As we bid goodbye to 2010, here’s a quick recap of the fashion scene in India and overseas. Kicking off this fashion trends!
Top Fashion Trends we liked
- Graphic prints
- Clutches everywhere
- Lace
- Mixing prints
Fashion Trends we didn’t like
- Boyfriend anything (it’s not for everyone)’
- Kurti and jeans
- Too much 1970s!
- Innerwear as outerwear (can anyone really wear this on the street?)
Bollywood
Bollywood fashion took the high fashion leap this year with Aisha, starring Sonam Kapoor and Abhay Deol. Sonam wore Chanel, Vivienne Westwood and Christian Lacroix, while toting her Lady Dior, and Abhay Deol made a dapper style statement in Kunal Rawal’s custom-made suits.
Even as the world sought retro inspiration, very few people (and movies) captured the essence of the 1970s without going OTT. One of the few Bollywood hits Once upon a time in Mumbaai got the decade just perfect, right down to Ajay Devgn;s moustache and white-clothes obsession. And we’ve already mentioned how hot Randeep Hooda looked in Ray-Bans.
At the risk of starting another debate, we have to say that we liked Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s clothes in Guzaarish though they seemed completely out of character.
Shopping
Every self-confessed shopaholic/ fashionista in India (or at least in Mumbai and Delhi) flocked to Zara when it opened two stores in July. A worthy competitor to Mango (another Spanish fashion brand), Zara quickly became a must-visit shopping destination for visitors to the two cities. My relatives from Amritsar wanted to visit Zara, so did my (not-so-fashionable) boss (sincere apologies in advance!). We were excited enough to take some spy shots there (see this initial Zara review of the Mumbai store).
In the latter half of the year, Delhiites got lucky when a huge Forever 21 store opened at Ambience mall (Vasant Kunj). I briefly visited the much-hyped store in Delhi recently, and I must say I was impressed with the sheer size of the collection, and most of the clothes weren’t too bad either.
And then there was Diesel and plenty others joining the fashion party. Looking forward to more high street brands coming to India in 2011. Fingers crossed!
Advertising
Internationally, well-known celebs bagged a number of ad campaigns: from Madonna for Dolce & Gabbana to Julianne Moore (wearing almost nothing) for Bvlgari. Even as the latter ad was banned in Venice, Madonna’s portrayal of a housewife told an enchanting story. Lovely!
On the Indian advertising front, the Levi’s Curve ID TV ad disappointed. A LOT. The Curve ID concept is great (you choose jeans by your body shape rather than size), but the most of the ad shots were focussed on the girls’ umm… behinds. Seemed almost voyeuristic. Great track, though.
Meanwhile, Longines’ Dolce Vita advertisement starring Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is becoming increasingly popular.
What were the fashion highs (or lows) for you in 2010?