Nothing beats the sartorial choice of denim-wear for the autumn-winter months — a perfect synergy of style and comfort. Starting from jackets and shirts to dresses, denim dominates every wardrobe during the winter months and continues well up to spring. But denims are no longer about skinny jeans and structured winter jackets. A look at the pre-fall collections and spring/summer’22 runway styles demonstrate denim being explored in various silhouette styles by designers for their pret, diffusion and even couture lines. From the ’90s wide-legged pants, patchwork detailing, coloured and patterned designs to light breathable fabrics, the exploration with denim suggests a sort of revival. The Telegraph creates a lookbook to show how to style your denim looks differently this season.
Sana posed for a lean look in this Mandarin-collared ankle-length outfit from Veera Wear, styled with a belt around the waist and stylised sleeves. Ankle-length white boots, the hair pulled back into a neat pony and pink lips complete the fuss-free, comfy winter look.
Priyanshu complements the frame and Sana’s full blue denim look with a Diseno oversized, colourful denim jacket designed with neon geometric and doodle prints. The white hat and shades as accessories add a cool vibe to the look.
DESIGNERSPEAK: “Denim was our fabric of choice since it’s so versatile. Whether used for a dress or a jumpsuit, it adds that instant spark to an outfit. We wanted to move away from a basic button-up denim dress, so while creating this we knew we wanted some drama hence the bell sleeves and collar that add an oomph and classic-chic touch to the look,” said Rashpreet Sandhu and Vinita Ahuja, designers, Veera Wear. “The Vistosa jacket is our vision of wildness and free spirit,” said Disha Rawtani, designer, Diseno.
Sana sported an edgy and easy-breezy look in this statement masterji skirt and top from Doh Tak Keh made with the sustainable and breathable light, cotton handwoven denim. The skirt, detailed with cuts and patches in the shape of collars and pockets, add a quirky touch to the outfit. Apt for a lunch date or travel look, the outfit is paired with comfy sneakers. Braided locks with the rest of the hair worn open, blue-grey eyes and pink lips complement the casual look.
DESIGNERSPEAK: “Our 100 per cent cotton handwoven denim for this outfit is woven by a cluster of weavers in West Bengal,” said Juhi Melwani, designer, Doh Tak Keh.
An amalgamation of cool, sporty and classy styles, the frame captures the versatility of denim. Priyanshu channelled a relaxed vibe in the Kanika Goyal distressed cut-and-sew barrel-fit denim pants with side pockets and zip detail, paired with distressed denim shacket with Alstro cluster patch applique on the back (inset).
On Sana, a Kanika Goyal black distressed boxy denim dress with colourful graphic screen print and fringe detailing, perfect for an effortless day look. The hairstyle is set in a wet look and worn open, with complementing pink lips.
Madhurima posed for a classy style in the Diksha Khanna sari that seamlessly blends the love for denim and saris. The ivory linen fringe sari detailed with leftover scrap yarns is paired with a baggy top and is perfect for the spring-summer wardrobe too. The hair is set wet and tied partially.
DESIGNERSPEAK: “Denim is a way of life. It ages well with you and feels like your second skin! Nothing takes you from office to weekend better than denim — the ultimate classic, it’s been reworked for ages and still remains true to style. Our collections include unusual placement for typography, curiously shaped sleeves, and offbeat cut-out denims. The colours draw inspiration from dawn, enabling a vibrant mood board, tactile patchwork of fabrics and contrasting details. Asymmetrical hemlines, playful pleats, euphoric embellishments and contrasting colours meld together in unexpected ways,” said Kanika Goyal, designer.
“The leftover scrap yarns were dip dyed and used to create unique fringe patterns to depict motion with tranquillity,” said Diksha Khanna, designer.
Wide-legged pants are back in fashion. On Madhurima, a colourful and artistic gradient design on a pair of bootcut black denims from Saroj Jalan paired with a black short poncho-style or cape-style top with zipper detailing for a smart-chic look. To complement the look, the hair is tied into a pony and the make-up is kept neutral in shades of pink.
DESIGNERSPEAK: “I last saw the bootcut jeans having their true heyday during the ’90s, amid the low-rise jeans phase, but gaining momentum again this year, the iconic look is to update itself. In the midst of this denim mania an undeniable thirst for a true bootcut rushed in me. The artwork of S.H. Raza deeply influenced me with its rich vibrancy and multiplicity of colourfulness to work and forge on an artistic geometric-patterned bootcut denim. Black denim base layered with colourful beadwork handcrafted in gradation on net, I try to create the denim classic back but with modern extra flare at the hem and vibrant colour gradation pattern. The black circular pattern at the side seam is highlighted with fray touch on the circumference. Bootcut jeans is definitely an appetite this year,” said Saroj Jalan.
Denim is not only about the cool and casual styles but is also great for ethnic and elegant looks. Let your denim love spill over to your Indian and Indo-western wardrobe too. On Priyanshu, a SVA by Sonam and Paras Modi denim-on-denim printed bundi teamed with a denim kurta set. On Madhurima, a denim jacket with print and embellishments complementing a textured top and draped skirt.
DESIGNERSPEAK: “Denim is widely used to create jackets and jeans. We at SVA wanted to reinvent the use of denim and adapt it in Indian wear, while maintaining the essence of the fabric and adding on prints and textures. It works for numerous silhouettes and is a great fabric for structured looks as well. We have widely used denim to create lehngas , sherwanis, shararas, and dresses,” said Sonam Modi, designer, SVA By Sonam and Paras Modi.
“We have tried to keep the looks natural with neutral palettes and a hint of gloss. The hairstyle was set wet and mostly worn open. As sunglasses were used as accessories, much was not needed for the eye make-up. Denim outfits are very easy-going and has a class of its own , so much make-up is not required. The pink complements the blue and black shades of the denim outfits,” said Mainak Das, make-up and hair pro.
“I think denims are transeasonal. One doesn’t think of denims as jeans only, any more. From jackets to couture, there have been plenty reincarnations of this humble textile. I wanted to show the versatility of this key fabric that is loved by one and all, specially during winters. So, we put together dresses, and saris, a denim-on-denim look, oversized jackets, and Indianwear styles, all in denim,” said Chikky Goenka, stylist.
CHIKKY ON HOW TO WEAR YOUR DENIMS RIGHT
• Denim-on-denim is evergreen. Try oversized denims for a change.
• Experiment with colours and different denim wash. My personal favourite is white, black and green denims, besides the blue. Pop-colour denims can elevate the whole look.
• Try sustainable denim options. Refurbish/ DIY your old pairs of jeans or jackets by adding embroideries, patches, applique, or painting.
• Think beyond just jackets. Try to incorporate indianwear in denim for a more contemporary look. Like boys can pair kurtas with ripped denims and sneakers, or add a denim jacket over crop top and lehnga for a winter mehendi party. It’s a versatile piece, so one should have fun with layering.
• The industry is still looking for unique ways of using and wearing denims. Opt for Tencel, a sustainable fabric that gives you a denim look, and is super light to wear, especially for Indian summers.
Pictures: Pabitra Das
Styling: Chikky Goenka
Hair and make-up: Mainak Das
Models: Priyanshu Thakur, Sana Khan, Madhurima Basak
Location: AltAir Boutique Hotel