The transition of Bangalore's fashion scene

Fashion designer Julie Kagti, who runs her store from Hatworks Boulevard, has always attracted the attention of the fashionista with elegant and subdued taste. The designer, who you can’t call flamboyant, talks about the changes in Bangalore’s fashion scene that she witnesses around her…

Fashion is a reflection of the times we live in; it is draped by needs, fused with social influences and embellished by aspirations. It asserts identity and is a release to our creativity in the way we style our appearance. Throughout history, women have given a lot of importance to making themselves as attractive to others as possible. Although fashion and physical values have changed over time, this drive has remained constant. 

In a world that is rapidly changing, a study of a city’s fashion quotient is an interesting observation of a city itself. Indian cities, especially Bangalore, go through many urban landscape and lifestyle changes. The options for eating out, recreation and shopping for clothes see a rapid growth very year. So do the attitudes of the shopper.

My first clothing line was bought and exhibited by Cinnamon on Walton Road, in the winter of 2004; it was a collection of lounge wear  in silk and in rich Indian spice colours like deep purple, maroon, deep blue, saffron red and black. None of the garments were extremely formal and the styling very relaxed; there were skirts designed on the traditional lungi, with the tops based on a kimono.

All the pieces are embellished with kantha embroidery and shibori, a Japanese technique of resist dye.

The collection was well received and appreciated for its relaxed lines and the use of intricate hand worked fabrics. The traditional south Indian silk ruled the day when it came to saris. The demand and trend was for noils, heavier silks, mangalgiri handwoven cottons that were comfortable to the wearer.

The MAA House of Fabrics and shops selling Andhra cotton fabrics in Safina plaza were much sought by people in the trade and by fashionistas; the Gurjari emporium, too, was a must for fabrics.

As times and fads moved on, we have become more conscious of our aesthetics in lifestyles, homes and ourselves; appearance plays a vital role in the way we project ourselves. Bangaloreans slowly are beginning to give up laid back styles for more strict fashion rules.

The taste of the current fad is towards softer fabrics that provide better drape and flow, both in silks and cottons. Georgettes, chiffons, softer mull blends are replacing the handwoven fabrics.

Yes,  blended jersey knits are here to stay! Fitness is a big trend and women, for a while now, have begun  wearing their work-out clothes on the street. They appeal to women of all ages and the markets now  offer a huge variety, too. Women want comfortable, functional clothing that are stylish and flattering to their bodies with a little edge in terms of finishing detail or cut.

Unlike earlier, when the trend was to have a well coordinated wardrobe, the new buzz word is to mix and match, contrast colour blocking of bright tones i.e. reds with lime green, fuchsia with deep turquoise can be seen everywhere. Bling is no longer restricted to wedding finery and festive clothing.

Women in their 40s and 50s are now wearing more westernised clothing even for formal occasions which earlier were a strict sari domain. Shifts are very in and structured lines are in demand.

Slowly, women are leaving their comfort zone for more daring cuts and ensembles.

In comparison to a Delhi (considered India’s most fashionable metro) or a Bombay, where major brands and designer wear are very sought-after, Bangaloreans are still value-conscious. The influence of Bollywood, which is so apparent in the other two metros, is creeping, but very slowly, into the fashion scene here.

This city is witness to an amalgamation of styles and cultures. Bangalore’s fashion identity is undergoing a metamorphosis and it will be fascinating to watch what emerges from this melting pot.