Key'ed in, for a chic vibe!

For the past few seasons, cutouts, crop tops and off-the-shoulder silhouettes have reigned supreme as the details du jour. But for some, that’s a lot of skin to show. A different way to flash a little flesh without going all-out cutout is to find peace with a keyhole detail. The subtle flash of skin is sexy, but not over-the-top. Show a little or show a lot — the degree is up to you. But either way, a little peek-a-boo is the way to go for the fall season. We talk to various Bengaluru based fashion designers to find out the craze behind the keyhole fashion.

Fashion designer Riya Kodali says, “The keyhole neckline trend have grabbed a lot of eyeballs. From Hollywood celebrities such as Rosamund Pike to Reese Witherspoon to Bollywood actresses such as Deepika Padukone to Anushka Sharma, everyone has welcomed this trend and this is here to stay.” Plunging necklines are a runway constant, particularly in evening-heavy collections. But this season, that super-deep V came as just a flash of skin peeking through a keyhole neckline.

Designer Yashodara Shroff says, “The main thing you have to keep in mind while wearing a keyhole neckline dress is keep the makeup to a minimal with light accessories. A satin clutch bag that complements the colour of your dress or gown will do the rest of the magic.” Some seasons there’s a whole lotta leg. Sometimes the décolletage is the ‘it’ body part. Or maybe it’s the back or a flash of midriff or the shoulders. For 2017, it’s all about the sternum. Vintage designer Sarita Mandoth says, “Keyhole neckline dresses work best with sleek and sophisticated looks like a subtly-lit gold gown or a floor-length wrap skirt.”