Now, fashion by astrology

Multi-hued cottons for Leo, linen for Virgo and bling for Aries! Each sun sign has its own fashion code. Fashion and astrology are tied by a strange zodiac code that emits good vibrations for the wearer, says an expert.

As the industry booms and knowledge widens its access, couture-conscious buyers stalking the high street are becoming increasingly wary about the "metaphysical, spiritual and environmental quotient" of the clothes they are carrying off the racks.

The heightened awareness has led to a entire new range of fashion that is arty, meaningful, spiritual and healthy.

"It is not a question of what you are wearing is looking good, but what we are wearing is emitting good vibrations. All zodiac signs are based on natural elements - fire, air, earth, water and sky. These elements produce negative and positive energy, but we choose our clothes without considering our zodiac signs that clash with our inner vibrations," fortune designer Kappil Kishor, a fashion astrology expert, said.

A National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) alumnus, Kappil Kishor, guides people through their choice of apparel to foster harmony and prosperity. He has researched the impact of astrology on fashion for more than a decade.

"My predictions are based on colour, fabric or textures and balancing clothes with the five elements of nature," said Kishor, who owns Rudraksh, a firm that promotes young fashion talent.

For example, "real leather is not advised for those born under the zodiac sign of Leo because the animal hide nullifies the positive Leonine energy while gold does not match the aura of every zodiac sign", Kishor said.

The designer has devised a astro-fashion code for the 12 signs of the zodiac.

As Aries, a fire sign ruled by planet Mars, is endowed with a royal nature, people born under the sign can wear "both pure and synthetic fabrics".

"Leather, silver and iron do not suit Arien personality while outfits with multiple cuts in vibrant red, blue and orange flatter them," Kishor said.

The designer advises bright silks for Taureans in light shades like green, white and brown. "The cuts can either be plain or multi-layered."

Pure cotton and linen are best suited for the double-face Gemini twins. "Green and white are their favourite colours while platinum, gold and silver are suited to their sun signs," he said.

Ruled by moon, Cancerians are "unstable and naughty".

"Silk, cotton and linen should be their fabrics of choice in white and simple cuts," he said.

The sunny Leo, on the other hand, should not deviate from simple symmetrical cotton clothes in hues of red, yellow and orange.

"The lions must avoid leather, feather, silver and iron," Kishor said.

While earthy Virgo is recommended cotton and linen fabrics, persons born under the influence of Virgo must avoid "elaborate cuts and sunny shades". Emerald jewellery in silver, platinum and gold match their energy.

Libra, ruled by planet Venus, should "dress in synthetic silk fabrics. They must avoid red, orange, silver and platinum", Kishor said.

Watery Scorpions should wear fabrics laced with cotton in "red, yellow and orange colours".

"Their attires can range from plain to multiple cuts - but they should avoid silver and platinum," he said.

Synthetic and bright silks are advisable for Sagittarius ruled by Jupiter.

"They should wear yellow, saffron or light orange outfits matched by gold jewellery," Kihsor told IANS.

While the rooted mountain goats - the Capricorn - are advised "cotton, silk and linen in simple black, blue or brown colour, they should desist from wearing gold and copper," the designer said.

Aquarians, ruled by Saturn and Uranus, should wear "dark clothes to highlight the positive masculine aspects of their sign".

Pisceans ruled by Jupiter benefit from its planets natural palette of yellow, saffron and orange.