Aztec Print Fashion: Ancient yet so Modern! Very few know that Aztec is the fashion from the past. Yesterday’s history of Central Mexico has become today’s trend. Aztec designs have been created and valued as far back as the 14th century and now it has once again taken the world by storm.

These Mexican-inspired prints are at once tribal, colorful, eye-catching and no doubt, full of energy. Aztec prints have become the style du jour among the trendy. It’s also a huge rage this season! So why wait? Get decked up “Aztec Style” and make a mark, the bold way!

Vigorously Vibrant:  Aztec prints are effortlessly vibrant and when it comes to colors, the more the merrier. Seize the opportunity to play around with colors to stay fashion forward. It just gets better when you experiment with countless combinations of pastels and bold colors. Pink and Grey, Turquoise and Brown, Mint and Orange, it will all fit together when it’s Aztec.

Aztec prints adorned in the Bollywood movie 'Cocktail' source: Eros International

Eclectic patterns:  Horizontal lines, graphic shapes and geometric designs in all colors…this is what primarily defines the uber cool ‘Aztec print.’ The Aztec print is quite easy to don! Just pick one striking Aztec printed piece and pair it with a single colored garment!

Luxury at its best: Aztec culture used vibrant prints and design on high finesse fabric which was rich in texture. Adorning Aztec prints was thus a sign of flaunting wealth amongst the masses. So when you dress up the Aztec way, keep in mind that it is all about luxury. Don’t forget to adorn feather earrings and chunky statement jewelry to look opulent. Woven fabrics, cashmere material, feathers, and intrinsic patterns will give your ensemble a splendid finish.

Simply Anything: This print is loved by all because of its versatility. You can adorn it as a part of your outfit or clutch or a scarf or just your mobile cover. It manages to transfer beautifully into other fields of design, such as interiors and artifacts. Make it a part of your Fashion World and stay inspired by the ethnic way. Girls go get your nails done in Aztec patterns to complement your ensemble!

Day or Night: Be it a day or night event, Aztec can be worn anytime. Choose to Dress Up or Dress Down, Aztec prints offer you enormous options to select from. You can find this print on cardigans, leggings, sweaters and printed jeans for your day wear. While select some stunning short dresses for your late night parties.
Fashion knows no international boundaries and thus Aztec prints made an easy entrée in Indian fashion world. The beauty of Aztec prints is that they are adaptable and flexible. They come in gorgeous shades that appeal to the Indian sensibility and recent western fascination with colors that pop.
Pair Aztec top or singlets with junky dream catcher neck piece. Flaunt your collection of semi-precious stones and pull out your harem pants to get the perfect dream catcher look. Now this how you wear these spirited prints without messing up!

When I was writing the sari on cape post I realized the jacket was being used in indian wear a lot these days. Iam a big fan of the Jacket or Koti anarkalis, because when everyone these days dresses in anarkalis the koti helps me stand out. But it is not just anarkalis which are being worn with jackets. Patiala suits, kutis, sarees, lehengas and shararas all are being given a contemporary twist with a jacket.
Investing in  Nehru Jackets , boleros and blazers is good because it helps in recycling old ethnic wear via the mix and match way

Anarkalis with Jacket:
Adding a short jacket to your simple anarkali is great way to to style it differently especially in winters. It is better to skip the dupatta when wearing a jacket over anarkali also sticking to minimal jewellery is the key to nailing this look.

Saris with Jacket:
Sonam Kapoor started this off when she wore a long jacket with saree at cannes. Adding an embroidered jacket to a simple saree is a  great way to style for winter weddings. But if your saree is embellished go the sheer cape way (look here for more insight on Saree capes). This fashion fusion has great potential provided done the right way. Be open to experimenting and  try both long coats and short jackets or waist coats. A more dressed down version of this trend can be worn to traditional office dos.
Salwars and kurtas with jackets:
When it comes to kurtis waistcoats are an effortless way to add zing to the whole look. Simple plain kurtis couls be jazzed up with embellished or embroidered waistcoats, while printed kutis can be worn in multiple ways by adding plain waistcoats of different colours.
Alia bhat wore this chic patiala suit for promotion of her movie humpty sharma ki dulhania. This whole patiala with waist coat coat gives a dressed up vibe and helps add more colour to the look so these can be easily worn to Mehendi functions or traditional fun parties. A mirror work vest is a must have if ethnic wear is your thing.

which way would you love to reinvent your ethnic wear with a jacket?