Prasad Bidapa on how to build that ethnic yet chic wardrobe

Image consultant and fashion guru Prasad Bidapa gives his tips on how to build that ethnic yet chic wardrobe.

1. The first rule while assimilating a wardrobe is to ensure that you are buying only natural fibre. Be it cotton or silk, ensure it is 100% natural.

2. Always look towards buying traditional weaves. Be it Kanchipuram, Patola, Gadag or anything else from the repository of Indian traditional weave, buying one of them would mean you are supporting a 3,000 year old tradition that makes India unique.

3. Women’s ethnic basics must include a beautiful handwoven sari, a gorgeous malmal kurta and ikat sari from Pochampalli, Patola or Orissa.

4. Men’s ethnic basics must include a beautiful kurta churidar that’s 100% cotton and styled by Raghavendra Rathore. A plain black bandhgala, styled by Rajesh Pratap Singh, is the ultimate formal wear that you can wear for a meeting with the queen at Buckingham Palace or to any formal occasion.

5. For some competitively priced ethnic Indian ensembles, Fabindia is a great place to look for Indian clothes.

6. When it comes to ethnic jewellery for women, polki (uncut) stones in traditional Indian designs make the perfect option.

7. As for the men, they can follow suit with beautiful cufflinks and kurta studs made with polki stones.

8. The ideal women’s wardrobe will include ethnic footwear, which comprises of jootis, mojris and pretty slippers.

9. Peshawari slippers, which is a combination of Indian and Pakistani culture, as made famous by Jawaharlal Nehru is a must have in a man’s wardrobe.

10. Finally, match your fragrance to your ethnic look by wearing Indian scents like khus khus, sandalwood, jasmine and rose. These are available with any itharwala.