Tuesday, January 10, 2006


Fashion Resolutions for 2006


Ever wonder why most new year’s resolutions never work? Because they feel more like 'to-do' lists and 'have to's' than they do an exciting year ahead. Using resolutions as a means to reprimand yourself is the quickest way to have them backfire. Use them instead to set goals for ways in which you want to improve and in ways you know are achievable as well.

If your New Year's fashion resolutions feel unmotivating, uninspiring and like something you 'should' do vs. something you really 'want' to do, drop them right now and decide you are going to learn a whole new way of creating and experiencing the kind of wardrobe you really want.

To get you started, I’m sharing a few of my personal resolutions.

Here goes:


OUT WITH THE OLD - IN WITH THE NEW


Resolution 1: I will lay to rest my well-worn favourites.

Know when to lay your clothes to rest! Yes, you love that denim jacket that is way out of date, and those pointed toe pumps that you wore in the 9th grade, but time moves on and so must you. I know the attachment one can develop for a favourite piece of clothing or accessory.

It surely is most delightful, to have a few such items and wear them as often as you can and feel utterly at ease. But, there comes a time when that cherished items shows signs of grave wear and just ends up looking frumpy and tacky.

That’s an opportune time to make changes that match the change in you! I know, it can be tough, but allow yourself to hang onto the past for a month or two post retiring it and then give it away. Even clothes have a life span.


Resolution 2: I will junk the clothes that do no fit and those I never wear.

Yep, it sure is amazing. You hang something in your closet long enough and it shrinks two sizes! Try on your sport jacket, blazer or suit jacket and fasten the middle button. If a vent pulls, a pocket tugs or the jacket appears to grow love handles before your eyes, give the jacket away to someone less fortunate.

Let the excess baggage go. Not only does it bog down your fashion flight, it severely takes up cupboard space! Ditch any clothes, accessories, make-up and beauty products that you don’t use, will never use, should never have bought, are old, faded, are not flattering and are taking up precious space.

Sort through your accessories. See what works with the clothes you wear now, and make note of what you need to buy to complement the rest of your wardrobe. More often than not, it’s the little things that can pull together an outfit.

Try a new eye shadow, blush or lip colour each season. As for the boys, try a new colour or pattern, fabric or colour combination. It’s one thing to have a signature color; it’s another to get stuck in a rut.


Resolution 3: I resolve to not be lazy when it comes to developing my own style.

Most of us have definitely added “travel more” in capital letters to our resolutions. To make that work for your wardrobe, resolve that when traveling to a new city, part of the city, or new country, you visit the local bazaar or flea market and try out the traditional gear!

Be critical as to what suits your figure and pick up accessories that co-ordinate with the outfit and would fit in with the rest of your wardrobe.

You needn’t get down to wearing saris or waistcoats if you never have! But a touch of ingenuity can turn a sari into a beautiful chudidar-kurta set or a stole into a beautiful wrap. Guys can additionally work with handcrafted accessories like leather shoes, bags, ties and stoles.

A girl friend of mine wears an Omani men’s head dress, as a stole. It looks awesome due to its sheer exotic colour and stripe story. Work that mind’s eye!

Resolution 4: I will play that dream role today!

So you've always secretly admired artists, writers and sculptors for their creative style? Or have always wanted to dress like an Indian demi-god or goddess, elegant in earthy printed kurtas and draped stoles? Ask yourself what stops you. And then go out and live it.

Check out the 'mix and match' sections of departmental stores or visit the likes of Fabindia, People Tree, OMO, and Anokhi to get yourself some ethnic togs. Enlist friends, family, sales people or stylists to help you achieve your goals.

The start of a brand new year is the perfect time for reinvention. That touch of innovation at the start of the year can infuse freshness and a new perspective into all aspects of life.


Resolution 5: I will only buy clothes that I love and that make me feel good.

They say the best way to forget all your troubles is to wear tight shoes! Some guys who want baggy jeans simply buy them two sizes too big, then hitch them up in gathers on a wide belt (sounds familiar?). But fashion maths doesn't add up like that. Instead, buy jeans in your size that are cut in a 'comfort fit'. That's the only way to assure the correct proportions.

Promise yourself you will be kind to your body and sole(s) this year, and choose only those pieces of that fit well, don’t pull, tug, oddly gather or itch. Imagine the amount of time you save from fussing, frowning, tugging and limpingover ill-fitting shoes and clothes.

Comfortable clothes give you more time and energy to be yourself. Not to mention a huge boost in confidence.


Resolution 6: I will find ways to enjoy building my personal style.

Sophisticated doesn’t mean boring. For example a tie can be both stylish and flamboyant, if chosen in subtle but fresh colours and textures.

Mix it up. College blokes can put a favourite hooded sweatshirt under a corduroy jacket. Ladies, pair a knee length colourfully patterned kurta with your jeans and throwon a jacket!

I have this lovely military style beige twill jacket I sometimes wear over a vibrant green kurta and deep
blue jeans. Tres chic, if I may say so myself! Over new years, I donned said jacket over a flapper style strappy sequined top (see pic) and black trousers. I was thankful not to be swept away amid the prevailing sea of black.


Resolution 7: I resolve to always attempt to shop smartly.

