Passion fruit: What makes fashion set go bananas over tropical delights...

Written By Manish D Mishra | Updated: Aug 18, 2018, 06:10 AM IST

Left to right: Priyanka Chopra wears a fruit print top; Tamannaah Bhatia sports a fruit print dress, creations by Acne Studios SS 15, Schiaparelli couture SS 16 and Altuzarra SS 16

This season, designers like Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Altuzarra and Stella Jean have presented them in bold and statement-making formats.

Fruit prints in fashion have a huge history.  Recently, Tamannah Bhatia was seen in a lemon and cherry print dress and Priyanka Chopra was spotted in a watermelon and pineapple printed T-shirt. This season, designers like Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Altuzarra and Stella Jean have presented them in bold and statement-making formats. While some may warm up to the fruit print trend, others might loathe its exuberant vibe. “I have always been a fan of the ’90s trend and fruit prints. I think, it generates a happy and a positive vibe. It’s a refreshing trend and it would be interesting to see how the fashion industry explores and experiments with this comeback. It has a cheerful vibe and it’s a fitting trend for a holiday. A dress is a very comfortable option to go with. A classic look, like matching a printed skirt with a denim shirt or white T-shirt will be well-suited for a holiday,” says designer Nikhil Thampi.

Radiate beach chic 

Designer Arpita Mehta, who has always drawn elements from nature in her offerings, seems upbeat about the popularity of fruit prints. “Fruits are a fun print and also double up as a cool embroidery motif. It instantly reminds you of a beach holiday and gives a tropical feel. The best way to wear it is in easy laidback silhouettes; such as crop tops, palazzo pants, kaftans and it can also be incorporated in the new trend of head scarfs,” says Arpita. 
Designer Rhea Pillai Rastogi seconds that. "From accessories to clothing, fruit prints can be incorporated really well in daily wear. I feel coordinated sets, summer dresses, flowy tops, swimsuits and also pants are the best way to wear these prints," says Rhea.

Mix and match

Fashion is a cycle which repeats itself in every few years with a slight variation. 
Designer Swapna Anumolu of label Mishru recalls the 18th century presence of fruit-inspired imagery. "There were waist coats being worn which are embroidered with berries. Over the past decade, they have re-emerged on the runways. They are being paired up with solids, sometimes mixing it up with other prints as well," says Swapna.

Tone it down with classics

Designer Neha Agarwal of label Agami suggests, "The best way to wear fruit prints is not to overdo the tropical vibe. Tone down the print with classics such as styling printed fruit pants with a solid white shirt, or layering a printed top with a military green bomber jacket. Moreover, you can even just add a little tropical fruit charm to your handbag, or pop your basic look with fruit accessories."