Since the early 70s, nets like laces have played a crucial part in creating remarkable fashion statements. Crochet nets, laser cut nets, plain nets and textures on nets which look like permanent pleats have helped sartorial gurus create magic on classic as well as contemporary silhouettes.
Designer Neeta Lulla asserts, “Net fabrics have always been a vital element in the fashion industry. Be it pret or couture, Indian or western silhouette, net fabrics and net dresses have always been in vogue. Some trends may have been a fad, but net as a trend has always been a classic, an evergreen. In the fashion industry we have seen a variety of nets that’s been used to create all different sorts of garments.”
Elaborating about various kinds of nets that are available, designer Ridhi Arora says, “Nets can be broadly classified as bobbinet, fishnet, filet, maline or tulle. Bobbinet is a hexagonal mesh that may be very thin and transparent (bridal illusion) or fairly coarse and opaque (casement cloth), depending on the yarn count of the material used to produce it. Tulle is a fine, stiff hexagonal net made from silk or nylon yarns. It is very similar to bobbinet but lighter in weight than bridal illusion; some references do not separate bobbinet and tulle. It is generally used for trimming or over draping of dress goods. Fishnet is a coarse open-mesh construction created by knotting the mesh in a manner similar to a fisherman’s knot. And the filet net is made with a square mesh whereas maline net is used in millinery and is very fine. Earlier nets were made by hand-knotting yarns at each point of intersection to produce a specific geometric pattern. Prior to 1809, nets were made by hand but in that year a new machine produced knotted nets so it became known as hand-knotted fabrics, but only a few people could distinguish between them.”
Talking about styling a garment with nets, designer Amy Billimoria says, “Styling a net dress is really simple. Use the art/technique of layering or go for tie and dye to create various different silhouettes according to your individual taste. Or, you could also add extra nets to your garments to make a statement. By adding nets to your garment, you could flaunt from a chic look to an ultra haute stylish avatar and experiment with transparent backs, placement appliqués and flowy silhouettes.” Having the blocked sheer look in net dresses is a trend worth experimenting too, avers designer Ritika Arya Jain.
She adds, “Minimalism is in, so utilise the trend as much as you can. For a day look, wear a basic slip dress instead of going for metres and metres of fabric to drape. Bias cut silhouettes are in vogue for plus sizes and stringy slip and A-line silhouettes are ideal for slim bodies. Keep the accessorising to a bare minimum and opt for pastel coloured outfits.”
Designer Karn Malhotra adds, “Synthetic nets have evolved with lycra blends to make it stretchable and thus you can opt for those styles too. Digital printing has taken over pretty much everything and a large variety of digital printing on nets is available in the market as well. Nets not only provide a breathability quotient but can be made into structural and sculpted forms as well. Choose according to the occasion and the body type.”
Designer Zulekha Shariff agrees and suggests, “Knowing your body type is important. If you’re an apple shape, show off your legs and create an illusion at the waist; if you are blessed with a pear shape, draw attention to the top half of your body; if you’re an hourglass figure then you can pretty much wear anything and draw attention to your waist; and if you are a rectangle shape then emphasis your legs and shoulders.”
