 Rise of the Recessionista
NDTV Good Times
Monday, March 23, 2009
Amid the global economic slowdown this season, it is super chic to be referred to as a recessionista. It’s all about looking good without spending a dime.
The looming recession has made designers look to the past for inspiration and this time round they are focussing on the depression era of the 30s.
With an insight that's downright uncanny, designers worked both sides of the crash of 1929, turning out glittery flapper frocks, faded sack dresses and playing with fabrics like lace and checks.
On international runways, we could see Alberta Ferretti showcasing her collection of glittery flapper frocks, for the understated buyer Burberry had loose airy faded sack dresses while Marni had ones with a check print.
Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie is known to favour 'you could hide somethin' under that Lady' sack dress! And she flowed in one, 'armed' with Brad Pitt in this year's SAG Awards.
Now the art in keeping with these trends, lies in mixing it well and creating the right cocktail. Recycling from within your wardrobe is key when playing the role of a true recessionista.
The traditional salwar kameez can be transformed and worn in a number of ways. A good tailor and a great imagination are key in putting a modern spin on your old Indian suits.
A good tailor can also come in handy when recycling old tees and bootleg jeans.
Cutting jeans at knee-length makes for new capris that can be worn all through summer – on the beach or for a day at the movies.
Old T-shirts can be made as good as new by cutting off the sleeves to make them airy and edgy.
Mixing and matching by taking the sleeves of one shirt and stitching it to another shirt – make for a whole new outfit.
A point to remember when doing this is to keep the colours fun and matching, like taking the sleeves of a yellow shirt and adding it to a white tee.
The African trend is extremely predominant for spring/summer and this can be inculcated in your wardrobe by piling on bangles, bracelets, chunky neck pieces and other jewellery made from wood and stones.
An important point to note here is not to wear all these statement pieces together – either go with big earrings or a chunky necklace.
Keep dresses and loose kaftans with earthy colours and prints and wear them with the accessories mentioned above.
Pulling out old bright coloured T-shirts can help satisfy yet another trend for the summer – acid colours.
Bright eye popping hues such as pink, yellow, green can be layered or worn alone over a pair of shorts for that perfect summer look. Your old denim shorts or a pair of white linen shorts work best with this look.
Do not throw away your LBD (Little Black Dress) as it is always in season! Dresses with a little geometry and detail are in sync with the geometry trend in vogue.
Bubble dresses can be revamped by cutting off the bubble at the end to turn it into the perfect short number.
These minor (and some major) changes are your best bet at perfecting the depression chic trend.
As for beauty, we know how important tresses are to any fashionista and in these times we have a few low cost options for you. Pony tails and braids can be revamped with pretty hair accessories.
Natural waves are effortlessly achieved by adding mousse to wet hair and then drying it with a diffuser attached to your blow dryer, this gives you big loose “out of bed” sexy hair.
This hair looks best with the African trend.
However, a true fashionista while careful during these hard times always knows when to save and when to splurge.
She realises that while clothes can be saved, other priorities such a sturdy handbag and make-up are always an investment and should be splurged on wisely. |