Fashion Republic

When market research professional Sandhya Mishra went shopping last Sunday, the first thing on her must-have list was a set of glass bangles in four colours: saffron, white, green and blue. "I am pairing them with a white dress for a brunch that I have to attend after the flag hoisting ceremony on Republic Day," she said.

Mishra is not the only one who is planning to dress up fashionably for the country's 63rd Republic Day. Today, scores of people are donning the colours of the flag, albeit in a glamorous avatar. In an age where consumerism has invaded all spheres of our lives, this national holiday too has become a great marketing opportunity for all things saffron, white and green.

For starters, Hidesign has come up with an entire Republic Day collection of bags, clutches and belts in colours such as tan, orange, green and white. Dilip Kapur, President, Hidesign, is quick to say that this is not a regular marketing initiative. "We as a people wear our tricolours with pride. Yet there is a dearth of stylish, well made products in the market which celebrate the tricolour," he explains.

Designer duo Riddhi and Siddhi Mapxencar, has come up with a special dress to mark the occasion. "We always wanted to experiment with the colours of the Indian flag and make a unique outfit; Republic Day offered us the best opportunity to do so," says Riddhi. The special dress they have designed may work for a theme party. Their other designs such as an orange skirt paired with a white top, or a green jumpsuit, make for ideal casual wear on January 26.

Dressing up for Republic Day, believes Malini Ramani, reflects how Indians have evolved and are now expressing themselves through fashion. "We are becoming more aware of style," says Ramani, whose peacock earrings have been lapped up by many in the name of "patriotic style".

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