It’s that super stylish weekend again… It is the great Indian Derby weekend, where the uber swish set in Mumbai are super geared to show off their fashionable selves and set high fashion style trends.
No wonder, it’s super elite, exclusive and evokes stylish images of everything fashionable. And why, not? Derby fashion amongst the rich ‘n’ famous of India’s fashion capital is not only about glossy coated stunning thoroughbreds racing to the finishing line, it’s also about high brands, top-notch styles and edgy fashion flaunted by the crème de la crème with élan. That’s where the super-rich parade their haute couture ensembles, top labels, super chic hats and snazzy glares. Fashion goals are set and trends are determined during these high voltage Derby events.
Galloping hues
Stylist Natasha Vaz who has dressed many socialites and actresses for eyeball-grabbing Derby events avers, “The Derby is indeed the playground of the very wealthy where fashion reigns supreme.”
So, what will be the trends at the grand races this time? She says, “This time ’round too, the fashion trend is super chic. There will be a lot of spring fresh hues – in terms of rose pinks, wasabi greens, fresh mint, lavender and yellow. Mustard too is rather big. Of course, pastels too are in.”
Vaz adds, “For women, spring dresses, solid hued jumpsuits, sassy separates that coordinate with the headgear and glares, and even prints and bold abstracts make their way into Derby fashion. For men, fashion is more classic and subdued, linen blazers, pastel hues and conservative shades in blues and browns are still big. Accessories like glares, ties and bows still look rather dapper. But Derby fashion is more about the women and our super stylish socialites really go all out to notch up fashion wins.”
What about shoes? “Oh definitely sky-high heels! Sometimes it is a bit unpractical but the trick here is just to hang on rather chicly to your male companion. This not only makes you look flirty and feminine, you also hang on to your balance.”
Who tops the fashion ladder at the races?
Natasha avers, “If you actually look at the famous socialites that grace the Derby, I’d pick Michelle Poonawala who many-a-times flaunts her sister-in-law Delna Poonawala’s edgy yet flirty hats. I’d also pick Tanaz Doshi. Her style is always super feminine yet edgy. Delna herself is a fab clotheshorse – she has the personality that can carry bold hues and couture ensembles with her unique hats. Amongst actresses, I’ve spotted Kangana Ranaut giving the socialites a run for their money in terms of style. She is extremely stylish and really knows how to carry off high fashion.”
So whom would she pick as her fave fashionista of the races? The stylists concurs, “My personal fave is Natasha Poonawala. I love the way she carries off her ensembles. For instance, I spotted Natasha in a sleeveless red flared jumpsuit paired with a bird’s nest hat at one of the races, and she owned the look. Even at the McDowell Derby which happened a couple of years ago, I couldn’t take my eyes off her flirty pink outfit matched with a sassy hat so Natasha for me would be the fashion diva of the races.”
Kangana Ranaut
Tanisha
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
(from left) Delna, Yohan & Michelle Poonawalla
Natasha Poonawala
Sonam Kapoor
Hats off to…
Hats turn many-a-head at the Derby. And perhaps the most famous milliner socialite is none-other than Delna Poonawala whose varied range of hats are the talk of the socialite crowd. Her inspiration, she says, are obviously the races. “I loved watching my mum 9 grand-mum get ready for the races.” But her best moment, she insists, would be when she had to flaunt a fancy hat as a child. And that’s when her love story with hats started. Delna shares, “Mingling fashion and horses is a natural and perfect union. I mention this because growing up watching this unfold made me want to bring fashion, hats and all this style that went along, right to the forefront and this was truly my inspiration behind it all.”
So who wears her hats to perfection? According to Delna, it would be Lisa Haydon who had once flaunted Delna’s dragonfly creation to perfection.
Hat rules
Since hats are the centre of attraction, here are a few trend rules to keep you head and shoulders above the rest in matters of the hat.
- If your hat has bold patterns, keep the dress design simple and in solid hues. Too much boldness can be an eye-sore.
- If the hat is simple, keep your ensemble pattern free. It will make it look elegant and classy.
- If you want to stand out and you are the bold kinds, go ahead, show off your individualistic style by flaunting bright colours and OTT hat patterns.
…So what are you waiting for now that you got the look right… just head for the Derby and gallop up the fashion ladder in your trendy ensembles and amazing hats.