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Journalism of Courage
THIS season sees a complete turnaround in style — sleeker silhouettes, clean feminine cuts and kitten heels. As we wave goodbye to smock frocks and tassles, here’s a look-see at what else drove us to splurge.
PEASANT CHICK: The gypsy girl was everywhere. Peasant tops, smocked blouses, flare skirts and closed boots — Heidi was a style diva. We’re still wearing the blouses, but not for much longer.
COWBOY CAPERS: Broad suede belts, tassled bags, leather boots — dressing up became like a uniform code. The West was inescapable. Even stalwarts like Tarun Tahiliani incorporated suede into their collections. But then, even cowgirls get the blues. This year, tassles have disappeared from our wardrobes and our memories.
SOFT FOCUS: Where the models are concerned, India seems to be on a reverse trend vis-a-vis the West. When the West went anorexic, our models were roly-poly delights. Now that Europe and the USare welcoming the ‘real curves’ of Sophie Dahl, ours are shedding two sizes. Look at Sheetal Mallar and Diandra Soares! Mallar has lost her excess baggage for a fresher look, and Soares now has a softer, more feminine face and frame.
CRYSTAL TATTOOS: Thank you Swarovski. With their ready-to-stick crystal tattoos, for as little as Rs 250, women (and men) across this disco-ing nation sported them everywhere. Then, the crystal giant tied up with Lakme, dropping the price to Rs 100. With fun shapes like butterflies and dolphins — girlie chic had arrived.
SHINE ON: With India Fashion Week, Lakme set most of the beauty trends. Last year, make-up was all about shine, shimmer and brilliance. Minimal was invisible. This season too, we seem to be welcoming spring and all its colours.
NAIL ART: Gel or acrylic extensions gave one natural-looking long nails. Nail extensions led to nail art. Bright, patterned nails became the ultimate in decadent beauty. Age no bar.
THE YOUTH BRIGADE: In a fashion first, last year belonged to a younger crop of designers, with the biggies taking a backseat. The biggest curiosity stirs were for the likes of Anshu Arora Sen, Manish Arora, Priyadarshini Rao, Malini Ramani and gang.
