Filmi ishtyle at a click

Lusting over Deepika's two-tone net sari on that film poster? Shikha Shah tells you how to own the replica, that too at a reasonable price.

Have you ever fantasised about owning a celebrity wardrobe? Well, the reality is that most of us are trying to keep up with being fashionable within a budget. But this doesn't mean you can't own Sridevi's chiffon white sari from Chandni or Deepika Padukone's sari from the song Badtameez Dil. With fashion portals selling exact replicas of these saris at pocket-friendly prices, having the same outfit as your favourite Bollywood diva is no sweat.

The Bollywood obsession

Bollywood stars, to a large extent, dictate popular styles that flood the markets as a trickledown effect. "Actresses dressed in statement saris and opulent lehengas etch a lasting impression on the minds of the audience. Women in awe of these actresses, start imagining themselves in the glamorous avatar and find ways to emulate the style," saysPradeep Katyal, CEO, Utsavfashion.com. "The fad has gone to a whole new level, courtesy the internet, social media and paparazzi culture. This has resulted into a mushrooming of sites that are selling low pricedesigner knock-offs," says gen-next fashion designer Aniket Satam.

Sari - the all-time silhouette

Nothing flatters a woman's figure like a sensuously draped sari. "If draped well, a sari can make you look sensuous, beautiful and sophisticated, all at the same time. Moreover, it's an outfit that's very well-accepted in our culture," says designer Mrunal Yangad. While most designers are happy about the fact that the Indian sari is taking the international fashion world by storm, Satam feels it is a cash cow for designers. "A sari appeals to the masses and can be easily translated in any size, colour and type. With the trend of destination and theme weddings, NRIs do not mind spending lakhs of rupees to recreate looks of popular Bollywood brides, both on and off screen," he says.

Within your budget

Ishita Swarup, founder of 9rasa.com says, "Bollywood actresses are always in sync with the latest trends as they are amongst the fortunate firsts to get their hands on the latest designer collections. But what about an average woman who can't afford to shop at the same designers' stores to dress stylishly? 

These replicas are a way for women to add a bit of filmi glamour to their lives." These portals source from small manufacturers who very closely replicate the most talked-about saris, salwarsuits and anarkalis worn by top actresses in films as well as red carpet events, for an affordable price. Don't be a total copycat! There may have been times when you've been disheartened that what looked good on your favourite actress, doesn't look the same on you. "Women often forget the fact that a lot goes into making an actress look drop-dead gorgeous. When buying an outfit online, you may imagine the actress wearing it but forget to analyse whether it will suit your body type and personality. When trying to ape someone else's look, it's essential to keep your assets and preferences in mind, rather than blindly following your style icon," says fashion designer Payal Jain. Moreover, not all garments worn by heroines make practical sense. "Most times, silhouettes worn by actresses in films are too revealing and suitable only for the silver screen," points out designer Rajat Tangri. Not everyone is born with a flair for fashion and styling. "Wearing something which has already been experimented with might work for some while others might end up looking like clones," say designers Pragya and Megha Samor. Fashion designer Shouger Merchant Doshi believes the thought of yearning to look like anyone else, be it a celebrity or not, is flawed. "The idea should be to effortlessly stand out in a crowd by maintaining your individuality. Believe in i n s p i ra - tion, not imitation," he says.

WHEN BUYING A REPLICA, KEEP IN MIND... 

Your body type and skin tone. Women who are plump can choose chiffon and georgette saris with thin borders. Slim or skinny women can go for saris with thick borders, woven in heavier fabrics like silk, brocade, cotton and organza as these will add volume to the body and enhance their curves. Manish Saksena, co-founder, Limeroad.com says, "When purchasing garments online, be sure to check the description of the fabric and the length of the sari." Since you are buying it at a lesser rate, there may be cost-cutting involved. The fabric is likely to be different or the handwork may be replaced with machine work. These minor alterations might change the drape of the outfit. It's best to purchase a sari with an unstitched blouse. This will help you customise the design and fit of the blouse as per your preference.