Denim blooms

Comfortable, utilitarian, long lasting and stylish — denim has always topped our list for being the go-to silhouette. From torn, flared, fitted and slouchy, we have been a witness to some of the biggest denim trends over the years. But this season, it isn’t about which style of jeans you wear but how they’re embellished — namely, with cool embroidery. Intricately stitched denim has popped up on the runways and on some of Hollywood and Bollywood’s coolest style stars. So whether you’re drawn to flora, fauna or quirky abstract prints, embroidery will surely add a little something extra to the denim styles you already love.

“Denim has ruled the world of fashion since its inception. A favourite among global and national fashionistas, this particular throwback style has never felt more right, right now,” says designer Ashish Soni. He adds, “Denim customisation with cool embroideries along with the rise of bespoke monograms and personalised patches, has taken hold of every cuff, collar and back pocket worth its grommet and buttonhole. It was a hit in the 60s and I am glad to see it making fashionable wave now.”

Designer Jyoti Sachdev Iyer, on the other hand, shares that the best part about a hand-embroidered garment is the fact that every hand-embroidered piece is different — each one with its own riddle waiting to be solved as you go along. She explains, “Hand embroidery, I feel, is the ultimate antidote to huge mass-production and cheaply manufactured stuff. And I am glad that our beloved denim is getting roped in by this hand-made technique. A hand-embroidered  garment gets incredible attention and care, and there’s a personality to it that you can never get with a machine. It’s personal, it takes time, and it’s done by hand, with a charming yesteryear feel of uneven stitching.”

About how to wear an embroidred jeans, Ashish shares, “The key is in the balancing. It is best that you pair your floral embroidered jeans with a simple white or black basic tee and neutral coloured flats or booties. No matter how much the toddler inside you wants to wear all of the flashy items in your closet at the same time… balance.”

Whereas Jyoti suggests, “You can go for several failsafe options. You can also try and channel two trends together — lace and denim, boho chic and denim, as stylish evening ensembles. Floral embroidery goes hand in hand with the ’70s inspired lace up detailing, so pick up a white lacy bodysuit and finish off the outfit with a lace up ballet flat or go for floral embroidered jeans with a floaty white blouse and fringed ankle boots. Finish off your look with a layered necklace to achieve the perfect ’70s inspired look. A black polo neck, bomber jacket paired with embroidered denim will let your jeans be the focal piece. And if you are bold enough, then go all out and add a statement colour pop blouse to your denim look. Just add fringed sandals and you’re good to go.”