Designers are experimenting with reversible raw-silk layers, LED-lit gamthi work, Kutch embroidery, mirrors, cowries and colourful Gujarati textiles. Denim jackets are also becoming canvases for hand-painted portraits, personalised names and intricate embellishments. Designed to be layered over kurtas, skirts, chaniya cholis and even everyday separates, these custom creations offer Gen Z shoppers a playful way to stand out while investing in pieces they can wear beyond the celebrations.
Tie it, flip it, repeat it
Forget rigid fits and complicated sizing. Apron-style jackets fastened with strings are emerging as an easy way to transform kurtas, skirts and even everyday denim. Shweta Dassani from Silhouette The Design Studio creates raw-silk Navrang jackets, combining bold colours with embroidered Devi faces, mirrors, beads, cowries, tassels, parrots and peacocks. The reversible bestseller offers a different colour and pattern on either side.
“I wanted to create one piece that could instantly turn a non-Garba outfit into a Navratri look. Since making every size was difficult, we designed tie-up jackets that can be worn by men, women and children. Our reversible version can also be styled repeatedly without looking the same,” says Dassani.
Let there be light
For those determined to shine brighter than the venue décor, LED jackets are bringing literal illumination to the dance floor. Woven into colourful gamthi work, the lights outline embroidered patterns and make each spin stand out after sundown.
“Our family has worked in gamthi wear for 50 years, but footwear inspired us to begin customising more pieces four years ago. Today, we make gamthi jackets with or without LED lights, all matched to a client’s chaniya choli. We have sold over 7,000 jackets and ship worldwide,” says Aashka Sachdev of Sunshine Gamthi, Bhavnagar.
Denim gets personal
Denim jackets are being dressed up with genuine Kutch embroidery, bandhej and leheriya panels, mirrors, cowries, beads, tassels and hand-painted art. Longer white jackets carrying colourful Gujarati textiles are particularly popular, while portraits and names are turning the layer into wearable memorabilia.
“Denim jackets are always a big hit, and singers performing at dandiya and Garba nights often get custom pieces. Now, Gen Z is leaning towards authentic Kutch work, featuring mirrors and cowries. Bandhej and leheriya detailing on white jackets is also trending,” says designer Ekta Mistry of Atharsh. The experiments extend from jackets personalised with the wearer’s name to hand-painted portraits, Rabari mirror work and reversible patchwork crops.
