Gown-ing glory

Not just restricted to the red carpet, gowns have now found their way to every woman’s wardrobe. Here’s why: Ever since it became the Bollywood heroine’s red carpet favourite, the gown has made its way into almost every uber chic Indian woman’s wardrobe. An easier option to the ever stylish sari, the gown has many pluses that appeal to the Indian woman – hides figure imperfections, can be worn long, or short, and most importantly, can even be paired with a churidaar depending on the occasion!How It StartedA breakaway from the lehenga-choli ensemble, a well-fitted gown can be used to pair up different looks. According to gown specialists, designer duo Nikhil and Shantanu Mehra, the Indian woman’s gown-love is pretty much newfound. “For us, it started in 2006 – when Shilpa Shetty reached the final stage of Big Brother. We had designed a gown for her. And then, we designed for her in an award show, and overnight, that became ‘wow’. It was a new opportunity for Indian women looking to replace the blouse and the lehenga, and here it was, both put together as a silhouette, in one easy-to-wear piece. And, with deft corseting, some draping and use of smart fabric, it made women look slimmer and shapelier,” says Nikhil.Why It WorksWearing a gown is much more than a fashion statement. It also carries with it some very chic advantages. Designer Neeta Lulla says a gown primarily covers all your problem areas. “Free-flowing gowns are perfect for women with a heavy bottom, since they hide flab. Choose one according to your body type (see box). This apart, in a tropical country like India, which sees a fierce summer, gowns also work as a perfect summer must-have. Even in winter, all you need to do is combine it with a pair of stockings, throw around a denim jacket and you are good to go. Finally, unlike a short dress which requires a parlour visit just before you wear it, gowns can be worn anytime – without picking up that razor.”Bridal Fascination Designer Namrata Joshipura feels the gown has caught on amazingly among Indian women mainly because it’s a ‘modified sari’, and essentially, Indian women are used to that. She says, “You’ll be surprised at the number of young brides who opt for a gown for their cocktail events. I think this trend began five or six years ago, and now, it is not just young women, but women of all age groups who opt for the gown. There was this woman who came to me saying she wanted a gown for her 25th anniversary!” An Indian gown has the added advantage of being ornately woven or adorned with embellishments for that Indian touch. “That is where we score over European brands,” adds Joshipura. Have you bought yours yve yet?Know your gownsGowns are called by different names, characterised by their stylisation and drape…Sheath: Does just that, sheaths the body tightly, is straight cut. Gotta have a damn good figure for this oneMermaid: Follows your silhouette to the mid thigh or calf and then flares out at the bottom. It is also called a fish-cut gownTrumpet: Called so as it looks like one – fitting till it flares at the knees This needs a dainty walkA-line: Characterised by a straight, pleat-less flare as it reaches the ankles. Similar to an Anarkali cutEmpire: Same as A-line, but with a raised waistline, often crush-pleated just below the breasts, to fall into a gown. A good idea for people with heavy hipsFitted: Lower waistline – followed by long skirt. The comfort-dressers’ gownDid you know?A gown was earlier known as a court dress due to its creation at royal courts. The evening gown has its origin in the 15th century. Philip the Good, the fashion-conscious ruler, ensured everyone turned up spiffy to his Burgundian court.