Try a kundan necklace with that gown

Sonam Kapoor and Deepika Padukone do it, so does Lisa Ray. Wearing kundan chokers, South Indian pendants and other heavy desi jewellery with Western wear is quite the rage among celebrities these days.

Many say these add a touch of culture that is fashionably eye-catching.

"The reason why everybody is going for this trend is because they want to add a cultural touch to their look," jewellery designer Suhani Pittie believes.

Sonam has been seen sporting a fusion of heavy kundan necklaces and studded earrings with Western gowns on red carpets as well as at press conferences. The mother-daughter pair of Neetu Singh and Ridhima Kapoor have also been seen in the trend.

Deepika Padukone also knows how to mix the East and the West. The actress has been spotted in long dazzling earrings with kundan work on many occasions.

Dressed in an off-shoulder gown, Lisa Ray recently wore a heavy gold necklace teamed up with gold earrings at the launch of her adventure show, 'Oh My Gold'.

Designer Felix Bendish says that international designers are also using Indian craft techniques and jewellery in their designing.

"Today India is a global player. Not only do Indian celebrities like Sonam Kapoor, Gauri Khan and Sonali Bendre wear Indian accessories, you also see Indian jewellery used by international designers like Karl Lagarfield," Felix said.

When it comes to using heavy accessories, statement jewellery is making a strong comeback along with polki necklaces, traditional waist belts, pearls and leather cuffs.

"There are several ways of dressing up smartly. You could dress up in a formal shirt with a long polki necklace," Suhani said.

"A long boho skirt could be styled with kundan or polki embellished bangles. A brooch can be used to pin the hair. A traditional waist belt can be worn over loose kaftans or shirts," she said.

"A leather cuff with polki should be worn with a polki-studded necklace. Whatever be the look, your jewellery and outfit should compliment each other," she added.

Jewellery designer Pallavi Rai added: "Indian jewellery in any form makes a statement. Long beaded necklaces strung with kundan pieces and south Indian gold beads are also a huge hit."

"Kundan chokers and south Indian pendants also look great with plain dresses in silk and chiffon fabric. Uncut diamonds are also setting trends," she added.

Designer Sannam Chopra said gold is the colour of the season and it looks best on long and flowy gowns.

"Metallic and clear stones are the look of the season, with gold being the colour to wear," Chopra said.

"Indian jewellery stands out on garments that are simple yet beautifully draped. Avoid heavy embellished dresses and go for long flowy gowns and party dresses," she added.

IANS