No matter what your budget, whether you’re more likely to hit the sales and export surplus stores or are sure to be seen at the hippest boutiques, make sure you shop responsibly. After all what’s the point in stuffing one’s wardrobe with clothes that are badly cut, finished or sewn?

Resolve to not be a sucker for the razzle-dazzle. Develop a critical eye for quality and tuck your wallet away when faced with something pricy you desire but won’t get much wear out of.

Direct the urge to splurging mainly onto necessities like lingerie (yes, don’t be miserly there), comfortable shoes and a few pieces of precious jewellery.

Try not to overspend on fashion and accessories when shopping with friends! It’s easy to get caught up with what they’re checking out and transition quickly from window/budget shopping to the real thing.

Have yourself a wonderful year ahead!



Sunday, January 08, 2006

Fishing for kitsch

India Fashion Week, London Fashion Week, Bangkok Fashion Week, Miami Fashion Week, Fish Fry for Reebok and now a flagship store - designer Manish Arora has done enough last year to be in the news constantly.

His style has been termed one of Bollywood meets Cirque de Soleil; a constellation of riotous colours and shapes that transport one on a journey through the Far East, stopping in India, Thailand, Japan and China without a moment to catch one's breath. And he's been known to display a fear of minimalism; with each surface of fabric in his collections over run with prints and embellishments. Possibly indicative of why he chooses to hit the fashion headlines with such regularity.

In recent times the designer launched his flagship store at Lodhi Colony, New Delhi. The interiors of the store as we hear is spread over two levels, and decidely follows Arora's kitsch style. Tiles with multi coloured flowers sourced from every nook and corner of the country cover the floor, and change tones and patterns throughout the store. Some of the walls are adorned with tiles bearing images of religious icons and are embellished with attractive patterns like polka dots and butterflies. The store is set to house three labels - Manish Arora, Fish Fry and the soon to be launched Get Laid by Manish Arora.

A modest Arora was overheard saying: "I always work extremely hard and that's what you can see in the store as well. I'm elated with the way it has emerged."


In the News: Reebok and Fish Fry

You make your own garam masala, eschew cappuccinos for chai and think Bollywood dance classes are the height of chic. Now buy the shoes.

Last November, Reebok released its first-ever couture sneaker collection; to design them, it selected New Delhi's most outlandish couturier, 33-year-old Manish Arora. Retailing at up to $500 a pair in India (and considerably more in New York City), Reebok's Fish Fry range reflects the explosive use of color and kitsch for which Arora is fast becoming known.


The most intricate of his 12 designs uses embossed suede, rhinestones and crystals.

Friday, January 06, 2006

School of Frock

Style.com just came out with a neat 'Fashion Yearbook', to check who made the style grade in 2005. The 'School of Frock' as they've cleverly termed it flashes back into 2005 bestowing awards as delightful as 'Cutest Couple' and oddly enough 'Best Tan'. While Galliano won the 'Most Theatrical' title hands down, the '2-gether 4-ever' honour was conferred on that imitable duo Domenico Dolce & Stefano Gabbana. Gwen Stefani was voted 'Most Popular'. Wonder how that sits with the new lady of glam punk.

Most Popular: Gwen Stefani

In staging the runway show for her spring 2006 L.A.M.B. ready-to-wear collection, Gwen Stefani applied a technique she had mastered on her smash solo album, Love. Angel. Music. Baby. She incorporated several styles—chola girl, Rasta, Daisy Buchanan, Maria von Trapp—into one catchy whole. Rappers, mall rats, fashioneditors—no one, it seems, can resist Gwen's charms. Next up for this multitasker? Her first baby, with husband Gavin Rossdale, due in 2006.

Most Theatrical: John Galliano

No contest here, of course. Fashion's favorite impresario turned July's Dior Haute Couture presentation into one for the history books. To mark Christian Dior's 100th birthday, the showman conjured the spirits of a young Master Dior and his maman, who entered a magical mist-laden landscape in a horse-drawn Edwardian carriage. By contrast, Galliano's spring '06 show for his own label, a stirring procession of gigolos, tattooed sailors, and bearded transvestites, was a mere divertissement.

Class Jock: Madonna

While critics debate whether Madonna has regained her musical mojo with November's Confessions on a Dance Floor, we can emphatically report that Madge retains firm control of her abs and thighs and biceps. Dusting herself off after a midsummer equestrian accident, the 47-year-old yoga enthusiast did some serious strutting in the "Hung Up" video, making Gen Y's pop starlets look like the soft, pampered brats they are.

Best Hair: Orlando Pita

Stylist of stars (Naomi, Kirsten, and Madonna), shows, and shoots, Orlando Pita is now available for regular-old haircuts at his salon, Orlo, in Manhattan's Meatpacking District. But before you rush to book an appointment, know that an 80-minute session runs $800. Too pricey? Nearby rival Sally Hershberger is a relative bargain at $600.

Comeback Kid: Kate Moss

It was the fastest turnaround since Steve Jobs rescued Apple. Yes, Kate Moss lost a slew of lucrative contracts after her drug scandal. But since coming out of an Arizona rehab clinic, she's bagged new campaigns with Longchamp and Stella McCartney, not to mention landed on the covers of Vanity Fair and Paris Vogue. The words printed on Alexander McQueen's T-shirt when he took a bow at his October show clearly spoke for the whole fashion community: "We love you Kate."

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