From choosing the perfect date spot to selecting the best outfit — Valentine’s Day demands meticulous planning. To help you sort the fashion situation, designer Abhishek Ray and actor-designer Chitrangada Satarupa — founders of Abhishek Ray Creations respectively and Candy’d Closet — have curated a head-to-toe look with Indo-western fit checks and purely desi options for the special day. Ready to bookmark the fashion cues?
Chitrangada Satarupa’s Indo-western lookbook
For her: I have opted for a boho vibe for the Valentine’s Day look. A flowy red or maroon-printed dress would not only make you feel comfortable, but look stylish as well. I love gold jewellery. So, I would add some chunky gold medium-sized hoops, layered with lots of thin gold neck chains and bangles. You can add a pair of black boots and a woven or jute bag to complete the look.
For him: I have kept it even more simple. An embroidered white kurta-style shirt with grey chinos and olive loafers will give an easy breezy yet semi-formal vibe. In terms of accessories, I felt a brown fanny pack would be ideal. And some wristbands would add the finishing touch.
Abhishek Ray’s Indian touch
For her: I feel not wearing anything elaborate is ideal, especially during this transition from winter to spring. Comfort should be the priority and the look should effortlessly complement you. A casual yet elegant ensemble is ideal. For the Indian look, a mulmul kurta set with a palazzo, a short kurta with a sharara or a fitted pant and a beautiful chiffon dupatta works well. If you want to dramatise it a little bit, maybe a shaded or an ombre dye chiffon sari would also look nice, paired with a sequined blouse. Keep your accessories minimal and the makeup dewy with a hint of peach eyeshadow, eyeliner and pink or nude lips. Loose beach curls and a metallic or embroidered clutch complete the look. Footwear is also about personal comfort, ranging from heels to Kolhapuri chappals and mojris. Broaches are great accessories, especially to pin the pallu.
For him: Younger individuals can opt for jeans and a T-shirt paired with a funky jacket, while a formal evening calls for a sleek dinner jacket or blazer, which could be paired with ripped jeans. When it comes to ethnic fashion for men, the choice boils down to kurta-pyjamas with a Nehru jacket. Or even a monochromatic coord set, which is Indian in nature — a short kurta with a fitted trouser. Sneakers, Kolhapuri chappals, funky open footwear are some of the options to complete the look. Since Valentine’s Day coincides with Saraswati Puja this year, I think we will get to see a lot of yellow and white as well. Saraswati Puja is called Bengalis’ Valentine’s Day after all!
— As told to Pooja Mitra