Welcome back to the 70s, when big chunky cuffs, cocktail rings, elbow-length gloves and glitsy heels were a major fashion statement along with bright oversized bags.
The fall/winter collection 2011 by many high-end designers shows a trend towards colossal bags in solid colours and leather wallets, with occasional hints of bright hues such as yellow — a colour especially found in Proenza Schouler’s arm candies. Designers like Versace, Nine West and Dolce & Gabbana are incorporating bold, cut-colour trends in their collections ranging from carry-it-all bags to small clutches.
In the eastern part of the world, designer Mahin Hussain says, “I’m doing extremely small clutches and more particularly offering boxed clutches too, these boxed ones are my answer to women who take Swarovski crystal purses/clutches to weddings. I believe they should carry these boxed clutches.”
The designer who has made an impact in the Pakistani market through her fluorescent truck-art inspired designs shares that unlike western designers, Pakistani designers have to keep the ‘shaadi season’ in mind as well. “You see, winter is approaching and so is the shaadi season. For the wedding season particularly, gold and fun bright colours is what I plan to offer. The concept of bringing forth clashing colours with contrasting textures certainly has a fun appeal to it.”
As Hussain rightly says, winters are almost synonymous with shimmer and shine. Where gold and bright colours are being used in clutches and purses, the latest fad in accessories are gold cuffs and metallic jewellery that will add that oh-so-important oomph to your attire. Women with a more dainty choice could accessorise with vintage-inspired bangles and thin embellished bracelets.
From tribal-inspired necklaces to animal print bangles, glam earrings or boho-chic rings, everything pretty much works. Even if you are a ‘light on accessories’ sort of a girl, ignoring gold, shimmer and metallic accessories this season would almost be blasphemous. Gold coloured jewellery and heavy-on-metal boyfriend watches by brands such as Links of London, Fossil and Guess add a classy touch to any ensemble.
For shoe designers in Pakistan, garish colours sell like hot cakes. Pakistani women by default are attracted to loud colours and shoe designer Zahra Habib says, “I have left out black and beige and used suede in neon colours in my upcoming collection. I chose this texture because it combines comfort with luxury and gives a wintery feel at the same time.”
Once the hands and feet have been accessorised smartly, you automatically think about covering your head. Trapper hats in faux fur and animal prints give the wild and primal effect to the wearer in a dull, dismal weather. Snood — a loosely fastened headgear that drapes low on the back of the head — gives off a soft and effortless look for girls who can carry them well without looking like they are heading to the fields.
In a nutshell, winter fashion is all about sticking to your style statement whether grunge or gamine, but adding a pop of colour here and a tinge of gold, shimmer and shine there to fight the winter blues and greys. Designers from both sides of the globe advocate colour and shine this season — just remember not to overdo it.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 28th, 2011.
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