What is fashion? Detractors might say it's just putting together garments. But true fashion lovahs know that it's not just WHAT you put together but HOW that makes all the difference! Sometimes a style whim fits so perfectly on the silhouette that it becomes a ‘fad' that the rest of the globe trots to copy. Such an event is a rarity, though.
Which is why the biggest looks that dominated the scene in their prime never really say goodbye; they bow out to give a newbie some space but ultimately make a comeback, may be with a slight difference.
Swirling 70's
This seductive time preened in full glory of swirls, lace, layers with a slit here and a bare back there; with bell-bottoms a certain favourite. Girls take full control this time; forget the girl-next-door look. Go for the Zeenat look, instead. Frayed jeans that threatened to overtake closets are back with a vengeance. This time, they also make space for accessories: lace, belts, shadings, trimmings, patched pockets. Let Brad Pitt's early days guide you; men, this one's more for you.
Stockings too say hello again; but these we are grateful for! Not only do they hide blemishes, unwanted hair and that God-awful leggy fat but they also make for a chic silhouette. Let's hear it for the psychedelic look!
Mane Message
Hair has done so many about turns and flips that telling those stories will take us another century. Hair is, and will continue, to remain the guinea pig of inventions to find that ‘next best thing'. With frizzy curls from the 1980s making ‘waves' yet again, the poker-straight ones are now groping for curlers while those with the curls say ‘ah finally'. Natural wash-n-wear locks too are making their presence felt — that means Madhuri's “Dil Toh Paagal Hai” style — while the cropped look, yes even for the ladies, is moving to the top.
Surprise yourself
The dudes can do it all this season: grow it till your spine, ponytail it, curl it, go full monty or spike it up. Gentlemen this era is yours; go with the surprise element instead of the fad, though!
Mad Hatter
Hats were initially more about protection. It took on a fashionable turn when women realised that they did need something more than diamonds while the men didn't want to be left behind! Today hats of every kind —over-sized ones that dominate the race courses where the ones that play peek-a-boo — are here. Floppy ones are spotted at casual brunches while the beanie has become a winter rage. The men have taken the cowboy look a little too seriously for comfort while the sports version is actually a nice change.
The Pleat Whisperer
Pleats were an intrinsic part of almost every garment till about four decades ago: formal trousers, skirts, frocks or even hair bands! Today pleats sing a different tune; they have become the attention grabbers. Gowns — even those on the red carpet — are dressed with pleats as are ghagras to give them that edgy look. Party tops have pleats all over, horizontal as well as vertical. Fashion gurus insist this one is here to stay! Pleated jackets — especially tweed and fur — add an oomph that guarantees a second look.
