The era of globalisation

In the fashion world, each season brings along its share of surprises. Put together years of such surprises and you can’t help but notice a slow and steady revolution of sorts.

As for Bangalore, it has, over the years, transformed into a fashion destination — what with the number of international brands making its presence felt. Bangalore’s own fashionistas and fashion experts vouch for the impressive growth the city has seen. Here’s what they think...

Paresh Lamba, designer
Bangalore has witnessed a fashion revolution with each passing year. When I decided to begin work in Bangalore around 20 years ago, my friends and acquaintances from Delhi and Mumbai thought I was being foolish. But I felt that the city was just waiting to be explored and I was right. Affluence and the IT sector has brought about a great change, Bangalore has become a fashion hub. The last decade saw a huge change but I am looking forward to the next 10 years, which I think will herald a bigger revolution. 

Prasad Bidapa, image consultant
The most important thing that happened in the last decade was that Indian fashion designers came of age and created footprints around the globe. They understood the foreign market and came up with designs for a global audience. I must mention Sanchita Ajjampur, who made a huge contribution in this regard. She not only established her viewpoint but also helped develop the domestic market and made future business easier in the international scene. There are younger designers also, who  are creating an international perspective. Talking of models, Nicole Faria made the greatest impact by winning the Miss Earth and kept Bangalore’s flag flying high.  

Manoviraj Khosla, designer
A decade is a long time for a lot of revolutions to happen, and they did happen. We saw a few things make a comeback  like the jacket, jumpsuit and harem pants. Flares made a return too but vanished just as fast. The 40s and 60s look gained popularity. In Bangalore,  the fashion scene got bigger with a lot of international brands making their way into the city.

Neetu Gupta, fashion designer
The last decade proved to be a rather impressive one. We have been exposed to world fashion. With exposure comes change in thought process and lifestyle. Fashion has become global in nature, now teenagers across the world dress alike. With the internet, it’s become possible for everyone to be on the same page.

Vinita Chaitanya, interior designer
The re-invention of the sari was definitely a revolution and it also made it to the international scene. In fact, the younger generation   don’t find it a hassle to drape the sari any more. It was never so widely accepted around the globe with so many international designers working on it. Different ways to drape the sari have come up. Indian designers like Tarun Tahiliani, Suneet Varma and my favourite Anamika Khanna are not far behind. I am also glad that shift dresses are back, so are retro sunglasses and classic bags. Lycra too made a great impact. In terms of trends, the last decade was quite exciting.

Anu Nagappa, designer
I think the fashion industry has grown rapidly in the past 10 years because of globalization. Indians are attracted to western gowns and dresses. If you take Bollywood for instance, celebrities were seen sporting gowns and dresses instead of saris and salwars for various events. A large number of international brands have stepped in, which made people more brand conscious. Even the culture of sporting accessories like fashionable bags, shoes saw a huge change.

Raj Shroff, fashion designer
Everything has changed over the last decade whether in terms of sales or trends. 10 years back, there was a lack of clarity, people didn’t know what to buy, who the designers were and where to get good brands. I would say, the rise in the number of fashion weeks in the city is also a revolution. The drapes and patterns also took a new turn which shows a certain understanding of couture.  Though Bangalore is not as advanced  as  Mumbai or Delhi, we are definitely not lagging behind.

Seema Malhotra, designer
I have seen a cross-fertilisation of Indian and western fashion. The fact that women are sporting gowns and dresses itself is a change that’s been influenced by the West. Be it modern silhouettes in Indian garments, or vice versa there is a definite change. Indian brides have come of age too with a lot of them optiong for lehengas over Kanchivaram saris.  I believe it is films and media that has been responsible for this change.

Rahul Dev Shetty, choreographer
The fashion industry has seen several changes in terms of brands and designs over the years. It’s the international brands  which have revolutionised our city. It’s not just the clothes, even accessories’ brands are numerous. This sudden rush of international brands make the fashion industry come a full circle. As for designs, I believe it is the attention to detail that comes as a positive change.

Namrata G, fashion designer
I would call the evolution of saris in the last few years a big revolution — especially the drape. The fifties look is also coming back in a big way. Saris represent Indian culture and tradition and also rule the ramps. Some of the other trends like slim pants, pointed shoes are also hogging the limelight. However, Bangalore still has a long way to go. I think the next 10 years is something we can all look forward to.