Designer Jyotee Khaitan’s 2021 monsoon collection reflects moods that are flirty-fun and romantic. Asymmetrical cuts and flowy silhouettes make up the range. The collection has outfits for various occasions and in a diverse colour palette, ranging from the quintessential monsoon blue and green to the classic black and classy plum. Actress Madhumita Sarcar plays the muse in this The Telegraph special shoot at JW Marriott Kolkata.

Keeping up with the monsoon colour palette of blues and greens, Madhumita in this metallic pista green kaftan outfit cuts a relaxed and sensuous frame. The look, perfect for an intimate house party, has sequin detailing,a front slit designed upwards from the hem, a deep-cut neckline with antique gold and silver embroidery adding to the glam. Effortless fish braid, nude lips and natural make-up keep it subtle. “This outfit is perfect for a glamorous evening affair. The silhouette is soft and fluid and promises timelessness and eternal elegance,” says Jyotee.

You can never go wrong in black and bling for a party! Keep the monsoon party look glam and classy yet fuss-free in this metallic black pre-draped sari. Detailed with tassel embellishments, this one-shoulder outfit has metallic straps around the waist and on one arm, accessorising the look. The lips are highlighted in a contrast maroon and the hair is tied up into a messy bun, complementing the one-shoulder style. “Black with bling has its own fan base! Classy and stylish, this outfit allows you to bare some skin in the one-shoulder wondrous sensuous drape, making one feel like a diva,” says the designer.

Madhumita’s monsoon loves...

Do you love the monsoon?

Of course! It is one of my favourite seasons after winter.

What are your favourite monsoon memories?

My schooldays and my childhood memories. I used to come back home walking after school and most of the time I used to prefer not to take the umbrella with me so that I could get drenched. (Smiles) My mom used to scold me so much. Once she even beat me up asking me not to do this because I could fall sick, but I didn’t care.

What are your earliest memories of monsoon?

Staying in Ballygunge and facing the waterlogging! Apart from that, I used to wait for the school to announce a rainy day. (Laughs)

What is your monsoon fashion like?

Anything that is above the knees. A tunic or a frock.

Your monsoon occasion lookbook would be like...

A black churidar.

What kind of a colour palette do you keep for your monsoon looks?

I prefer darker shades because of the mud and the splashes....

What kind of accessories do you choose during this season?

I am not a great fan of accessories. I like to keep my looks simple.

What is a must in your bag while stepping out during monsoon?

I don’t carry my umbrella. Nothing monsoon-friendly really, only my car keys.

One beauty product you keep handy during monsoon...

Hair serum. I use that a lot.

What is your monsoon skincare and haircare routine like?

I take frequent showers and I apply moisturiser. I mostly follow whatever I maintain throughout the year.

Speaking of the monsoon, we can’t miss the food. What’s your rainy-day favourite?

Khichuri, dim bhaja (fried egg) and begun bhaja (fried brinjal) any day.

If you find yourself free on a rainy day, how do you like to spend it generally?

With my family. I ask my mom to cook me some khichuri and I spend my time with my brother listening to music with my headphones on. I like looking out of the window, looking at the rain... I feel nostalgic when it rains.

What are your favourite monsoon films?

Mausam, Raincoat, Jab We Met.

One person you like to spend the season with...

My mom any day.

One celebrity you would like to spend the season with...

The Korean actor Lee Min-ho. I am a great fan of his.

What can be better for a monsoon romantic date than a royal plum red dress with sassy slits?! This flowy silhouette with asymmetrical pleats along the hemline and gathered pleats in layers around the waistline is simple yet stylish with a belt adding the glitz to the subtle-glam look. For a bold and romantic look, dark maroon lips, thinly-lined eyes and middle-parted open hair are perfect. “This is a romantic and dreamy outfit. When it comes to making a standout statement, the secret is choosing an outfit that is unique and instantly noticeable. For the ladies who love red, bring out the passion in you!” says Jyotee.

Madhumita channelled an easy-to-wear monsoon style in this calf-length shirt dress. Designed with colourblock stripes on a mauve handloom fabric, the dress is styled with asymmetrical drapes below the waist and paired with a transparent raincoat, making it perfect for a monsoon daywear look. Accessorised with hoop earrings, the make-up is minimal with a messy pulled-back ponytail. “A versatile and contemporary piece like this is the real building block of your wardrobe and aids you in staying at the top of your style game,” says Jyotee.

In this season’s collection, Monsoon Love, romantic silhouettes meet contemporary and eclectic details, creating unique designs. There is a perfect play of structure and fluidity with soft pleats, asymmetrical cuts and hemlines and sensuous drapes. The silhouettes are contemporary with high-octane designs. It is a collection that transports you to a world of romantic playfulness and instils a sense of love and joy within you — Jyotee Khaitan

Pictures: Pabitra Das

Location: JW Marriott Kolkata

Hair and make-up: Suman Ganguly