The funky Diwali look for women

Fashion designer Archana Kochchar has given the cocktail sari a whole new look. "I make saris that don't look like saris," she says.

With the right placements of cuts and slits, her creation can pass off for an evening gown, lehenga (long skirt) or long kurta to be worn over trousers or jeans. A speciality in her saris are the kalis, with extra pieces of cloth added to the bottom for more leg room. The kalis come in different colours, giving her saris a funky look. Her saris do not have pleats.

When it comes to salwar kameezes, she says, "Everyone concentrates on the kurta, but I work on enhancing the look of the salwar." She adorns salwars with multi-coloured brocade patches; they can have up to 10 different coloured patches, making them rich and vibrant.

Even Archana's dupattas are not your typical long piece of rectangular cloth. They are asymmetrical and structured with cuts, embellished with thread and patchwork in colours like brown with olive green, brown with turquoise and ivory with multi-coloured patches.

Along with patchwork, she adorns her creation with crystal, sequins, coin work, shells, zardozi and other thread work. Her tip if you are making a blouse: "I play with the sleeves, back and hem line, but give the neck a basic vee or round shape. An embroidered neckline tends to clash with the jewellery."

Fabrics like brocade, crushed silk, lilac, georgette and crepe are in.

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