AHMEDABAD: The longest dancing festival of India is also the extravaganza of stunning dresses and jewellery. From sheris to clubs, from traditional to designer- Navratri is undergoing a makeover with enthusiasts going on a shopping spree.

Shamini Patel, a Baroda based jewellery designer comments, “Previously, oxodise jewellery was in vogue. Now people’s choice is shifting to more sophisticated jewellery pieces. Though the essence remains, the options have expanded. Jewellery has become more royal than traditional, which is a costly affair.”

Echoes jewellery designer Sushma Chhajer: “People tend to go for more expensive jewellery because they know that what they purchase won’t be confined to Navratri alone, but used in other festivals as well. Gold polished silver jewellery, emerald and ruby beads are classy jewellery pieces.”

Adds Chhajer, “Navratri comes every year and the obvious trend is to mix and match. The spending capacity and the importance given to grooming has increased.”

Says Mansi Desai, “As long as you give them unique stuff, clients don’t even pay attention to the price tags. They are preferring halters over the conventional cholis. There is a western touch to the dressing.”

“Look around and you would see less of ‘bandhni’ and gamthi ‘chaniya-cholis’. Fusion is the fresh wave in dressing. The upper limits are going sky high and navratri enthusiasts are getting dressed to kill,” observes Mansi, who has been into designing attires for navratri since a long time.

Fashion designer Rajvi Parekh points out, “Bling is in. Over the years, silver metal has given way to stones, beads and many such variations.” Source by TimesofIndia