carefully careless

The Statesman 17.1.09


Carefully careless
Keep it simple. Anju Munshi feels the pulse of the fashion consciousYou may consider yourself fashionable but that’s not enough. You have to sport the look of the day. The messed-up look tops popularity charts. In other words, the art of looking carefully careless is finding takers. So it makes sense to bring out those torn jeans out of your closet, wear wrist-bands with messages instead of heavy gold bangles, coat your eyes dark and deep, and not thin and perfectly lined. For the men the unshaven look is in. Welcome to the new age mantra which flaunts the attitude, ‘Who cares?’ Trends say yes to low-slung trousers or torn jeans; untidy mass of hair, clumped together that pines for a comb in place of neatly styled hair. Ankita Taplu, a 22-year-old fashion designer from Delhi, is certain that such looks go well with youngsters. “Unspoken words have power. Similarly, minimalist code in clothes is bound to flaunt a winning streak. Dressing up is an attitude and your dress details is a tell-tale sign of your personality and behaviour.” The trick is to project a style that is also a subtle reminder of your personality. At least for now, heavy, ornate jewellery matching your outfit is out. One big pendant, one stunning bracelet, or out-of-the-ordinary leather earrings is what one is expected to wear. Berit Steffin, an Austrian designer recognised globally for her creations in contrasts and who is also associated with Kolkata’s Vizyon as a consultant, finds that, in general, Indians “wear everything together” thereby failing to make an impact. “Even jewellery is overdone when everything from earrings to bracelet is matched. One good single piece is better than aggressive coordination of jewellery,” she says.Arzu Karpol, a known designer from Istanbul, advises, “Think of accessories as a side-wear or as an additional possibility, and not as a complete substitute for a dress.”As for men, Sharbari Dutta, one of Kolkata’s best known designers, says, “You should be the object of conversation, not your clothes.” She also feels that deodorants and perfumes are strong accessories for men rather than clothes. The new trend is also an easy way to save on time and is easy on the pocket.Fashion, however, changes frequently. What is in today, will be out tomorrow. Even politicians are dressing up simple ~ crisp salwar suits with neatly folded dupattas are giving way to trousers and a casual scarf. This became evident when Priya Dutt was dressed in trousers for a Parliament session.

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