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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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