Journalism of Courage
Fads have always dotted the fashion landscape,but people are gravitating towards buying everlasting garments instead of indulging in flashes in the pan
Evergreen fashion is a rarity in the combustible world of dressing up and looking good,where fads rule for brief periods of glory and then fade off. But,the average fashion buyer wants to fill his wardrobe with gems that will stand the test of time and not wither away in a jiffy. The classic plain blue denims and white shirts are still fervently sought after because of their resilience. The sartorial calendar of Puneites has started counting clothing styles in terms of years,and not just weeks or months. This new predilection has triggered a revisit to the ever-green styling trends of the 70s and 80s,as these keep beeping up on the radar with happy regularity. High-waisted Jodhpur pants,polka dots,checked clothes and bags,and chunky jewellery are the ‘in’ things now,as they boast of greater shelf-lives.
It is always a more feasible idea to have obedient fashion oldies in one’s cupboard. Though sandals have taken up fantastic embellishments,the simple open-toed slip-ons and Kolhapuris are abundantly available and preferred. Some basic styles remain forever. Ruffled-up sleeves and the shift dresses are 70’s trends that remain good pick even today. These short,straight-cut,unfitted dresses were a big hit some four decades back but are still in vogue. The cuts of the dresses may be modified a bit,but the essential design abides. On the Indian landscape,the ‘anarkali’ style of tops is here to stay. It complements the curvacious figure of the Indian woman perfectly, says fashion designer Swati Dholepatil. Indeed,’anarkali’ dresses are the preferred deck-up instrument of young and old alike.
Aarti Rele,who will be opening an apparel store this month in Aundh,says, I feel the short,skin tight dresses that were the staple of the actresses in the 80s are always in. You still find girls wearing them at parties,so obviously it’s a fashion fixture even today. Clutches are accessories that have been recycled umpteen number of times and will never go off the fancy list. The fashion world seems to be the only space where recycling has become the effortless norm. Fashion PR Rucha Gawas,says,”You needn’t throw out anything from your wardrobes nowadays,as they keep coming back in fashion. Kaftans are back in a big way,so are big jackets with shoulder pads. Classic pieces will keep circulating,and people would want to hold on to them,” she says. Shweta Kumar,a media professional,says, I buy a lot of floral printed dresses,kurtis and even tops. They’re bright,colourful and a safe bet for every fashion season. The white vest too is an everlasting fad. Team it with a pair of denims for a casual look,or throw on a chic jacket for a more formal look.
Fashion in itself can be variably defined. So what’s in and what’s not is a subjective matter. But what obviously stays is what makes one comfortable in one’s own skin.As a person,it’s a constant need to keep changing and experimenting. One can’t really time-zone a fashion predilection. As long as you can carry off what you are wearing,anything goes, Swati opines. Designer Moushmi Sanas adds,”Fashion trends and designers are fickle creatures. Sure,whatever you buy this year may be back in style in 20 years or so,but who wants to buy something they can only wear a couple of times every 20 years? If you are into classic pieces made of natural fibres like wool,cashmere,cotton and linen,then you can never go wrong.” So,nevermind the ‘must-have’ lists; continue stocking up on the comfy evergreens!
