In 1993, designer Jean Paul Gaultier famously told Vogue, “Grunge is nothing more than the way we dress when we have no money.” In the late 80s and 90s when bands like Nirvana, Alice in Chains and Pearl Jam were beginning to make their presence felt on the music scene, the grunge style took birth. Based heavily on the music scene it took off from, grunge was all about being comfortable, unkempt and wearing flannel and boots. Distressed denims are, of course, a side effect of the ‘I-don’t-care’ attitude.
This season the grunge look has made a huge comeback. Fashionistas have adopted the cool aspects of the style, and much to the relief of Jean Paul Gaultier, discarded the homeless person look. Loose printed T-shirts, distressed denims, booties and high tops are all the rage and celebs like Rihanna, Kristen Stewart, Priyanka Chopra and Alia Bhat are famous patrons of the look.
“The use of leather, bold mixed prints, platform and ankle boots, and sneakers in various combinations has become a trend, marking a comeback of a fashion trend that was big in the 90s,” says designer Nikhil Thampi. The comeback of grunge, however, isn’t a sudden occurrence. This season has been all about experimentation – even to the point of rejecting labels and luxury. Normcore, fashion’s biggest nemesis, had a big take off earlier this year. The anti-fashion fad found its followers in India too, with designer such as Nishka Lulla using it as inspiration for their Spring/Summer 2014 designs. “Sporty chic is all about relaxed and comfortable wear,” said Lulla.
On international catwalks, sportswear was given a luxe makeover with silk or embellished bomber jackets, leather joggers, funky high-tops and vests. “Androgyny has been a top trend in the last year or so and ankle-length sneakers and booties allow you to experiment with an array of looks. They are also comfortable for everyday wear and have the versatility to double up as a cool edgy night look when teamed with the right clothing,” says, Thampi, on the organic revival of the trend.
But, in an era of sexy sheer tops and stylish pencil skirts, does grunge take away from femininity? “No, it doesn’t. The use of sequins and embellishments in garments, a mix of leather panelling and prints keeps one’s feminine side alive. Crop tops and skirts combined with ankle length booties or sneakers is a perfect way to do both grunge and feminine,” says Thampi.
Ruffled hair parted to one side, grungy vest paired over boyfriend jeans, a bomber jacket thrown over one’s shoulders and ankle booties to boot – sounds like the perfect grunge look or Alia Bhat? The young actor has been spotted in numerous avatars of the style and carries it off well with her fresh-faced make up and long, loose hair. Among others who favour the style in Bollywood are sisters Amrita Arora and Malaika Arora Khan, Priyanka Chopra and Sonakshi Sinha, who’s been seen trying grunge more than once.
