Vibrant Fusion: Decoding the Indian-Western Aesthetic of Alia Bhat in 2 States 

In the film “Two States”, Alia Bhatt’s distinctive style, envisioned by the renowned designer Manish Malhotra, captures the essence of an Indian Bohemian blend, teeming with vibrancy and panache. Malhotra, with his impeccable sense of fashion, intricately marries three primary clothing elements: long flowy skirts, kurtis, and saris, creating a seamless fusion of Indo-Western attire. The accessorising plays a crucial role, with standout traditional Indian accessories enhancing the outfits’ allure.

Skirts:

During the college phase of the protagonists Krish and Ananya, the character Ananya, portrayed by Alia, elegantly adorns herself in striking, vibrant long skirts. These skirts often bear a singular dominant colour enhanced by subtle Indian patterns, embodying the Indian fusion aesthetic Malhotra envisioned. Ananya’s palette gravitates towards peacock blues, earthy browns, and touches of black and red. These skirts are typically paired with vibrant half-sleeved t-shirts, predominantly in shades of pink, red, yellow, and blue. A notable addition by Malhotra is the denim sleeveless jacket, frequently featured in Ananya’s outfits. This contemporary touch infuses a modern Desi flair into her ensemble, making it a fashionable statement for the sultry Indian summers.

Kurtis:

Manish Malhotra masterfully reintroduced the quintessential kurti in “Two States”, lending it a chic, sophisticated charm. Alia Bhatt’s portrayal dons these vibrant kurtis, showcasing how contemporary they can appear when paired with jeans or vivid leggings, churidars, and Patiala pants. The colour palette prominently featured radiant greens with pink accents, deep blues, purples, and vibrant pinks. These cotton kurtis, imbued with playful hues, exude a breezy, light-hearted aura, perfect for daily wear. Many might hesitate embracing traditional wear, citing discomfort, yet Malhotra’s creations in the film seem effortlessly comfortable and incredibly stylish. His ability to transform conventional Indian wear into appealing, flirtatious ensembles is commendable.

A standout look for many was the sublime powder blue kurti paired with jeans, a sleeveless denim jacket, and oxidised jhumkas – a blend that epitomises contemporary elegance.

Saris:

Saris, timeless and elegant, get a refreshing makeover in the film. Although some might confess to never having donned a sari, the film might stir an eagerness to try one. Alia Bhatt’s character is adorned in vibrant saris that exhibit Malhotra’s flair for colour blocking, infusing a spirited vibe to this traditional attire. A particularly captivating ensemble was the sari paired with a pale blue blouse, accentuated by bright orange and lime green borders. Malhotra’s adept use of colours elevates the traditional sari, making it a radiant, glamour-packed vision on screen.

In essence, if you’re someone who’s drawn to the Indian-Western fusion aesthetic or simply wishes to dip your toes into this vibrant style, there are some key pointers to remember. First and foremost, embrace colours with fervour! Your wardrobe should gleam with a medley of vivacious pinks, oranges, blues, greens, and reds. When dressing up, think of creating a harmonious symphony of colours that’s as expressive as it is refined.

Invest in a couple of distinct flowy skirts showcasing varying patterns and shades. A solid-coloured skirt serves as an ideal canvas, offering flexibility to experiment with tops in varying hues and designs.

For a casual, relaxed vibe, denim jeans coupled with breezy kurtis is a fail-proof combo. Throw on a denim jacket with rolled-up sleeves to elevate the ensemble. For those leaning towards a more polished, corporate aesthetic, team vibrant kurtis with sleek cigarette pants.

Comfort is paramount! Aim for a style that’s both chic and practical, making cotton your best friend to ward off any discomfort.

Saris present a canvas for colour-blocking. Pairing contrasting blouses with the sari not only ups the chic quotient but also infuses an element of playful allure.

Accessories play a pivotal role in completing the fusion look. From enchanting jhumkas and oxidised earrings to vivid scarves and traditional-inspired rings – the options are aplenty. Embrace silver or gold bangles, ornate kadas, and statement necklaces to round off the look.

In regions where monochromes dominate, introducing vibrant fusion elements can be a refreshing change. In India, the streets are rife with fashion inspiration, blurring the lines between real and reel life.

So, dive into this eclectic style, mix and match, and revel in the magic of Indian and Western fusion fashion. Share your style stories and favourite ensembles. Let’s celebrate the rich tapestry of fashion that bridges cultures and eras!