s up to designers, especially the younger generation, to build brands that showcase the luxury and painstaking craft of South Asian embroidery, weaving, and the various other hand techniques mastered over centuries. I launched my fashion brand, Chaa Latte, late last year because I believe the true beauty of South Asian fashion is in the subtle, intricate craft and this simply isn’t accessible to North Americans in a way that fits their lifestyle seamlessly. I was set on designing modern pieces for people of all backgrounds, who have a love for art in the form of fashion and have an eye for unique detail.
My first collection encompasses some of my favorite techniques and textiles from India and Bangladesh, including mirror work and silk handloom sarees. The detailing is balanced with simple silhouettes and a neutral color palette. I am now working on my second collection, which will be released in Spring/Summer of 2023.
Like me, many young designers are tapping into their unique heritage to draw inspiration and bring attention to the Western world. I had the pleasure of speaking to two fellow South Asian designers who are making a mark on the US fashion industry, while highlighting their love for South Asian craft. When asked about the role of traditional textiles and techniques in their work, Niharika of Tega Collective responds:
With each collection our designs are co-created with a specific indigenous community highlighting their traditional colors, patterns and natural symbols. Every region in the world has incredible biodiversity so we focus on championing native fibers in South Asia like Khadi (indigenous cotton) and Eri (peace) silk originating from Assam, India.
In a separate conversation with designer Sana Khan Patel, from Aara by Sana, she tells us how she was inspired to start her line:
When a family wedding took me back to my hometown of Lahore, Pakistan, after a long 18 years, I was blown away by the level of skill I saw in the gullys (streets) of Lahore. From fabric dyeing to intricate beading to the quality of tailoring, they did it all so effortlessly and with so much pride. I quickly realized that the artisans simply want to create art but unfortunately, in most cases they are overworked, underpaid and treated extremely poorly. I immediately knew that I wanted to work with and learn from these OG’s as much as I wanted to put them in a position of providing for their families.
It’s the hope that this recognition from up-and-coming brands, like Chaa Latte, will shed light into how much South Asia is truly lending to global luxury fashion and the rich history that makes these art forms unique to our countries.
[An oversized dress shirt or coat with dramatic lapels? Why not both? BG Aishwarya shows us how to rock the most trendiest look of the year. But wait, she’s a step ahead—did you catch the sneakers and knee-highs? Photos via Instagram: @ash_ravi.]
[Photo via Instagram: @ash_ravi.]
[The off-the-shoulder look comes in so many styles and BG Kamana wears two different variations above. Her looks are perfect for any spring/summer day. Won’t you agree? Photos via Instagram: @socialandstyle.]
[BG Payal definitely inspires us to be damsels in distress-ed jeans with this look which is exclusively styled by @picturepayal. Photo via Instagram: @payalmua.]
[Accordion skirts and ones with slits were all for the win in 2016 and check out how Kamana styled hers throughout the year. Photo via Instagram: @socialandstyle.]
[Over-the-knee boots can be worn in different ways, but BG Priya shows us the classic way of rocking the “it” boot this season. Photo via Instagram: @priyamooky.]
[We can’t get enough of the signature white sneakers and neither should you. Trust us. Photo via Instagram: L: @ash_ravi; R: @socialandstyle.]
[Fresh pedis are uber important for this fashion statement. And oh, try socks with it while you’re at it and you’ll definitely make an entrance! Photo via Instagram: @ash_ravi; @socialandstyle.]
[Chokers don’t have to be just for your western gear. Check out the ways in which these BGs have styled this iconic accessory. Photo via Instagram: @payalmua (photo in middle (left)- styling by @navedacouture; @priyamooky.]
[How do you feel about these beautiful bags? We sure love ‘em! Designer bags are courtesy of @simriti_bags. Photo via Instagram: @payalmua.]
[Who wants some shade when they’ve got the hottest accessory in town, shades. Photo via Instagram: @payalmua; @socialandstyle.]
Sandeep Panesar is a legal editor, and freelance writer, based out of Toronto. She enjoys everything from the holiday season to the cold weather, and the warm beverages available in the winter months- a true Canadian, eh? When she’s not binge-watching her favorite Bollywood movies, or sipping on tea and gorging on pakoras (or Timbits), she’s keen on highlighting the pulse of community issues through her writing assignments. Sandeep is driven by her passion for fashion and writing, and uses both as catalysts to express her individuality; she’s an avid believer in the power of the word.
