An offshoot of the music genre, grunge fashion has made a comeback but this time in a nattier avatar. Sonal Ved talks to experts on how to get that rugged chic look
Oversized sweaters, plaid shirts, tasseled boots, torn jeans and ratty T-shirts – the grunge look made its first appearance in the late 80s and early 90s in Seattle, United States. With bands like Alice in Chains, Nirvana and Pearl Jam popularising fashion of sombre tones, worn-out clothing and ease, grunge fashion became
mainstream among American youth.
Today, with younger celebrities such as Miley Cyrus, Rihanna, Emma Watson, Gwen Stefani, Lorde and occasionally even Selena Gomez sporting the rugged chic look, the grunge look is back in fashion.
Originally a music genre, what the artists wore on stage became its style counterpart. "Characterised by lots of flannel shirts, rolled up pants, biker boots and loose-fitted clothes, today's new grunge includes these, but is more high-end and an expensive wave of clothing, " says Goa-based print and online model and fashion blogger
Rhea Gupte from www.fuss.co.in.
The difference between then and now is that today's grunge is a lot more dapper. While earlier it was okay to rip off jeans at home, well-fitted denims with a tattered finish or T-shirt in pre-crinkled material are available aplenty in high-end stores now.
The colour scheme, too, has changed slightly. While grunge has never been about neon or pop tones, dull colours such as purple, black, maroon, forest green, dull gray, off-white are still popular but they aren't run down and are, in fact, bright and fresh.
"When it started out, grunge was more about a revolting teenager look Due to allowance constraints it was largely DIY clothing (blade-torn jeans, ripped t-shirts), but the new grunge is stylish with cleaner cuts, oversized tops, high waist pants and head gears," says former fashion stylist and designer Jia Nariman Chauhan from Veri Vintage.
This came into focus during Yves Saint Laurent's Fall collection last year that featured plaid overcoats, leather jackets, tattered denim skirts, boots and frocks.
Apart from clothing, grunge is reflected in hairstyles and accessories as well. Tasseled bags and shoes rank on top, followed by perforated jackets, sling bags and reflector shades that add a grungy tinge to any outfit. In terms of hairstyles, go for loose braids, back-combed plaits and messy ballerina buns. Spray them with a styling product to keep your grunge glam and not gritty.
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