When it rains, many things happen. Indian art and literature have been a celebration of the rains in so many ways.
In Kalidasa’s Meghadootam, the raincloud is a messenger of love. Radha and Krishna’s love story is set against the backdrop of rainclouds. Krishna, the lover-god, himself as dark as sensuous as a cloud, is often explicitly compared to one. Poetry, photography and cinema have borne great tributes to rain. Gene Kelly singing in the rain remains an icon on the big screen. So does the umbrella that tops the heads of Raj Kapoor and Nargis as they sing ‘Pyaar hua ikrar hua hai..,’ in Shree 420.
When the rain is not damaging, it brings romance and an erotic charge to the air. And a revival of life and hope. Remember Apu and Durga in Pather Panchali, rushing into the rain? Durga is awakening into youth.
One feels an irresistible urge to blend with the rain. But a crucial question remains: What does one wear?
Designer Abhishek Dutta’s (in picture) monsoon collection has some answers. Monsoon’s shades ask to be repeated. Raindrops make colours soothing yet iridescent.
Dutta says that your wardrobe should take off from the rain colours but reflect a brighter colour palette to lift your mood: canary, tangerine, aqua blues, teal, raspberry, cobalt blue, scarlet and peachish pink.
As for fabrics, linen and cotton get wet or damp easily; it’s not the best time of the year to wear these. “So opt for blends of rayon, lycra and polyester,” advises Dutta.
Lengths of what you wear, especially the bottoms, should be manageable. “Go for several styles of capris, culottes and calf-length skirts,” says the designer.
Asymmetry is still a trend. “So long and short asymmetrical kurtas or dresses work perfectly.” Nice florals and bird prints are really working this monsoon, adds Dutta.
Evening wear can be relaxed, yet glamorous, with thigh-high slits.
Acrylic accessories work perfect in this season. Interesting PVC boots and belts complete the look.
When you are going out, to beat the rains, please convert your thigh-high PVC boots into a style statement.
• Models: Rusha Ghosh, Runa Laha
• Make-up and hair: Priyanka Jaiin
• Styling: Sumit Sinha
• Jewellery: Sakshi Jhunjhunwala
• Shoot co-ordinator: Avishek Arora
• Photographer: Baban Mukherjee
Location: Novotel Kolkata and Residences
