Game on

This spring seems to be high on sporty detailing, gym-inspired evening wear and accessories. Chanel has re-imagined the knee pads, Prada’s leg warmers are shining in its spring campaign video and Vera Wang’s evening gowns come with racer-backs. In India, designer Masaba Gupta has done embroidered knee pads, Yogesh Chaudhary of label Surendri’s line has scuba and ribbed accents. The backpack has emerged to be the strongest accessory this season with brands like Givenchy reinventing it.

90’s influence
Masaba says, “These elements have been taken from the 90’s and infused into the modern era. But I strongly feel this will be a big trend only abroad. I wish it wasn’t like that but the Indian consumer isn’t ready to involve it into mainstream fashion just yet. A pair of slouchy track pants will still be just a pair of slouchy track pants and not a ‘fashion statement’ in India yet. I’m glad I did it now before people start to like it and then everyone else does it.” Designer Aniket Satam, who collaborated with a sportswear label last year says, “Straps, buckles and zippers are classic sporty details which add coolness to the design process. If one’s referencing 90’s style, then mainstream oversized jumpers can’t be overlooked. Also, designers are using moisture-retaining textiles, which also double up as germicidal.”   

Sporty luxe
Yogesh says, “My collection is titled ‘The Two Teeshirts’. It is a derivative of the most popular product of sports and street fashion consumerism across the world, the t-shirt.” Surendri’s swimsuits come with ribbed detailing, dresses cut in pique and thin fleece with panelling. Even Indian outfits come with scuba detailing. “The collection is cut heavy and details like exposed zippers, sheer panelling are prominent through the collection. The looks are completed with acrylic accessories in an evening format of presentation,” he concludes.