Fashion
Spring Summer 2017: Trends Decoded
A trend-decode diary for all style mavericks and for those who aspire to be…here’s Spring Summer 2017 undone.
Words by Archana Nandal Photographs from Various Sources
New year, new forms, new shapes, new norms. Spring runways globally and back home, in India, are awash with all this and more with some glorious revisits to past-blasts. From revolutionary and singular to evolutionary and popular … we have it all served-up and we can be assured of an exciting, refreshing season ahead!
The Bigger the better
Let’s start with the biggest, the trend we all hate to love – the mighty eighties! Remember Grace Jones? Loose jacket shirts, bold shoulders, statement sleeves and those carelessly ruched-up, and wide belts on waist. We can fearlessly get bold and big and unapologetically shimmy-shine with sequins and metallic. And while we do this, we can push boundaries and wear statement earrings or (note: I say or, not and) choker neck-pieces, another big trend. Pair this with narrow minis and we’re ready to disco-glam. But this one’s not for the faint-hearted.
Keep Calm and Trendy
Asymmetric, oriental drapemeets-cut, Londonmarries-Tokyo styles to our rescue. Big mercy -they come with big pockets, so no awkward what-to-do-with-my-hands moments. Boyfriend shirts, high waist culottes, wrap pants, slouchy-fold dresses, anti-fit tunics and jumpsuits rule the roost. Pair these with white sneakers in all their updates, mules or ballet flats. Meanwhile, we keep hair shaggy and at short/bob/lob length. Need some play? Add stripes, they are bigger in all their sailor-sporty iterations. Need some colour? Add Indigo.
Don’t be blue
Did I say Indigo? Now that’s a classic taking up plenty of screenspace in all flash-backs and flashforwards! But women want drama, so we have the blue-of-India, Pink in its most primary Indian hue: Fuchsia, or hot pink, or rani pink on the platter. Well…a rose by any other name! Take this code everywhere – from work to party, from chanderi to voile to leather, from neck-ruffle to kitten heel, from dress to kurta, and how can we not – from lips to nails.
Sport it
But some of us don’t blush, so what’s in it for us? Athleisure! And this time, we’re doing it high-contrast and more sporty and stark. Think black, white, red, flag graphics, logos and patches, speed and Ferraris. Think polo tees, leggings, not just for no occasion but for all occasions, hoodies and light jerseys, racer-backs and cutaways. Taking yourself from gym to jamming just got so much easier.
All about form
When we don’t party, we work. So we have the army to the rescue. Utilityinspired khakis, army greens & olives, trenchstyle shirts with collars turned-up, and camouflage prints that stand out. Camo prints that stand out and not blend in? Oxymoron this, but yes, you got me right. Trick is to mix them with tropical florals and optical graphic prints in the season’s “ït” colour – pink.
And me, I’m a Jean-Jane. Happy that denim’s officially spring’s most loved story and we wear them with any tee. Skinnies aren’t going anywhere. We just add a few more to our choices – boyfriend jeans, high-waisted, distressed, more blue than ever before and studded. Bring spring on!
Fashion
The Year of Statement Hat
When Anya Taylor-Joy stepped out at this year’s Cannes Film Festival in Jacquemus’ Le Chapeau Bomba, a delightfully oversized raffia hat it was clear that this accessory had become the season’s ultimate statement piece. The fall 2024 runways echoed this sentiment, with Chanel and Prada showcasing hats as the new must-have. Think of Sarah Jessica Parker’s oversized Maryam Keyhani creation, worn on the set of And Just Like That… earlier this year, or Margaret Qualley donning Chanel’s nautical style at Cannes. These hats are for the main characters who command attention, making a bold statement long before you arrive.
Altuzarra’s fall 2024 collection featured boxy headpieces on some models, each designed to evoke a specific character. “It was about finding joy in wearing a complete look, fully embodying a character,” explains designer Joseph Altuzarra. Interestingly, this was the label’s first foray into hats beyond casual knit and woven styles. ‘We didn’t plan to sell them,’ Altuzarra admits, ‘but they ended up being a hit.
Similarly, milliner Gigi Burris O’Hara has experienced a surge in demand. Although she launched her brand, Gigi Burris, in 2012, she only opened her first store late last year. “During leaner times, when people become more selective with their spending, they seek joy in thoughtful purchases,” she explains.
After years of embracing a more casual style, we’re now gravitating toward all things expressive. Maximalist content creator Sara Camposarcone has been embracing pieces from small brands like Potion23, renowned for its whimsical, witchy hats. “I feel like I can now wear bolder headpieces that complement my extravagant outfits,” Camposarcone shares. “Since discovering vintage fashion, I’ve developed a passion for finding great vintage pillbox hats or a 1920s fascinator.”
