Minimalism is the it word in the world of contemporary fashion. One micro-trend that is popularly catering to this trend of minimalism is monotone. Nothing like a monotone that defines simplicity at its best. It is an easy way to create statement looks and stand out in the crowd. Koneenica Banerjee in this monotone lookbook shows the looks ranging from smart one-piece outfits to evening festive wear like draped saris:
Koneenica defines elegance in this carmine maroon pre-stitched sari from Mehek Talreja. Made of lycra, this alluring ensemble channelling drape drama is teamed with an embroidered blouse featuring intricate handwork, balancing out the monotone with a touch of festive glam. The wine lips and the hair worn open in a side-parted style with twisted waves make the look stand out.
If the solid monotone feels a little boring for your style aesthetic, opt for the ombre effect of a single colour like this flowy grey kaftan from Citrine Multidesigner Store. This simple Indo-western outfit with a touch of glam on the neckline is for a minimal style statement this Puja. The long chain danglers, wavy side-parted hair and the make-up with a natural finish are all that this simple look needs to stand out.
Fringe has been a raging fashion trend since last season. Koneenica aces the fringe style in this bright blue pleated georgette dress from Image and Style, made in a straight-fit style to embrace any body type. The pleated georgette makes it a lightweight option for an easy-breezy look this Puja, paired with a pair of comfy white sneakers. Natural make-up with blue liner on the eyes and tight curls complete the look.
“Fashion for me, now, is all about comfort. There was a time when I did fashion without keeping comfort in mind. That is when I was growing up. Now, I love kaftans, loose-fitted outfits. Now, since I have a toddler at home, even if the outfit gets crushed, it should look nice that is why I choose such fits,” said Koneenica.
Talking about Puja, she said: “As a Bengali, Puja means everything to me. Life gives us lots of stress, challenges and negativity. These four days, I feel like I am ready to fight it back. Mahalaya and these five days have always been the time to transform myself to fight the battle that life throws at me.”
Giving us a glimpse of her Puja fashion, she said: “Sari has always been my favourite since the time I started realising what Puja fashion is. But now, if someone says rather than wearing a sari, I can wear a dress, I feel more than happy. Now I don’t get time to sit and do proper make-up. Still, if I have to, I choose a Dhakai jamdani or saris that can be worn comfortably.”
Her Puja plans this year? “I think after Kiah’s birth, this is the first time we are going to spend Puja in Calcutta. We usually always travel. So, it is my duty to introduce her to Ma Durga and to let her know that the Shakti within Ma Durga is also within her, so that she can fight all the odds. She doesn’t understand everything. But I try to explain it to her in my own words,” said Koneenica.
When t2 asked her what is her Puja wish, she said: “I think my Puja wish this year is to ask Ma Durga to get rid of all the hatred in the world and bless it with peace. There is so much war going on, I wish we could live in a world where only love prevails. I know it sounds utopic but I would still like to hope for it. I wish there were no more religious hatred or abuse... we want a world where we can appreciate what we have instead of regretting and showing hatred for what we don’t have.”
“For the make-up, one needs to be careful right from the basic step, which is applying foundation. On an oil-free primer, we applied mousse and then a compact to lock it. We added the trendy cheek and lip tint to enhance the make-up. Blue solid liner and matte shadow defined Koneenica’s beautiful eyes. For evening looks, always use a dark colour lip. We used wine lipstick with nude eyeshadow and light metallic shine. For the yellow outfit, we chose a minimal make-up day look. Thin liner defined the eyes along with smudged wing drama on the eyes. This is trending. We tried to keep the looks natural in shades of beige with a dewy appeal or glow on the skin,” said Kaushik, make-up pro.
Rajat, who styled the looks, said: “Monotone complements any body type well. The cuts of the silhouettes we chose are modern and trendy with free-flowing cuts. We kept minimal accessories but statement ones. We avoided accessories on the neck. We worked around the draped sari we chose so that it looks more elegant instead of making the wearer uncomfortable with its body-hugging style.”
Make-up and styling: Kaushik and Rajat
Hair: Soma Saha
Location: Novotel Kolkata Hotel and Residences