The first week of January marks the winter derby season in the City of Joy. Every year, during this time of the year, the historic Royal Calcutta Turf Club hosts some of the most prestigious cup races and people flock to its galleries to witness the sport. Derby, historically, has never been just about the sport. Fashion has always been intrinsically associated with it, the sport being an elite-class affair in England and the European countries.
The visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Calcutta in 1912 and a second visit of the king that gave the turf club its ‘Royal’ title marked a historic moment in the history of Calcutta’s racing circuit and the Calcutta Turf Club since its establishment in 1847. The club, over the years, has witnessed the presence of renowned and regal personalities in its royal stands. Fashion has also always been a talking point of its winter derby season. Ladies and gentlemen who grace its galleries and clubhouse make a statement to this day. With the winter derby season on at RCTC, t2 chose this historic spot in the city to highlight some moods and create a fun, classic, classy and contemporary lookbook for the city’s fashionistas.
Framed in the Reserve Stand clubhouse, Diti and Jessica sported styles where English classic meets contemporary trends in the Pranati Kejriwall outfits. On Diti, camel and ice blue blazer dress in crepe and glitter organza, designed with puffed sleeves and rhinestone buckle belt. The white floral headgear completes the look.
On Jessica, a white georgette shirt with feather detailing on the shoulders and studded 3D flowers. It is paired with a sky-blue sequinned mesh skirt detailed with Swarovski-studded 3D flowers. The ribbon, statement jewellery and transparent heels keep the style quotient classy and chic.
The three posed for a mood shot at the member stand building
STYLIST SPEAK:
“Derby gives a chance to show off. For some that might mean bold, bright, floral looks and for others it’s all about elegance. When it comes to picking the perfect derby day look, the important thing to keep in mind is where you’ll be sitting. If you’re sitting outdoors, you’ll want something that is chic, fashionable and easy to wear for a day in the sun. The higher up you go in the clubhouse, the dressier the attire gets. In this lookbook, I tried to style looks that can cater to all age groups. I think playing it with colours and accessories and layering it up will do it. It’s not always necessary to sport a huge hat. We tried to show the looks with fancy headgear and silk scarves for a change and to add a contemporary touch to the looks,” said Sumit Sinha, styling pro.
HAIR AND MAKE-UP NOTES:
“We experimented with classic retro hair and make-up styles with this classic lookbook. On Diti, I have used bright red and maroon lip colour while I kept Jessica’s on a nude and pink palette. For the eyes, winged liner, sequin highlights and a nude palette highlighted the looks. Some looks were kept dewy fresh as it is a day look; to make some appear glam, I gave a glossy touch. Soft curls, gelled bun, retro buns and use of headgear highlighted the hairdo in different looks,” said Abhijit Paul, make-up pro.
Styling: Sumit Sinha
Hair and make-up: Abhijit Paul
Assisted by: Sananda Mondal Laha
Jewellery: Prism Jewelry
Location and hospitality: Royal Calcutta Turf Club