A SARTORIAL SURVEY OF RAMADAN

With Eid-al-Fitr approaching there is festivity in the air for everyone celebrating. From the illustrious Iftar parties (Baba Siddique’s Iftar party The Cannes of Ramadan) to some cozy fast-breaking get-togethers at home. This week I delve into discussing some extravagant and subtle sartorial choices that people made in stepping out in the month of Ramadan.

Eid is synonymous with elaborate spreads that include delectable dishes like biryani, Nihari, Haleem, and the trademark dessert Sevaiyan. But that is not our chosen topic of discussion today. Food is just the tip of the iceberg of festivities. The celebration always calls for snazzy sartorial interventions that quickly become en vogue. Make-up trends, henna designs, and luxurious festive clothing are some of defining features of Eid. Iftar parties that lead up to the main festival are extravagant affairs.

The inescapable fashion event for the month of Ramadan every year is Baba Siddique’s annual Iftar party. It inevitably is the grand showcase of fashion year on year. The event was held by Baba Siddique and his Son Zeeshan Siddique at Taj Lands End, Mumbai this year. It is a celebrity-studded affair that Siddique throws is attended by Bollywood stars and celebrities. The Iftar soiree is the Cannes of Ramadan (in a loose analogy) Shah Rukh Khan looking like a true Pathaan and Salman Khan marked their presence at the Iftar party. The uber fashionable TV personalities sparkled in their sumptuous ensemble. The likes of Shilpa Shetty, Ankita Lokhande, Rakulpreet, and Urvashi Rautela were a part of the brigade of invitees. Shilpa Shetty flaunted an ombre pink sharara with a pink tank-top. Rakulpreet was looking breathtakingly beautiful in her floor-length Anarkali. She wore a pleasing yellow with white chikankaari suit. Another guest-in-yellow was Aamna Sharif. The primetime TV drama queen looked summery in her sharara.

For a subtle yet in-sync with Ramadan clothing are some modern and stylish options. Eid treats aside, I recently feasted my eyes on some modish clothing styled by Sujata Assomull. Assomull @sujstyle the founding editor-in-chief of @bazaarindia who has moved base to the UAE was oozing oomph in her Kaftan with recognisable Islamic motifs. Her ensemble comes in a few days prior to Eid-al-Fitr but is a great option for a relaxed vibe that’s in tune with the festival. Kaftans originally were worn by Ottoman sultans from the 14th to the 18th centuries and were lavishly decorated. Celebrating at a cozy gathering or in the full-on festive spirit it is impossible to escape the modish influences that come with Eid festivities.

The boon of kaftans is that the T-shaped robe can be a refreshing balance of traditional clothing with a contemporary spin. It’s ideal for lounging at home on Eid.

Whether you want to go all out or keep it simple you have a smorgasbord of clothing options to choose from. Flowy kaftans or embellished Anarkali each has its own charm. Treat yourself. Eid Mubarak.