Global invasion

The fashion arena comes alive as the spring summer 2000 global fashion story unfolds. It is all about vibrant colours, sensual silhouettes and a youthful vitality. This season, international labels like French Connection unveiled their summer line. The "Guess" label sports a similar look with tie-up tops, speghetti's, and the ultra wild bikini. In bohemian styles, these ensembles are a great buy. The "Gap" collections are sober in comparison and rather simple. Most of these collections have a strong accent on sexuality. These skimpy little numbers are a rage, in colours such as papaya, orange, icy blue, fuschia, and wild pink. An imaginative palette to choose from.

One notch higher and we get to see the top end fashion label "Gucci". Their new innovations in prints are python, lizard, snake, and water prints in subtle colours. The Gucci attitude is bold, brazen and extremely chic with a bare and minimal no make- up look; their clothes are versatile and crisply classy.

"With so many looks invading the fashion scene it's hard to tell which one is better than the other and even harder to keep track of. However, the 21st century woman is progressive, daring, and in tune with the world", says the London-based fashion consultant, Venkat Neelakantan.

In conversation with Chaitanya Rao, designer, who claims that his collections are a reflection of today's youth and a combination of international ideas and trends, "with foreign brands advertising their new lines and the influence of the media, we are very much in touch with the latest trends."

The Indian market is suffering from severe heat stroke, our ramps usually come alive when people indulge in festivities like post summer, Diwali, and the much awaited Christmas and New Year. This year has seen several brands having left a lasting impression on the fashion cognoscenti. The Pratap label, a higher end elite apparel designer, whose collections have us craving for more, are in fabrics like stretch, lurex, and lycras. The collection comprises evening wear gowns. separates and trousers. With a reputation of being a trendsetter, the Pratap line enhances any form, in cutting edge style, whose ensembles are a signature of today's lifestyle. Lina Tipnis, avant garde designer, known widely for her label "Linarika", has collections that signify casual comfort, while maintaining an air of elegance. These garments are structured to suit any shape, while providing a lean and slim look; a highly affordable range, and an asset to any wardrobe.

Trendy mass market labels like Jealous, a predominantly street wear brand, is a favourite with most. In the same league, Levis, the popular jeans brand, is aggressively retailing a new line of accessories and bags, which have become the uniform code. Among the fashion conscious, its new range of slim-fit trousers are an exciting addition to their line.

With so much to choose from, the Indian retail market is flooded with new brands, designers, and collections. While all of them are vying for a prime position in the spotlight, only those that are versatile, trendy and in tune with tomorrow, will survive the fight for supremacy.

UPASANA ASRANI

email id: upasana-asrani@yahoo.com

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