Has mirror work made a comeback? We think so

Designer Neeta Lulla, whose work is inextricably associated with Bollywood, tells indianexpress.com: “Mirror work has been around since time immemorial and is here to stay. People have taken inspiration from it in different art forms. And not only Indian designers, but international designers like Armani have also used it in their collections.”

It indeed is back with a bang and we have our eyes on it. Designer Shruti Sancheti remarks, “It is very much in vogue especially with the boho trend being a global favourite. We see very contemporary variations of this craft on contemporary outfits albeit in a more dapper avatar.”

Recently, Malaika Arora killed it in a mirror work outfit by Manish Malhotra on her birthday. Check out the picture below.

 

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A post shared by Manish Malhotra (@manishmalhotra05) on Oct 22, 2019 at 9:36pm PDT

In fact, we have come a long way from the craft being witnessed just on traditional ethnic wear. As Neeta Lulla says, “This season, mirror work has taken the centre stage as it is extensively seen on red carpet gowns. It creates a fantastic theme of bling, catches light appropriately and makes the wearer look glamorous and pretty as it not only reflects light but also adds glow to your complexion.”

While mirror work is one of the most underrated crafts in our country, fashion trendsetters like Sonam Kapoor have ensured that it remains in the limelight.

 

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In @atelierzuhra for @Filmfare Glamour and Style Awards 2017 Styled by: @rheakapoor Make-up: @subbu28 Hair: @bbhiral 📸: @thehouseofpixels

A post shared by Sonam K Ahuja (@sonamkapoor) on Dec 1, 2017 at 9:19am PST

The Dolly Ki Doli actor looks ethereal in this Atelier Zuhra regal ensemble for the Filmfare Glamour and Style Awards. The mirror work has a contemporary touch to it with it being scattered throughout the gown. As Sancheti puts it, “Mirror work for workwear can be tricky; the embroidery has to be restrained and use neutral colours and fuss-free silhouettes.” Similarly, Kapoor’s gown incorporates a light beige shade so that the mirror work gets all the attention.

 

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A post shared by Ami Patel (@stylebyami) on Nov 5, 2019 at 4:24am PST

Tara Sutaria recently stepped out in a skirt with a generous dose of this Rajasthani craftwork. It was blingy and made the perfect fashion statement.

 

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A post shared by Shweta Tripathi Sharma (@battatawada) on Oct 30, 2019 at 11:47pm PDT

Shweta Tripathi Sharma dons a gorgeous baby blue mirror work crop top by designer Rebecca Dewan. The custom-made outfit comes with high-waisted box-pleated pants and a blue sheer jacket. It’s amazing how effortlessly the mirror work sits with the entire ensemble.

 

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A post shared by TARA💫 (@tarasutaria) on Jun 25, 2019 at 7:57am PDT

Looks like Tara adores mirror work and well, we’re not complaining. The gown is everything you want it to be — elegant, sultry and classy.

Designers over time have taken inspiration from this artwork. Lulla says, “The art of mirror work originates from Gujarat. It’s something ladies have used on their clothes and even to decorate the walls of their homes.”

It’s no surprise when Mayyur Girotra, a Delhi-based designer, tells the indianexpress.com, “The beauty of mirror work is that it can be paired and layered with different things. You can wear pair distressed denim and a ganji, with a multicoloured long mirror jacket.”

Other ways to style it include wearing just the kalidar as a dress with your shoes.  “If you want to incorporate mirror work to work outfits, simply accessorise. Carry mirror work portable briefcases or laptop covers, little pouches, even a stunning mirror work belt,” recommends Lulla.

The styling possibilities are endless. The trend is evergreen, spunky, edgy and eclectic all at once.