1950s classic Italian and the cigarette pants are all set to make a comeback. Fashionistas predict slim fit lowers like tights, bright leggings and drainpipe jeans will be the rage in 2008, while upper clothing will be full of volume. Hemlines will drop a couple of inches, and appliqué and patchwork will make a statement. The jeweled colour palette of Asia on European fits, will be the look of the season. “The fabrics will remain soft and drapy. Design features like soft collars and details on shoulder and sleeves like pin tucks and pleating will be a prominent feature,” says designer Suneet Varma.

In pret, says designer Nandita Basu, the casual look will find followers. “Coveralls, jumpsuits with shorts, capris and catsuits will be big. For spring-summer, the colours will be pastels, but yellow will be a prominent shade in the year ahead,” she says.

For men, the focus is on sartorial elegance. Think Marcello Mastroianni meets Steve McQueen and you’ll get the drift. Biker jackets and tailored shirts with a piquant, cartoonish flair, styles for men will be imaginative and quirky. When it comes to colours, gold and yellow will be big. Eco-friendly fabrics, organic dyes get the thumbs up. In interiors, creamy beiges, ivory, powder blues and dreamy pinks alternate with acid green, bold orange and bright golden yellows. In clothes too, the same duality is evident but nothing can go wrong with a classic black or grey. Must-haves in your wardrobe are outfits in purple or gold.

Belt it out

While the large, over sized tote bag continues to rock, the thin high-waist belts get set to match the chic high waisted skirts . Patent leather, metallic chains, or dainty clutches also haven’t gone out of fashion. Canary yellow is set to become the favourite colour for bags, but the basic hues of brown, black and white, with elements of burnished gold will also make a statement. In shoes, wooden wedges and ballerinas will sweep the floor. “Everything will be mix and match but bright and shiny colours will make fashion fun this year,” predicts Delhi designer Rahul Khanna.

Gadget guides

The world saw many cutting edge releases in 2007, even though few of them made their way to India , their effect was felt far and wide. From the iconic iPhone to the much-hyped release of Android mobile-phone platform, our daily devices are quickly evolving into thinner, more intuitive, and greener digital companions. With the coming of 2008, survival of the hippest is going to reach a whole new level. This year will see a dramatic change in the perception of display devices aka screens. They will become our de-facto input mediums. While our devices turn to screens, they will also become thinner. The supermodel syndrome batteries will have another advantage: they will be green and power green. Many electronic companies are being forced to green up their act to retain customers. We’ll see a brave new world of devices: one where open source will pry open the world of device applications and uses. The plus: Skype on your mobile will let you make calls for free. The minus: we better get some of that damn bandwidth.

Wine Line

With wine consumption at an all time high in India, in 2008, wine lovers have lots more to look forward to in Delhi. Several wine and cheese bars, based entirely on the European concept of wine bars are setting up here, the first being a sparkling new café in Safdarjung Enclave. Food consultant Manu Mohindra has put together an extensive list of wines at this 96-cover diner. “This is a constantly evolving market and people are more willing to experiment with wine,” says Mohindra. These bars serve entrées with cheese, and exotic cheeses from France and England will also make their presence felt in India in 2008.

Furniture focus

Trends in interiors follow the colour palette in fashion. In 2008, straight lines and sensible no-fuss cuts make a comeback in clothes, and even furniture gets more streamlined. Designers advise blending the occasional modern piece with old Indian antiques to create drama in a room. “Curves, forms and one huge piece of furniture in a room for effect,” advises Raseel Gujral, a Delhi-based designer. In colours, purple, fuschia, olive and deep greens will be in vogue. Again eco-friendly furniture is in focus. “In 2008, materials must support design styles and the environment,” explains Punam Kalra from the Centre of Applied Arts.

Bling That On

In jewelry, you can count on a variety of design options, from the funky to the ornate and traditional. “Jewelry is set to get really hip,” states designer Alka Bali who runs a jewelry store, Sundance at Delhi’s Garden of Five Senses. “Feather and faux fur will be incorporated into gold,” she adds. Gold will continue to be the ruling metal in Victorian patterns and grander Kundan settings will also be popular, but jewelry designer Naina Balsavar feels there will be a shift to a more minimalistic look.” The trend in jewelry will follow styles in clothing,” predicts Balsavar. “Diamonds will be as sought after, and white gold settings will be more common.” Meanwhile men too won’t shy away from flaunting precious jewels. “I won’t be shocked if I find them wearing huge pendants and crystal bands,” notes Bali.