The fashion fraternity bid goodbye to voluminous anarkalis a few seasons ago. But the retails stores that dot Patherghatti and Tolichowki narrate a different story. The knew-length and floor-flength anarkalis are turning out to be favourites among shoppers looking for an outfit for Eid. “The anarkalis are here to stay; we have a number of women in the age group of 15 to 35 picking them up. The flare is minimal, compared to the last few years. Women prefer straight cut, floor-length anarkalis,” says Azmathullah of Saheli. The bling of sequins have given way to a mix of embroidery and sequins and the net-georgette combination still holds sway. Retailers stock a few pieces in cottons and Chanderi silk. Most anarkalis sold in the retail stores in Tolichowki are sourced from Mumbai and Kolkata, with a few designed by kaarigars in the Old City.
There’s always the need to tweak an existing silhouette to prevent boredom from creeping in. “Pakistani anarkalis with a narrow flare and resham embroidery are different from the regular ones. Those who don’t want floor length anarkalis pick up the traditional Pakistani suits that have shorter, straight-cut kurtas,” says Sharif of Kashish.
While the Anarkalis are available to suit different pockets, for those willing to spend a few thousands more, there are the ‘gowns’ marketed as this year’s must have. “These gowns are styled like the western wedding gowns, mostly designed in a mix of net and georgette and come in both pastel and bright colours,” says Sharif.
The gowns are pitched as bridal must haves and priced Rs. 10,000 onwards. In the bylanes of Lad Bazaar, one would find cheaper alternatives to these gowns, priced at Rs. 4000 to 5000.
Saris designed for Eid retain their shimmer and for the younger lot, half saris are sold as alternatives to anarkalis.
Men have plenty to choose from too, largely skewed towards classic style statements that withstand fickle fashion trends. According to Mohd. Abdul Qader of Noorani Libas in Tolichowki, the younger clientele prefers sadris or waistcoats with embroidery, made from a mix of jute and cotton, while the older age groups prefer plain waistcoats. Pathan suits and sherwanis are staples.
One normally associates bling with Eid shopping but designer Ganesh Nallari differs, citing examples of his clients who have preferred understated elegance to bling. “Men can team up kurtas with patiala pants and waistcoats,” he suggests. Ganesh’s line includes kurtas with ikat waistcoats in bright tones.
