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Trendsetters need to make a comeback
Over the decades there has been a close synergy between fashion and films in Hollywood and Bollywood. What stars wear on the silverscreen is promptly and religiously tracked and followed by their fans. In Bollywood, designers have set trends in the past that have given a new look to fashion in the country.Oscar-winner Bhanu Athaya's choli for Nadira in 'Shree 420' made women rush to their darzis. Bhanu also dreamt up figure hugging kurtas worn by Sadhana in the film 'Waqt', which turned into the look of the decade. The knotted cholis and hipster saris sported by Sharmila Tagore and Asha Parekh were the top trends of those days.
Sridevi's white Chandni kurta with the leheriya dupatta, which Leena Daru designed, was soon seen on the racks of Delhi stores. Anna Singh's purple sari and striking choli for 'Hum Apke Hain Kaun' got her several repeats. When Manish Malhotra created the bridal lehenga for Kajol in 'Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge' and the swinging mini skirts for Urmila Mantondkar in 'Rangeela', girls wanted them in their wardrobes.
The Babli kurta created by Aki Narula for Rani Mukherjee for the film 'Bunty aur Babli' saw myriad versions of the garment on store racks. But funnily enough, no fashion trend in the 21st century has turned into a rage for mass consumption.
The reason is probably because Indian designers have turned into stylists for films and now pick up readymade garments to create a look for their stars. The other drawback seems to be the lack of Indian wear seen in Bollywood movies and western ensembles are often of labels such as Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, Gucci, Prada, Nike and Chanel.
The look for 'Dhoom 1 and 2' was created off the racks from labels around the world. Film producers send stylists and designers of their movies on a world tour to shop for clothes. So, setting a trend through Bollywood films has practically come to an end.
But in most Hollywood movies no matter how modern or traditional the theme maybe, designers always create a complete wardrobe for the characters. Givenchy's black dress for Audrey Hepburn in 'Breakfast at Tiffany' brought the garment into the limelight. Even the very theatrical gowns of 'My Fair Lady' were spotted at premiers and spawned several versions. A Hollywood wardrobe designer will rarely shop for clothes, but will create new looks for each film unlike Indian designers who want to take the easy way out.
It will be great to see some creative work from Bollywood designers, so that new trends are set. They, in turn, would expand the business of fashion on a mass scale.
http://www.mydigitalfc.com/fashion-and-style/trendsetters-need-make-comeback-854
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