We live in a world surrounded by many things related to technology, the latest gadgets or the latest fashion. And today’s fashion has made its importance felt in almost all walks of life. Fashion can be classified into two groups: one group that follows fashion trends and embraces them, and the other group that creates fashion and style statements for others to follow. It can also be extended to another group of people who rarely have anything to do with fashion trends, but follow their own style to create their own unique personality; adding one more style to the world of fashion.
Fashion is not just about cosmetics and makeup or hairstyle. It is a feeling of creating the charisma of looking good in whatever you wear and this magic is created with the right kind of accessories that go along with the shoes and clothes, creating an image that is pleasant to see. Often times, people who can’t afford to buy expensive clothes look their best in their casual wear, simply presenting themselves in that form of sophistication and creating an aura around them with the confidence of looking good.
There are countless forms of fashion and trends change with the seasons. From the early 60s and 70s to the present millennium, there has been an immense change in shapes, looks, and thoughts on fashion trends.
In India, much of fashion has been influenced by the Hindi film industry, popularly known as Bollywood. The trends that have changed over time can be seen a lot in the films made during the 60s and 70s and how they have evolved in various ways leading to a style that can be followed by the general public. People have been imitating the West since ancient times and this was no exception. Clothing made in the 60s and 70s was heavily influenced by Western countries and was given a traditional touch. Flare pants, scarves, and hairdo were very prevalent in those days as a style icon. Later, in the 80s and 90s, the fashion world sizzled like never before. There was a longing on the part of people to look different, stylish and modern and this could be seen in their perspective towards their outfits, new hair styles, makeup, accessories such as purses, earrings, necklaces, matching shoes, etc.
People were aware of each and every novelty that was marketed and copied the styles of their Bollywood idols. Bollywood started out as a platform for theater artists and became a commercial gateway for young people and aspiring careers in the film and fashion industry. This gave today’s youth to emphasize in the world of fashion. Art and music have become inseparable from the past and therefore deeply rooted in the present and with more functions and facilities.
Today, fashion, art, music, designers, dance, etc. have a place in the industry and people can choose to take anything related to this industry as their profession as well. Art and music have long been implemented in school co-curricular activities and higher schools now offer various courses for better professionalization in these areas. There are also several acting schools and the small screen, that is, television has opened avenues to bring the talent out of young minds through numerous music and dance platforms. This is the innovation of the millennium in job and job creation in the fashion industry. The trends we see are sparked by fashion houses that have regular seasons to showcase their invention, many of which are popularized on FTV, Zee Trendz and TLC channels. We can also take a look at the stylized outfits through these fashion shows presented by the models. Today, Modeling is also one of the entry platforms to the world of fashion.
In the yesteryears, fashion was limited only to actors in the movie or those who were bold enough to perform in audiences that were considered fashionable. Others simply courted them behind closed doors. Little by little, as the times started to change, we could see women wearing their styles in the traditional saree with an embroidered blouse and a different neckline style. Then we saw that the saree was covered in various styles like Bengali style or Gujarati style etc. Women were releasing their choice of freedom and it could be seen in her appearances with a high heel sneaker or the purse she was carrying or the way she held her sari or the hair and makeup she wore. All these changes led to the invention of the churidhars and then the salwar kameez and finally the fashion for dresses came to light. Women accepted the fact that there was nothing wrong with looking good and, of course, men loved to see the attractive side of women and fantasized about the idea of their spouses.
This change in public attitude was very well received by fashionistas and a huge market was created to meet the demands of the public. Today, fashion creates a new look with a distinct style for a particular person and is kept up to date with the latest trends that are seen in the market. This industry is popular for its glamor, as well as for the mix of Indian tradition and culture put into the designer clothes worn by the models.
People love to experiment with different textures of the materials that are used in the outfits, which is why the designers give them a wide collection of dresses with all kinds of garments. There is the traditional combination of Khadi and silk that is currently creating waves that are seen in men’s and women’s clothing. Then we have the embroidery work in zardosi, tops with swarovski studs and lehangas and multi-stone work in bridal collection sarees, etc. Then the most sought after materials such as cotton, polyester, gauze, shredded materials used in various designs and iconoclastic styles.
There is always a hope for designers that young people want a change in fashion and are happy to keep up the trend with a fusion of Indian and Western fashion clothing. Today’s youth are also very practical in their sense of styling for a particular occasion. Whether it’s for a party or a wedding or the casual look, they want the best and believe in looking their best. And to achieve this, people go one step further to ensure they have everything in their wardrobe for any type of occasion.
Aside from the stylish clothes and fashions that are currently popular, people want to try something that goes with their perspective. So the market turned to a woman’s own friend: the handbag or purse. The fresh look of a gorgeously colored bag and its stylish features like the chain handle or the eye-catching zippers with numerous pockets in different shapes appealed to audiences like never before. And with the increasing demand for the prices of branded handbags, it became a necessity for every woman to complete her purchases. The other accessories were also lined up creating a place for them in the market. Just a few to mention, the earrings and necklaces, the various belts, bracelets and hand clasps, the stiletto and its wonderful embroidery, party slippers along with its fraternal high and resistant shoes that give a perfect cowboy look, etc.
Fashion has always been a very interesting topic for all women and now the trend has even challenged men to compete for a more attractive appearance for a remarkable future in the world of fashion to make it completely acceptable for all genders. of people.
Kiriti C Chavadi
Bangalore