Fashion
When luxury meets technology, it’s affordable fashion!
Times are-a-changin’ and on-trend fashion has ceased to be something for the selected few. FWD takes a look at how ‘accessible luxury’ has entered the fashion jargon off late
Words by: Fathima Abdul Kader Photographs from: Various Sources
Before the rise of online shopping and department stores, very few people knew designers by their names beyond the unavoidably famous Gucci or Chanel. But with the advent of commercial collaborations by leading designers with either department stores or shopping websites, even those who wouldn’t give a second thought to their attire have started to sport designs that are hot off the runway. The iconic Cerulean monologue in ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ was always true, but in recent times the distance between the designer and the customer has gotten smaller through these commercial collaborations or accessible lines. As reported by businessoffashion.com, brands such as Michael Kors, Tory Burch and Kate Spade have managed to rival the likes of Gucci and Louis Vuitton in quarterly revenues.
Accessible luxury is an oxymoron of sorts and can be rephrased as affordable luxury, but without compromising on quality. As Mary Beech, executive vice president and chief marketing officer of New York’s Kate Spade & Company, said to independent.co.uk, “It is really about balance – this approach enables us to reach a broader consumer base while staying true to who we are.” By launching affordable collections to collaborating with established brands or shopping websites, designers are recognizing a growing consumer base.
Masaba Gupta for Koovs.com
Masaba Gupta, known for her designs with quirky prints and bright colors, created an athleisure collection for MasabaXKoovs. Combining surrealism to the constant struggle between eating junk food and the need for fitness, the designer came up with a collection that aims at an active reboot for anyone’s lifestyle.
Pankaj & Nidhi for Koovs.com
Known for their eclectic collections that combine craftsmanship and use of colors, Pankaj & Nidhi created a collection for Koovs in 2015 that balances prints with classic silhouettes that includes pieces such as dresses, bombers, jumpsuits, maxi dresses and tops. The designer couple has seen both critical acclaim and commercial success for their innovative but wearable designs.
Rohit Bal for Biba
Rohit Bal is known for his use of traditional fabric and motifs drawn from art, history and folklore, and create artistic opulent designs. His collaboration with the brand Biba saw a collection that had his signature silhouettes, fall and signature colors, such as muted maroon and deep blue, but on a more accessible price range.
AND & Globaldesi by Anita Dongre
Anita Dongre recognized the importance of accessible labels earlier on and has multiple lines to suit the sensibilities of different people. While AND has contemporary western wear, Global Desi caters to a younger, free spirited crowd. Her Grassroots collection is a tribute to the traditional handicrafts of India while the Anita Dongre label offers bridal,couture,prêt and menswear collections.
Zuba by Aneeth Arora
Aneetha Arora, the designer of the label Péro is known for her use of local materials and skills. As part of her Vogue Fashion Fund prize, the designer’s partnership with Westside gave rise to the collection ‘Zuba’. Using fabrics such as silk and chanderi featuring ajrakh prints, the collection caters to an older crowd than Pero’s usually demographic.
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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