I never saw blue like that before…

We kicked off our Ramadan special colour-theme series last week with the fiery shades of red. This week, we're swimming to the other end of the spectrum, with the cooling shades of blue, as Aneela Haque unveils her Turquoise collection for this season.

The colour of the sky and the ocean, blue is one of the most popular colours. In direct contrast to the fiery reds, it has a cooling effect; Peaceful, tranquil blue causes the body to produce calming chemicals, so it is often used in bedrooms. Blue can also be cold and depressing. Fashion consultants recommend wearing blue to job interviews because it symbolises loyalty. People are more productive in blue rooms.

Blue is non-threatening, yet confident and stable. Many police uniforms are blue because the colour says confidence and security, while being non-threatening. Blue can symbolise seas, men, productive, interior, skies, peace, unity, harmony, tranquillity, calmness, trust, coolness, confidence, conservatism, water, ice, loyalty, dependability, cleanliness, technology, winter, depression, coldness, idealism, air, wisdom, royalty, nobility, Earth (planet), Virgo (light blue), Pisces (pale blue) and Aquarius (dark blue, star sign), strength, steadfastness, light, friendliness, peace, truthfulness, and love. In many diverse cultures, blue is significant in religious beliefs. It is held to keep the bad spirits, stupidity and misfortune away.

How to wear blue
Blue is a universal colour, the colour of the sky and the sea. It is a foolproof fashion staple there isn't a shade that it doesn't look good next to. However, that doesn't mean to say that it needs to be straight-up primary blue, which can be harsh on some skin tones, but bright turquoise or Caribbean blue or gentle sage, teal or stronger periwinkle.

Choosing the wrong shade of blue can be too harsh on your skin tone, but the right shade of blue can bring out your eyes better than any eye shadow and light up your complexion.

Navy blue is an excellent alternative for those who don't want to wear black. It is slimming and chic and is a season-less classic. Dark

blues go well with other darker colours, whilst a bright royal blue and a deep purple or burgundy look good together. Unless you want to look like you are wearing a naval uniform, avoid wearing only white with blue.
Turquoise is a major fall fashion colour for 2009, right there with pink, plum and purple. Bluish greens are a good choice for the fall, and teal is a fashion favourite. Wear teal with sliver grey and metallic accessories for an on-trend look. Other shades you could opt for include Caribbean and a deeper twilight blue, a twist on navy.

Trendy Turquoise with AnDes
Aneela Haque's Blue theme, which made its debut at the Nokia Glitterbug show earlier this month, features a huge variation on cuts and contours within the colour scheme of turquoise, black, and white.

Drawing from her diverse experience of travel, ghazal, karate, and more, Haque's line offers a wealth of diversity within the scheme, with her signature calligraphy and floral motifs, translated on local fabrics such as khadi, jamdani etc. Hemlines rise and fall asymmetrically, sleeves flutter at angles, layers of detail peep from under surcoats or crop tops. Jamdani saris are paired with sleeveless tops and long cloak-like coats. Bold kurtis are paired with capris. The total effect looks something transported out of a medieval fantasy, with a local twist that remains refreshingly coherent.

This is definitely a unique take on the Eid ensemble this year.

By Sabrina F Ahmad
Photo: Zahedul I Khan
Make up: Farzana Shakil Makeover Salon
Styling: Aneela Haque
Wardrobe: AnDes
Models: Emi, Namyra, Ruma, Asif Khan, Zamsad