Most Bollywood releases over the past few weeks have been quite unexciting on the fashion front—there have been no “Wow!” fashion moments or interesting looks that get me hooked in the promo itself. Even so, there’s been something noteworthy in some of the movies, so here’s a quick look at the fashion in London Paris New York, Kahaani and Agent Vinod.
London Paris New York
Ali Zafar plays the typical rich brat-cum-stud while Aditi Rao Hydari is the pseudo-bohemian feminist. They meet in the cities in distinctly different looks—from clean shaven to French beard for the guy, and from dishevelled hair to chic bob for her.
Ali Zafar’s look: From funky tshirt to a more refined look with coordinated accessories—loved it!
Aditi Rao’s Hydari’s look: If you’ve seen the movie promo, you’ve seen it all. Interestingly, the makeup stays the same—the lips just morph into various shades of red (darkest in Paris).
What I liked: I absolutely loved Ali Zafar’s style statement in New York. Muffler, jacket and oh, that Hermes belt! Oooh, and I also loved his contrast collar shirt. Take a look:
What I didn’t like: There was much more scope to experiment with Aditi Rao Hydari’s look, besides the hair and makeup. Very ordinary clothes, but maybe that was the point of the character.
Chic Tip: Get Ali Zafar’s shirt at Zara!
Fashion rating: 3.5/5
Kahaani
In a movie like Kahaani, there isn’t much scope for awesome fashion and styling. The costumes are well thought-out and appropriate for Vidya Bagchi’s simplicity- from the night wear (tshirt and pyjamas) to the long cotton dresses that a pregnant NRI woman may wear.
What I liked: The clever yet effortless layering (like a lace slip peeping out under maxi dress), simple unobtrusive prints, and use of high street brands like GAP. Designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee’s signature was all over Vidya Balan.
What I didn’t like: While the clothes in the movie aren’t glam or trendy, it’s because they are not supposed to be. The right costumes help in characterisation after all. So nope, nothing to dislike as such.
Fashion rating: 3.5/5
Agent Vinod
When a blue-blooded actor and his hot girlfriend star in a spy thriller shot across the world, you expect charm, mystique, charisma and dollops of style. Unfortunately didn’t get much of any of those things in Agent Vinod.
What I liked: Couple of Saif Ali Khan’s shirts (I believe some of them are from Arrow). Too bad he spent most of his time looking haggard. You see him at his stylish best(!) in the song Pyaar ki Pungi, which is not saying much at all. Kareena’s carrying some high fashion stuff like a Tod’s bag, and she looked the best in the auction wearing a very low-cut dress, covering up with piles of metallic gold necklaces.
What I didn’t like: While Kareena Kapoor looks great and clothes are quite alright, her wardrobe was inconsistent at best. She was completely unconvincing as a doctor, and her too-wide range of styles failed her character as well. And the bright pink sharara she wears in the mujra song Dil mera muft ka didn’t excite me at all. It was like been there, seen that! Manish Malhotra needs a break.
Fashion rating: 3/5