Fasten your waist belts

Ethnic Indian wear gets a modern life with trendy waistbands, belts and sashes.

Belts have caught ethnic fashion by its waist. From sarees to suits, Indian attire is now being paired with trendy belts — be it embellished belts, beaded, or even skinny bands. Actor Shilpa Shetty wore a white stylised Tarun Tahiliani saree paired with a black obi belt at the premiere of her film The Desire at the New York City International Film Festival.

Indian designers such as Neeta Lulla and J J Valaya have also showcased sarees and suits with belts on the runways. “Shilpa looks chic. It’s very classy to wear the obi belt over a saree. It also gives a complete new look to the way traditional sarees are worn otherwise,” says designer Charu Parashar.

The aim of the innovation is to experiment and lend a feel of modernity. Designer Krishna Mehta adds, “Such innovations are frequently required, which apparently enhance the traditional look with a western touch.”

Talking about the belt styles, designer Neeta Lulla says, “Belts paired with sarees in soft fabrics, such as chiffon, crepe and georgette, are a rage these days. Depending on the style of the saree, they can be worn at the waist or even high waist belts look great too.”