One of the leading trends of the 90s was the knotted t-shirt trend.
Hollywood celebrities sporting the knotted trend
The knot may not have made its comeback on the New York or Paris runways, but celebrities from Kristen Stewart to Christina Ricci have been spotted owning the casual knot on the streets. The return may have been accelerated by the re-visit of the crop top midriff style as well the current focus on silhouettes accentuating the waist and hip line. We especially love working it into a high-waisted outfit.
Knotted street style, Knotted t-shirt, Meera Ansari and Knotted street style
However, like all trends that circle back, this one too has been modified and studied to its maximum potential. Instead of the Britney Spears school girl approach, now the t-shirt knot rests lower on the hip or wherever the top ends and can be casually twisted on the side, the back, or the centre. It’s easy to do and inserts a bit of interest to an otherwise common tee. Add on a biker jacket or a tailored blazer and you can take it from grunge to rock. Rather than tucking in your shirt over a flowy skirt, why not knot the top for a more fun and flirty vibe. Denim comes highly recommended to suit the look.
Sania Maskatiya Aahghaz Resort 2013, Fiction Concepts by Rabia Wahab and Farah Talib Aziz digital print
Sania Maskatiya introduced yet another innovative spin on the knot that was key in styling her collection, Resort Collection Aahghaz, showcased at PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week 2013. Employing her skill for juxtaposed prints, she introduced high low vests and kurtis knotted effortlessly over sari pleated skirts that emanated an offbeat bohemian vibe. Farah Talib Aziz, who until recently had been singly lauded for her majestic bridals and formals, is slowly and steadily stepping into the world of prêt with her debut collection of digital silk prints. She is certainly well-equipped to jump in to the deep end as shown by this handkerchief knot kurta that packs a punch. Fiction Concepts by Rabia Wahab, now an established player in prêt, exercises admirable balance utilising an ethnic print palette with a modern-cut.
Ayesha Somaya knotted cape tunics, Nida Azwer knotted cape tunics
A clever spin on the knot is to give it a fusion make-over with the best of both worlds, made immensely popular by Nida Azwer and Ayesha Somaya with their groundbreaking luxury prêt delicate chiffon knotted tunic capes that can be worn with both palazzos and cigarette pants.
Nida Azwer wearing her printed knotted tunic
The Ayesha Somaya selection is available in a range of pastel and jewel tones at their flagship store as well as at Brands Just Pret. The label will soon be launching its new zodiac charmeuse silk printed line that will also carry the knotted jackets. The selection by Nida Azwer includes embellished soft chiffons as well as her intricate William and Morris collectible prints available at both her flagship stores and stockists Ensemble and Labels.
Sana Salman Luxury Party Wear
For party wear, Sana Salman is our pick for her pop colours and very young outlook on fashion. She often takes risks with her work that prove worthwhile. Her recent Pre-Fall collective, shot by NFK and styled by Maha Burney, resonated a high fashion quality that included a shaded knotted silk top paired with sequined drainpipe trousers, and a long contrast vest that is enough to convince you to ‘get knotted’. Additionally, this self-detailed crochet and lace ivory twisted top is hot off the workshop from her brand new collection.
Farah Talib Aziz Formal
Farah Talib Aziz takes a remarkable step further modernising occasion wear with a subtle fabric twist to add structure to a kaamdani encrusted formal draped ensemble.
Mahira Khan for Feeha Jamshed shot by NFK, Daaman casual prêt wear
Feeha Jamshed and Daaman allow you to sport the knot casually with an extensive range of solid coloured and printed cotton and butter linen tied tunics. Pair them with tights or trousers and you can go from day to night. In fact, most of their creations can be styled to play the part for the most likely scenarios in your life.
Bottega Veneta knot clutch, Kate Spade sailor knot bracelet and Bottega veneta knot earrings
The knot is not just limited to apparel but trending high for accessories as well. We know you’re all thinking of the Holy Grail; the Bottega knot clutch however, the signature loop, extends to earrings and bracelets that are equally desirable.
Top knot on Kim Kardashian and Julianne Hough and Maha Burney sporting the top knot at LSA
Finally, we cannot end without an honourable mention about the top knot hairstyle. In spite of the temptation to leave your hair open, be it at work, dinner, or a formal event, we urge you to tie the elegantly clean or messy top knot instead. The great part is unless you’re a stickler for perfection, this is a classic example of a do-it-yourself trend which is right where we started!
Sana Hafeez wears SanaSafinaz silk knotted tunic, Shehla Chatoor spotted in her own evening wear, Shamaeel Ansari Luxury Pret 2013 and Maheen Karim Paradis’ Luxury Pret
Working with the symmetry that lies within asymmetrics, here at home, we’ve seen some great ways to wear the twisted knot taking it from casual to cocktail and everything in between. For cocktail wear, designers such as SanaSafinaz, Shamaeel Ansari, Shehla Chatoor, Sania Maskatiya and Maheen Karim demonstrate a premium finesse working the fabric beautifully with a glamorous brooch entwined or simply twisted within itself and drawing subtle attention to define the curves.
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Published in The Express Tribune, November 9th, 2013.
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