A winter to remember

Ah! Glorious winter is here at long last, praise be to the Lord...

You would be hard pressed to find one person who is not fond of this magical time of the year —sublime mornings perfect for brunches begin with soft rays of the sun kissing your cheeks, which then give way to relaxing afternoons made for tea parties in the garden; then the velvety nights are ushered in, redolent with exciting possibilities. There is a promise of exhilarating times in the air, almost as if Mother Nature bestows her bounties of cool, soothing days and chilly nights so her children could enjoy their time on this beautiful earth.

The tranquillity of misty mornings and serenity of languorous days inspires one's artistic sensibilities incredibly, which is why winter in Dhaka is bustling with cultural activities; after all the joy of listening to Tagore songs while sipping 'malai cha' and devouring 'bhapa pitha' on a friend's terrace is second to none.

Concerts, movie screenings, plays in theatres and gatherings with the added attraction of an artist or a friend singing are truly wonderful to be a part of.

So, an invitation has arrived bearing your name for a concert at a friend's garden for next weekend. An al fresco event that is going to bring like-minded people together who appreciate old-school jazz. Or, maybe it is a qawwali night featuring a famed artist. It is beyond exciting, the prospect of attending such a night. But what to wear to such events, you ask yourself. Your outfit must be a representation of who you are, a well-read, worldly, sophisticated Dhakaite who always has something interesting to say and has spectacular taste in music and art.

Your appearance has an immediate and direct effect on your mood and overall energy. While you go all out for weddings and such, cultural events beget a different approach.

First, consider the nature of the event. If it is an occasion with a decidedly western theme, for instance a concert at one of the international clubs featuring an R n' B band or a George Bernard Shaw play screening, a simple long, black dress will look perfect. Or, a pair of tailored pants with an interesting blouse and a pair of low heels will also look great.

You could play around with accessories.

A shawl in a contrasting colour will look chic, as will statement earrings with baroque pearls or coloured stones. Long strings of gemstones and layered chains will also look fabulous. Your makeup must be subtle, highlighting your features. You want to go for a cosmopolitan vibe that will express your cultured, refined personality.

For an occasion celebrating the rich folk music heritage of Bangladesh, where the vibe is decidedly 'deshi', a simple handloom sari is the way to go. Women of Bengal are spoilt for choices when it comes to choosing a weave — Taant, Jamdani, Motka, Rajshahi Silk, Muslin! Pick one with subtle designs and pair it with a shawl to keep yourself warm. Simple strings of pearls with diamond studs and dainty bangles complete your look.

Do not forget the all-important 'teep' and flowers in your hair!

For a Ghazal night — chikankari, raw silk, georgette and chiffon sarees with intricate work or print works best. A pair of simple polka, or diamond earrings complements these saris perfectly. Makeup for both occasions should be subtle, yet stunning. A qawwali night is an upbeat, energetic event and kurta churidar is the way to go. Wear your hair in a braid, put on some oversized chandbalis and you could go all out with smoky eyes and bold lips.

A few tips to keep in mind would be to take into account the nature of event. Every occasion requires different styling so what works for a wedding will not work for cultural ones. Go for subtlety, it goes a long way!

Photo: LS Archive/Sazzad Ibne Sayed