Fashion
The Iconic Bags and Their Names
Handbags are more than just functional accessories; they are statements of style and symbols of status. Over the years, several handbags have achieved iconic status, becoming synonymous with luxury and timeless fashion. Here’s a look at some of the most iconic bags and the stories behind their names.
Hermès Birkin
Origin: The Birkin bag was born from a chance encounter between actress and singer Jane Birkin and Hermès CEO Jean-Louis Dumas on a flight in 1981. Birkin mentioned her struggle to find a perfect weekend bag, leading Dumas to design a bag tailored to her needs.
Icon Status: The Birkin is known for its exclusivity, craftsmanship, and high price tag. It has become a symbol of wealth and luxury, often with a waiting list of years.
Chanel 2.55
Origin: Created by Coco Chanel in February 1955 (hence the name), the Chanel 2.55 was revolutionary for its time, introducing the concept of a shoulder bag, freeing women from the inconvenience of clutch bags.
Icon Status: With its quilted leather, chain strap, and distinctive CC lock (added in the 1980s by Karl Lagerfeld), the 2.55 remains a timeless piece, beloved by fashionistas worldwide.
Louis Vuitton Speedy
Origin: Introduced in the 1930s, the Speedy was designed as a smaller version of the Louis Vuitton Keepall. It became particularly popular in the 1960s when Audrey Hepburn requested a smaller version, leading to the creation of the Speedy 25.
Icon Status: Known for its classic monogram canvas and practicality, the Speedy is a versatile bag that has remained a staple in the fashion world for decades.
Dior Lady Dior
Origin: First presented in 1994, the Lady Dior bag was initially known as “Chouchou.” It gained its iconic status when Princess Diana was photographed with it in 1995, leading to its renaming in her honor.
Icon Status: The bag’s signature cannage stitching and dangling Dior charms make it instantly recognizable. It’s a favorite among celebrities and royalty, symbolizing elegance and sophistication.
Gucci Jackie
Origin: Originally called the Fifties Constance, this bag was renamed the Jackie after Jackie Kennedy was frequently photographed carrying it in the 1960s.
Icon Status: The Jackie bag’s hobo shape and piston strap closure make it a timeless piece. It has seen numerous revivals and remains a classic in the Gucci lineup.
Prada Galleria
Origin: Named after the historic Prada boutique in Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the Galleria bag epitomizes the brand’s heritage and craftsmanship.
Icon Status: With its clean lines, structured shape, and Saffiano leather, the Galleria bag is a symbol of modern elegance and understated luxury.
Fendi Baguette
Origin: Designed by Silvia Venturini Fendi in 1997, the Baguette was named for its shape, resembling the French baguette loaf, and designed to be carried under the arm.
Icon Status: Popularized by its appearance on the TV show “Sex and the City,” the Baguette became a must-have accessory, famous for its countless variations in colors and materials.
Balenciaga City
Origin: Introduced in the early 2000s, the Balenciaga City bag, also known as the Motorcycle bag, was designed by Nicolas Ghesquière. Its casual yet chic design quickly gained a cult following.
Icon Status: Known for its slouchy silhouette, distinctive hardware, and tassels, the City bag became an icon of the 2000s and continues to be a beloved piece.
These iconic bags have transcended fashion trends, becoming enduring symbols of style, craftsmanship, and luxury. Each bag tells a unique story, adding to its allure and making it a coveted piece for fashion enthusiasts around the world. Investing in one of these iconic bags is not just about owning a stylish accessory but also a piece of fashion history.
Cover Story
Sonam Kapoor Ahuja’s Traditional Ladakh’s Heritage Attire
As Anant Ambani’s pre-wedding festivities come to an end, Sonam Kapoor Ahuja chose to dress in Ladakh traditional garb. The event featured a number of topics, with India’s rich past being the focus yesterday night. Sonam Kapoor Ahuja emphasized this by dressing in Namza Couture, which was established in 2016 by Padma Yangchan and Jigmet Disket and is renowned for its commitment to Ladakhi fabrics.
The Mogos, a gown-like item with a shimmering zari border and pistachio green brocade, was part of Sonam’s ensemble. She wore a rani-pink shawl called a “Bok,” which is usually made from silk or goat skin and is worn to keep warm by the locals. This outfit was made of silk by Benaras artisans, and it had intricate phoenix embroidery, which stands for knowledge and vigor. It also had a crane image, which stands for prosperity and peace.
Her jewelry selections also honored custom; she wore a neckpiece set with diamonds and an emerald stone in the center. She accessorized this with striking statement rings and copper handcuffs, all tastefully matched with pearl earrings. She chose metallic juttis to complete her look, and she carried a bespoke purse by re-ceremonial.
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