Fashion designers on minimalistic vs over-the-top on the red carpet

While there are actors who go the extra mile to channel a risqué look on the red carpet, of late, some of them seem to have fallen into a done-to-death abyss of sorts. Recent events saw a number of B-Town actresses turn up in intricately made anarkalis and floor grazing, roomy gowns which though striking in their own right, fell a bit flat. The classic bombshell waves with a bold lip and a little black dress or the romantic-bohemian, flowy gown or even the basic chic minimalism are a sight that is not spotted too often on the crimson rug anymore.

We spoke to some designers about the minimalist versus over-the-top look on the red carpet, and what is that essential ingredient that can push the ball in your favour.

Swapnil Shinde
"The idea is to make a statement and a lot of actresses feel that the bigger the dress, the bigger the impact which is a misconception. Katrina Kaif for instance, wears minimalist statement gowns and always creates an impact. I believe the idea is to see what suits a specific body type, petite actresses get drowned in voluminous gowns and anarkalis and ends up like a birthday cake on the red carpet!"

Priyanka Chopra wore a lemon green saree with a statement necklace to accept the Padma Shri award. The outfit did most of the talking for her. She looked beautiful.

Kunal Rawal
"I have a simple philosophy- ‘You'd rather be over-dressed for an event, than under-dressed.' Having said that, the minimalist way of dressing has been around for generations and won't go out of style easily. Low key fashion or over- the-top dressing are not trends as much as looks, and need to go in tandem with what the event is. If the event is decadent and formal in nature, an understated, classy look works best."

At a recent event we saw Nargis Fakhri in a black bodysuit and a mesh skirt. The actress finished the look with nude make-up and a tight bun. As simple as the look might seem, it was definitely striking to look at.

Rocky S
"Anarkalis and voluminous gowns are great options for very traditional events and Indian award functions but keeping it simple has a larger, more global appeal. Kangana and Sonam are top players with this trend while Aishwarya and Kareena carry off Indian outfits very well. It's best to keep the event in mind and dress accordingly. Most celebs get carried away and go for the done-to-death looks, which may not fit with the event. Keeping it classy and giving it an individualistic twist is a better idea."

At an awards function earlier this year, Kajal Agarwal sported a hot pink gown with a sleek middle-parted hair do and a revealing neckline. Fuss-free and simple though it looked, lacking in impact it was not.

Jyoti Sachdev Iyer
"There should be a balance between minimalism and grandeur especially on the red carpet where actresses make style statements and act as influencers. Sonam Kapoor and Deepika Padukone hit the bull's eye when it comes to keeping it simple and glamorous at the same time."

A gown like this is better suited for the runaways as it is. Between that odd border, hemline and colour, this is definitely one look that Aditi Rao Hydari should have avoided on the red carpet.

Amy Billimoria
"Voluminous styles and floor length Indian silhouettes complement certain body types. Whatever the style may be, one needs to carry it well whilst keeping the body shape in mind. Creating a statement on the red carpet is always about self-confidence."

Someone as attractive as Amy Jackson would've done well in a design that probably flattered her silhouette a bit more. Instead they put her in a gown with frills and styling appropriate for a bride.

Purvi Doshi
"Long, flowy anarkalis and gowns are back in fashion because actresses carry these looks with so much ease. On the other hand, minimalist looks are always fashionable and suit a red carpet event. It depends on how well one manages to wear both kinds of looks."