Bollywood Style Awards 2016: Arjun Bhasin for Priyanka Chopra

Printed palazzo pants, from AM:PM; black suede sandals, from Michael Kors. Both in New Delhi. Sunglasses, from Prada, at Sunglass Hut; blue Capucines bag, from Louis Vuitton. Both in Mumbai. Bandeau stripe top, from www.koovs.com. Diamond and pearl bracelet, diamond rings, all from Renu Oberoi, at Mahesh Notandass, Mumbai. Straw hat, leather trolley, stylist’s own.

Urban Sass

Arjun Bhasin for Priyanka Chopra

Arjun Bhasin

Arjun Bhasin

A Zoya Akhtar directorial venture is nothing short of a family drama replete with messed-up relationships. Its plot often travels down roads that lead to self-discovery. In Dil Dhadakne Do, the cruise, the rich and the reckless and the lightness of the mood that fill the story are accentuated by a larger-than-life backdrop. And the movie may have many First World issues, but fashion isn’t one of them.

Complementing the cinematography in exotic locations, costumes play a major role to set the tone for the high-profile characters. As the film progresses, one realises that the clothes not only define the characters, but also act as an irrevocable extension of their changing personalities. Stylist Arjun Bhasin, who has created the looks for the lead actors, has enlivened each character with a contemporary feel.

One of the most sartorially intriguing persons was none other than Priyanka Chopra’s Ayesha. The successful, but neglected, daughter of the Mehras wore confidence with a white buttoned-up blouse paired with a printed skirt and a striped tube-top atop palazzo pants — and the latter became one of her most popular looks from the film. Her broad shoulders swayed with the flared dresses, the comfy tie-dye dresses oozed sensuality and her pyjamas added fun to comfort. She nailed the mannerisms of a young mature lady with solid colours and clean, unfussy silhouettes. Capturing her emotional status, Bhasin got under the skin of the character and chose colours, prints and shapes keeping in mind the actor who would sport them. Eventually, he put together his version of the highly stylish, on-trend numbers that someone who has it all would wear.

Ayesha’s shoulder baring tops and structured pants work in her favour, more than any other outfit. Pleasing, rather than exciting is how we would sum up the cine-wardrobe of Ayesha. And, if there’s one thing we’ve learnt last year it is that palazzo pants are definitely the new kids on the fashion block that everyone wants to be friends with.