Republic Day is an occasion when we all try to replicate tri-colour through ethnic costumes. But how about adding some fusion touch to your patriotic fashion?

Delhi based designer Kanika Sharma gives out some tips to flaunt your fashionable side without repeating the old formula.

“A one on one tone orange kurta with matching bottoms can be paired with a green dupatta and accessories with white embellished juttis. Plus, the dupatta and co – ord set can be worn separately for different occasions.

“You can wear the co-ord kurta set for just stepping out for errands, and the dupatta can be worn as a scarf over a formal outfit and clipped with a belt at the waist. The kurta also can be teamed up with a pair of jeans, to give it a casual indie look,” she told Opoyi.

For a more formal setting, she suggests a kaftan with wide-legged bottoms.

“It can be further elevated with high heels, and a nice long flowy jacket,” she said and added that one can try out Chanderi Kurta with pants and Green Ghera Dupatta for Republic Day.

“Quite authentic with its colours, it can be worn as separates,” she said.

Designer Kriti Kanodia, the founder of Kallisto shoes, says that fashion has always echoed the times and the pandemic has called for a more sustainable and minimalistic approach to fashion.

“With the ‘vocal for local’ slogan becoming a rage, consumers now prefer to invest in unique designs which they can use in different ways as against buying something generic and mass-produced.

“Be it embroidery or tie and dye or weaving, homegrown designers are actually going back to basics to bring back the artistry and the concept of ‘handcrafted’ which is valued so deeply in the western countries,” she told Opoyi.

Kanodia says that social gatherings have become a niche affair.

“…hence one is not bound by the traditional rules – for example, associating embroidery or florals with festive outfits alone. Something as simple as a pair of bright embroidered slingbacks with a summer dress or a pair of velvet embroidered mules for a brunch party could uplift your style quotient while infusing that Indian-ness without really emphasising it,” she said.

A modern take on oxfords with a printed upper could replace traditional blacks for a quick trip to the office while also being worn for a short holiday or travel, she said.