The Drama of "Sleeves"



Gone are the days when the choice of sleeves was restricted to short, long or quarter length styles. Gone are also the days when you would be content with a little design, a little craftsmanship or strong border on the sleeves. These days it is all about creating impression with sleeves and I couldn’t help but notice how our designers have unleashed their creativity in the recently concluded DCW (Delhi Couture Week). They have created sleeves that are dramatic, bold and speak for themselves. (Didn’t I tell you I would not bore you with just picture review of DCW)





Most of these designs are not entirely new; we have witnessed these in red carpet gowns and in various fashion weeks across the globe. What is striking is how these have been incorporated into very traditional Indian blouses. The strong shoulder jackets that are in vogue these days have made their way to the lehenga and saree blouses. So have the balloon sleeves that we see in tops and shirts everywhere. These are the global fashion trends served to us in our closer to home Indian Platter, with a "desi tadka".





So, do you think that just the simple sleeves designs would suffice the fashionable diva in you? Or are you game to sing along and wear these trends with your saree, suit or lehenga?

48 comments:

Tanvi said...

Hmmmm! They all look grt on the ramp but I think I like my sleeves 'normal' ... I wouldn't be able to experiment so much. I never liked the shoulder pads. Would you give it a try?!?!

Ce qui m'inspire said...

I think that if you don't want to regret your outfit, you shouldn't go with anything too crazy. Most of these sleeves are really beautiful, but those "space-ship style"? ACK! I can't get behind anything that looks that crazy unless Lady Gaga is wearing it.

Ce qui m'inspire

Sovina said...

@ Tanvi - the strong shoulders and the balloon sleeves i would definitely like to try sometimes..i have two jackets with padded shoulders and i like them :)

Me Era - ditto for me :)

CHarlotte- i totally understand where you are coming from..minimalist approach is the best. The spaceship style actually is the name that i just wrote like that..didn't know what to call them..and you are right..those can not be worn..

Jesa said...

I'm kind of in love with them ALL!!

Unknown said...

i like my jackets with strong shoulders...but I am skeptical about walking to an Indian function with highly dramatic sleeves. In the second series I can definitely agree with the 1st two pics, rest of them are a bit too over the top for off ramp.

HaRy!! said...

koool!

ash89 said...

Im not open to so much experimentation. I dont think I can carry off a lot of these sleeves.

kiran sawhney said...

Wow. I like them all. I can experiment. In fact, after watching sex and the city 2, itself, subconsciously I was thinking on these lines but your post has made it clearer. I like these styles. They are very rich and fashionable. I can give it a try. I like the first red Kimono. Then in the mid row I simply lurveee the beige dress (the first in the mid row. Even the second one is nice). Also I like the last one- flutter sleeve. As I always say- If you can carry a fashion with panache, go ahead and do it.

Nalini Hebbar said...

lovely designs...but difficult to work in!

STYLE'N said...

lovely designs...I love looking at high fashion and designers because even though some of it is not practical and you wouldn't exactly wear it, it is how we get some of our inspiration and I appreciate it. It is really is beautiful art.
naina

The Mommy said...

How inspiring:) I would go with the structured one if I have to choose. But all of them are such fun to look at.

Leia said...

I think I would try the fun sleeves :D

Leia

Zabrinah said...

What a beautiful blog you have here!

My favorite would have to be the flutter sleeves.

Best wishes from one blogger to another,

~Zabrinah

bollywoodstylediaries said...

lovely pics!! Def. no to balloon sleeve or space sleeves..I think I can do flutter sleeves as well as long with elbow cut..

Killer Drama said...

Oooh! i'm all for sleeves making a statement..but not that dramatic too, love shoulderpads (can give you a very smart look) at times...and balloon sleeves..

i like flutter sleeve - image too..

i think one needs to have good shoulders and arms to carry that look

Sovina said...

@Jesa - thanks :)

@god made me funky - i would love to experiment indian blouses too..no only if i would get a chance :)

@hary - thanks

@ash - yup some of them are too dramatic :)

@kiran- you know ..i was actually waiting for your comment..i was totally confused as to what you would pick - wearing them or not..one part of me said that since you like simple things you may not like them ..another part said that you have a good taste and you definitely wear your styles uniquely..glad you would like to give them a try..i do not like kimono much as i think i would not be able to carry it :)


@nalini - thanks for stopping by :)

@Naina - yup..there are certain elements that you can definitely pick from designers..very few designers are there whose collections are wearable on the street :)

Overlooking Mississippi said...

Hi! I am happy Indian designers are coming out w/ more creative cuts and designs....and not the same ole' boring stuff every season..I may not wear it all but I know someone will :)
I do like the bell sleeve and full sleeves..

I must say your blog is def one of the best I've seen when it comes to Indian fashion! I think I looked at at-least 10 posts :)

Following you!

Jade Purple Brown said...

all of the detail is simply amazing, i love looking at all the unique dresses!

jadepurplebrown.blogspot.com

Splurgerina said...

Absolutely love and already wear a lot of structured and balloon sleeves!! And the fluttered ones are cute..I could wear that!!! The rest are a little too much sleeve drama for me!! Lol @ the spaceship style..that one looks like you need a giraffe neck or something..even carol (who has a long neck as it is) seems like she's stretching hers!

GRIT AND GLAMOUR said...

Sovina, I'm so glad you stopped by G&G so I could find you. I am FASCINATED by the images I've seen on your blog. Truly fascinated. I'll be back!



♥ V

http://www.gritandglamour.com

kiran sawhney said...

