Fashion Bombay: Neon burning Bright

Many will claim that the ’90s were a decade of bad films and uninspired fashion but that is not entirely true. The ’90s did give us the mini skirt and neon, a trend that has been repeatedly doing the rounds at fashion weeks this past season in India and globally.

Indian wear and western wear have both adopted the trend beautifully. In fact from high street brands, the neon trend has spilled over to a lot of mass brands as well the street markets.

Like any other trend, neons have translated into makeup in the form of bright eye shadows, neon orange and red lips.

Hot pink, bright orange and dangerously bright greens have been the most popular colour choices so far. Still think the trend isn’t for you? Don’t give up yet. It’s perhaps one of the most common myths that bright colours only suit white and really pale complexions. Au contraire, the Indian skin tone with its warm brown, ruddy, peach undertones can carry off bright colours very well.

Also, it’s important that you don’t overdo neon. In small portions, neon becomes very wearable for anyone. Try it in small doses with colour-blocked blouses mixed with more muted solids. Also, neon accessories are a great way of adopting the trend with neon wedges, bracelets, bag or even a lipstick. Forever 21, Zara and Vero Moda, B:Kind clothing, Pret-Amoda.com have some great options in clothes and accessories. M.A.C, Inglot, Bourjois and Chambor have some lovely matte and semi-matte orange and pink lipsticks to choose from.

Also, local shops in Bandra, Colaba Causeway and Fashion Street showcase the latest in neons as well. On the lust list, you must check out the neon satchel bags available online at the Cambridge Satchel Co. An expensive buy (Rs7000 to 10,000 approx.), they are truly delicious. Places like Attic and Oak Tree in Mumbai also showcase lovely bags and blazers in pop art/ neon colours if you’re looking for something more unique and one-off. For Indian wear, bright kurtis, floral prints, anarkalis and Patiala styles are all available in neon accents.

Even with the new year’s changing fashion, neon is going to be around for a while. The Indian weather is also very suited to wearing these colours so make sure you keep your eyes open for some neon-spotting when you go out shopping next.

Jasleen and Sonu are fashion writers, stylists and co-founders of Fashion Bombay, an everyday fashion blog