The exhilarating appeal of sequins

Mehwish Hayat sparkles in new IG photoshoot

LONDON:

Sequins. Those tiny, glittery discs that have the power to transform any outfit from "meh" to "marvellous" in a matter of seconds. They're the fashion world's equivalent of fairy dust—sprinkle them on and watch as you light up a room or at the very least, blind someone temporarily. But the real beauty of sequins? They're the trend that keeps on trending, season after season, as impervious to the calendar as they are to subtlety.

Whether you're roasting under the sun or shivering in the dead of winter, there's never a wrong time to wear sequins. And if you haven't already been swayed by this sartorial seduction, allow me to show you the light (literally).

A Pakistani take

Take, Mehwish Hayat, who recently set the bar impossibly high with her fuchsia sequin skirt ensemble. Now, if you're picturing a garish glitter bomb, think again. This look, posted on Instagram, was pure glamour, elegance and just the right amount of razzle-dazzle. The sequin skirt was perfectly complemented by a matching silk button-down that whispered "class". And then there was her makeup: a smoky eye that could set off smoke alarms, complete with side-parted hair that cascaded in waves.

But let's not kid ourselves—sequins aren't all glitter and glam. There is one tiny hiccup in this sparkling saga: how in the world do you style this after-dark trend during the day without looking like you're perpetually on your way to a fancy-dress party? Styling sequins for daylight hours is a delicate art. Here's the trick: when taking sequins out in the harsh light of day, opt for lighter shades and pair them with something that screams "I'm casual, I swear!"

Sparkle from within

And let's be honest, the best part of wearing sequins isn't just about aesthetics—it's about the way they make you feel. There's something undeniably exhilarating about slipping into a sequinned garment, like you're stepping into your very own spotlight. Beyond their obvious visual appeal, sequins have a fascinating psychological impact. With every flicker and flash, they draw attention to your every move. It's no wonder that when we wear sequins, people can't help but notice us. They turn us into human disco balls, reflecting not just light but also a sense of confidence and empowerment.

Sequins are fabulous, but they come with a not-so-glamorous secret: they're often made from petroleum-based materials. Yep, those dazzling little discs that make us feel like stars are also known to be planet villains. They can take ages to decompose, polluting both our oceans and landfills along the way. Not exactly what you want from your outfit.

But before you swear off sequins forever, there is hope. Enter Stella McCartney. Earlier this year, she debuted a jaw-dropping sequinned jumpsuit made from plant-based cellulose. That's right—this stunning number is plastic-free, biodegradable, and totally non-toxic.

So, fingers crossed that other designers get with the program and start crafting sequins from materials that are a little more Earth-friendly, like recycled plastics or other sustainable options. Because let's face it: there's no need to sacrifice style for sustainability when we can have both.