Anarkali Disco Chali !

Here in Mauritius, we all know that any holiday, be it winter or summer, means wedding season.  Usually, for any wedding, my outfit of choice is Indian wear.  While going through my wardrobe, I noticed that I have only Anarkalis as wedding wear.  The Anarkali trend has been going strong for quite a long time and it seems that it's not going anywhere anytime soon, at least in Mauritius.  It's high time we ditch those overly ornate and cumbersome Anarkalis for some interesting trends that we've been ignoring.  And if you're looking to stand out in the sea of Anarkalis, here's some ways:

• Put a jacket on it

The Indian Royalty is still remembered today for their extravagant and luxuriant style.  Most of us have definitely marveled at those age-old portraits of Mahahrajas and Maharanis, wearing jackets intricately embroided with precious stones and jewels.  For years, designers like Jean Paul Gaultier have taken inspiration from their flawless style and now, it's time for us to infuse some royalty in our wardrobes.

At the recent PFDC Bridal week in Pakistan, most desingners sent models clad in jackets down the runway.  My favourite was Misha Lakhani.  She paired sheer jackets, delicately embroided with floral motifs and sequin, with simple kalidars, velvet slips and lengha cholis to create a vintage feel.

Misha Lakhani

Sania Maskatiya

Sabyasachi

I gotta admit that these ornate jackets are not suitable for the Mauritian weather, but you can try some lightweight and shorter jackets.  Pair them with some simple tunics and you've got yourself a chic look.

Ritu Kumar

• Go the saree way

Forget about the conventional saree.  It's time to take some liberties with the saree and make it your own piece of artwork.

Take cue from Sonam and wear a jacket over your saree.

Just belt it ...

Go print crazy 

Lipstick love

Heart it!

Paparazzi

The dhoti saree is only for those willing to take a risk

• The peplum - served a l'indienne

Ever thought about wearing the peplum as part of Indian wear?  Me neither, but Sabyasachi and Anamika Khanna got me thinking.

Anamika Khanna

Sabyasachi

Pair your peplum over sparkly or richly embroided lehengas.  Or you can go a step ahead and wear it as a saree blouse.

Payal Pratap

• Flash some legs.

Flash some legs, I mean your churidar-clad legs.  Ditch those long Anarkalis and go fresh with some short and sweet suits.

• Pick some flowers

Just because sometimes floral is underestimated in Indian wear.

It's time for Anarkali to bow out.