Trend-o-meter 2013

3D effect

Prints took a leap and flowers bloomed in an enhanced 3D savvy format. “3D appliqué has enough X-factor to turn a regular dress into a gorgeous attire. This year, they did the task with panache,” attests designer Anjali Sharma.

Laser Cut

An eye for detail with an element of sophistication, laser cut was high on demand among fashionistas this year. “Fine craftmanship and elegance in design is something that worked in laser cut’s favour,” says designer Abhishek Dutta.

Funky prints

The quirky side of fashion came to the fore with funky prints. Bank note inspired designs, chess, Chinese cosmology, the animal kingdom, classic Hollywood glamour, pop icons — all were churned out from the print factory. “Going abstract with a vengeance, and finding a graphic connect defined the fashion fever of contemporary times,” says Mandira Wirk

Neon-sense

The 2013 shade card strictly read the colour riot act! “A date with bright side of fashion was prescribed and this translated to a neon rage that erupted in the summer of 2013 and continues to grow stronger even beyond the fall season,” declares Anita Dongre.

Mullet

The long and short of things returned to fashion centre stage with mullet dresses and skirts. While the frontal hemline went under the scissor, things remained elongated at the back. “Spot them as red carpet glamour or ramp glory, mullet dresses made their presence felt throughout the 2013 diary,” says Gaviin Miguel.

Jumpsuits

After making a consistent casual connect, in 2013 jumpsuits redesigned its story in a classy format. “A little drama was created to take a simple jumpsuit to diva-esque heights. A stunning belt, different colours, bold prints and metal detailing were a huge hit. Fluid fabrics with plunging necklines, bare backs, halter-necks made things further sensual in this segment,” points out designer Urvashi Kaur.

Peplum

Very ladylike and haute too! Peplum was granted the “most favoured trend” status and it lived up to its full glory. In Shantanu Goenka’s words,  “This waist enhancer was not just a toast of the cocktail dress, it made quite a fashion statement on casual mode too.”

Sheers & Laces

Fashion revelled in sheer delight in 2013. Like never before, if we may add. “Keeping things transparent was a high point of all seasons, including A/W ’13,” says designer Harsh Gupta. The maximum impact was seen on gowns, shirts and maxis as sensuality took a “dare to bare plunge” in 2013.

Pencil Skirt

Since clean silhouettes were trending this year, pencil skirts fitted the bill aptly. “The streamline pencil skirt freshened up with bold block colours, punchy prints and interesting textures such as sequin, lace and leather,” recalls Namrata Gupta. So with the slim version of the skirt was perfect for work mode; and with a halter neck in silk or satin, a chiffon sleeveless top tucked in and belted, it made a pretty picture while on a night-out.