Be careful, curves ahead

Celebrate your curves as body-watchers officially declare they are in "A CURVY FIGURE IS THE MOST SOUGHTAFTER BODY TYPE."

The fixation with the anorexic "size-zero" is finally over, and divas are now turning to a more voluptuous look, one that celebrates curves. And it came as no surprise, when singer-turneddesigner Victoria Beckham, a fashion icon, recently showcased her spring-summer 2011 collection and proclaimed that she prefers curves rather than hungry-looking ramp-scorchers. As many designers across the world are now keen on curves, it's clear that they are here to stay.

Perhaps, it's not just an international shift because even desi tinsel town hotties like Priyanka Chopra, Katrina Kaif, Sonam Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor and Lara Dutta have worked on their assets and are flaunting their new "curvilicious" avatars.
Designer Reynu Tandon feels Indian women are naturally blessed with a curvy figure and can pull it off well. She says, "A curvy figure is the most soughtafter body type, and if you have a fit body without a bulging abdomen then you can look fabulous. One should always highlight one's strengths and cleverly hide the weak areas. Straight cuts, little baby doll dresses, kurta-style tunics look good on curvy women. An empire line silhouette with high waist maxis, gowns and dresses also give a very elegant look."

If you are fond of saris, lehengas, sal war-kameez or ethnic wear, then a good curvy body is a boon.
However, when you are opting for western outfits keep in mind a few dos and don'ts.
Designer Siddartha Tytler suggests, "Bikini tops and see-through blouses, cut-out tees are a strict no-no for curvy women because they highlight the bosom. A curvy figure is beauti ful, but one needs to carry it off well. For example, Rakhi Sawant opts for tight body hugging clothes, deep necklines and short hemlines, which totally work against her and make her look vulgar instead of stylish. One must always strike the right balance between revealing and hiding curves to look aesthetic."

Designer Amit G.T.
also points out skinny or skimpy clothes can make curvy women look like a fashion disaster. He says, "The best options for women with curves are dartless blouses, tulip skirts, tent dresses, kaftans and flared bottoms.

These garments accentuate the curves without making them evi dent. However, if you have an hour-glass figure, then you can try body hugging clothes."