The chic melange almost always includes a trend or two that see a comeback; the cult look which follows a cyclical pattern and reappears on the runway every decade or so; one latest craze that goes on to become the "it" look; an experimental whim that grows to be the order of the season and last but not the least a spill-over from the period prior.
We can by no means call the Indian fashion industry nascent, but it is still shy of a lifespan that breaks away from this routine cyclical pattern.
Collections with an experimental edge, avant-garde styling and the 'X' factor can usually be credited to a handful of younger established designers who unleash a new wave of creativity or are still trying to find their foothold in a designer market dominated by trousseau.
The big names in the world of Indian fashion usually create collections in keeping with their signature styles and aesthetic sensibility infused with new inspiration.
However, they will definitely follow a tried and tested route which guarantees financial success for it is the business of fashion industry that drives the industry.
Thank to the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week movers and shakers of the Indian fashion fraternity have already been privy to the pret and readyto-wear trends for Spring/Summer 2014.
The chain reaction which leads to promoting, highlighting and giving a definite nod to the key looks and names for 2014 have already found consensus with the top brass so to speak.
However, I personally feel that there are also a few interesting non runway effects that will drive Indian trends this year. There are also certain "influencers" of fashion who need to revaluate their style to create a positive influence in this department.
Glam faces
This is an undeniable sect or group of Bollywood glamour girls who have become key determinants in the rise and fall of trends and labels. Topping the charts are actresses Kangana Ranaut and Sonam Kapoor.
There is no disputing that these two make a difference to the world of fashion - thousands of teenagers copy Sonam, while many stylish women choose to follow the style guidelines of Kangana. The brands/designers they wear often undeniably become hot-sellers of the season.
Sonam is credited for her feminine, elegant and chic sense of style while Kangana is known for her experimental, androgynous, sexy and edgy look. All other actors and actresses also fall in this segment of influencers some more than others.
Digital drive
The online world of fashion can no longer be ignored. Popular fashion blogs like Highheelconfidential.com and Missmalini.com sustain themselves by identifying what celebrities wear; online fashion portals carry pictures of celebrities in outfits and identify, stock, retail and promote the very same outfit which results in majority of their sales; celebrity stylists promote young labels and major brands via their social media handles on facebook, twitter and instagram.
These digital names/portals have a huge outreach and the fact that the masses choose to emulate and take a cue from them means this segment can no longer be overlooked.
Chic resistance
On the one hand there is this major copy-cat trend, but the saving grace of this is an inverse resistance to popular culture, which leads a niche section of fashion conscious people to steer clear of the mass trends. Thankfully, this minority brandishes their individual whims to create fashion that is unique and sophisticated.
These people then end up promoting boutique brands and noteworthy designers and leave behind the "common" brands like Birkins, Herve Legers and Zara.
Street fashion
Here I will take the liberty of separating this from "high-street" fashion. These are people who take add a quirky touch or that something extra to their mundane work and every day wardrobe. This is where accessories, layering and mix 'n' match play a major role - hats, fedoras, glasses, scarves, jewellery, shoes etc are the differentiating factors.
I predict 2014 will see major runway trends battle it out with these four forces. Ideally the mix will result in an eclectic line-up of faces, trends, designers and looks for the year ahead.
Adding character to interiors
Home decor and accessory stores are a dime a dozen nowadays. However it's hard to find a store that stocks one-of-akind pieces. This gap has now been bridged with design czar JJ Valaya who along with TJ Singh launched 'The Home of the Traveler' in Mehr Chand market, Lodhi Road. This unique concept boutique is of interest as it doesn't stick to one single "mood," unlike Good Earth or Oma.
Here items are divided into 6 styles including Art Deco, Vintage, Organic, Glamour, India and World. Each artifact is curated by the designer, to give character, a narrative and history to interior spaces celebrating spiritualism, civilisation and adventure.
Home Improvement anybody?
Avoid your next cup of joe
Most of us need our daily caffeine fix every morning to kick start our day and by the evening to maintain our sanity. Some of us also need numerous refills through the day and even skip meals if we have a coffee at hand. Caffeine addiction is reality today and a lifestyle problem that can lead to many ailments.
The Daily Mail reported that in recent study proved that "one woman in ten claimed she couldn't live without coffee," - a habit that researchers have found can cause restlessness, muscle-twitching, sleeplessness and affect the heart. so wean yourself off the coffee, we all know too much of anything can be harmful.
Men in the limelight
Most celebrities went out of town to ring in the New Year and the paparazzi as usual snapped the A-listers on their way home at the airport. However for a change it wasn't the women that were the center of attention, but this time around, it was the men that looked sharp after their little getaway. Actor Anil Kapoor (in pic) was spotted a scruffy look with a beard, leather jacket and denims while Karan Johar ditched his horrendous velvet blazers for a sporty windsheeter, track pants and sneakers.
Read more at: http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/sonam-kapoor-kangana-ranaut-fashion-labels-glamour/1/334315.html
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