Sovina thanks for your reply on my blog and here as well. Actually the Kimono thing is not even a sleeve..its a cape/poncho worn over a dress. And I have few very stylish ponchos from kashmir and capes from France that I do wear in winters. Would put them on my blog in winters. I have even seen Rani Mukherjee wearing some in Chalte Chalte over her dresses. They are fashionable.

GRIT AND GLAMOUR said...

PS: Following you on Bloglovin' now!



♥ V

http://www.gritandglamour.com

Ashley/ MILK TEETHS said...

Those shoulders!!! I am in love with this post!

xx
MILK TEETHS

anamika said...

Fantastic post Sovina...

i saw some of the pics of the this fashion week and i truly loved it..

also thought i like my hands without sleeves most of the time but these sleeves are really sensuall..even more is looking less in it..

and yaa what Indirani das gupta eats..she refuses to go old...

sulagna said...

eyii m back...sorry had gone for a vacation so missed out all the gorgeous picture and writings..m back sovina :)

Hippie Holly said...

I do like the flutter sleeves, but seriously I don't see myself wearing any of these dramatic sleeves in real life. Or anyone for that matter, love how artistic they look but I think they are better suited for the ramp or the movies.

Anonymous said...

So many beautiful choices :)

Miles Of Style said...

stunning designs...i think i like the one with the flutter sleeves the most!

have you decided on an outfit for your big day yet?

have a lovely weekend!

Persis
http://onestylemile.blogspot.com/

Ranjani said...

The designs are very whimsical and great for the runway and editorial pieces, am not sure they'd translate as well in "real" life..that said, I'm a bit risk averse when it comes to experimenting especially during weddings...I like to keep it simple stupid:)

Sovina said...

@mommy & leia - thanks :)

@zabrinah - thanks for stopping by dear:)

@sonali - yeah the long ones are pretty elegant..i also like all the work on them :)

@dipti - you are right..well toned arms are necessary for lot of them :)..shoulder pads i love too.

@fairy - thank you so much for spending so much tiem on the blog..i am so glad that u enjoyed here :)

@Jade - thanks for stopping by dear :)

@splurgerina - yeah some of them are totally overwhelming..just made for the runway.

@grit & glamour - thanks for stopping by. and thanks for following..so glad to have discovered your blog too :)

Sovina said...

@kiran - yeah that is totally a poncho style..i rember i had one in college days that i used to wear a lot..it was woolen..but then they went out of style..but as they say old styles keep coming back..do put up pics of your collection :)

@ashley- thanks :)

@anamika - i know..i wonder myself every time i see her. she doesn't even put a pound..the woman is amazing..she was also in Euphoria's video na? i was seeing them a few days back.

@sulagna - yeah i was wondering where were you..so how was the vacation ?

@hippie holly- yeah most of them are totally for the ramp but i can do with some in real life )

@katie - thanks

@persis - oh! i am already married..will hit 2 years in november..i think i should put up wedding pics..i get this from lot of people :)

@ranjani - thanks for stopping by dear..glad you enjoyed the post.

The Mad Twins said...

This looks soooo fabulous ÖÖ

Sonum said...

Intense shoulders are hot!

Anonymous said...

Hi sweetie! I couldn't answer you before because I went on holiday! Thanks so much for your comments, they always make me so happy! :)

btw, I love this! I like the shoulders trend!

xoxo
My Cherry Gum

G.G.G said...

Hey Sovina,

First time in your blog and I must say that you are doing a wonderful job..Im just loving it here..Keep it up.

Noble Beeyotch said...

I didn't even notice this trend while browsing the DCW collections. How silly of me, because now it seems like they were everywhere! You have such a great eye for trends!

Style, She Wrote said...

I love the more extreme designs -- like that Dracula collar! So funky!

Fé... said...

Sleeves are so tricky. It can enhance your look or does the otherwise. As for me, I opt for less is more. No sleeve for me, especially on my future wedding dress!

Tamanna A. Shaikh said...

Honeeeeeyyyy I love this post and I love it that you are really not merely putting up pics from the DCW but are focusing on and bringing out the best details!! Love such posts that highlight specific aspects of a garment! :) Well done. And going by the way you write, don't be surprised if you are invited to be the official columnist for Indian fashion! :)

How's the Carpal Tunnel?

Golden said...

Those designs are so rich and look so luxurious!

By the way dearie, I want to say thank you for joining my giveaway. I'm sorry it took me so long to comment back.

Have a great day!

Lots of love,

penghuni60 said...

nice..!

hello friends, I come from distant places

have a nice day...
:)

Jesa said...

I seriously love coming to your blog!

I am so game to wear these trends. I love strong shoulders and think these are spot on gorgeous!

cheers, Jesa

Vinda Sonata said...

the details are all awesome, especially for the men. indian designers are interesting, i love how they put a lot of thoughts into details.

Vintage Obsession said...

Have been trying to find a perfect cape for a long time aren't they so pretty :)

I'm liking the second set of photographs also the power shoulders are so well designed

~*. D E E P A .* ~ said...

i am for the simple sleeves anyday !

Suruchi said...

I always think that a different cut can totally change and redefine an outfit!
Like the sleeves here do wonders to make the outfits striking*especially in the ‘designs I could embrace’ section!

Great post as always Sovi...
Perfect representation of the new n the hip n happening! :-)

Anonymous said...

I would like to exchange links with your site weddingonthecards.blogspot.com
Is this possible?

Sovina said...

@anonymous - yeah sure...would love to do that...but how do i contact you?