Ask any hormonal, raring-to-break-out-of-the-school-cage teenager what he is relieved about the most; school uniform will come as a reply. So, when designer du jour Vera Wang blogged about how everyone essentially sticks to a basic fashion uniform and definitely not due to a still-cool-for-school hangover, we were forced to ponder. So, we caught the best budding talents in the country, asking whether they too like Vera, like to live in their leggings.
Designer Gaurav Jai Gupta of Akaaro, feels that it is more like a frame, which keeps getting a make-over while the base remains the same. “It is true that people don’t like experimenting much once they get comfortable with a certain look. They might sway a bit, but not go very far from the norm. Though there are a few exceptions to the rule, with Lady Gaga internationally and designers Gaurav Gupta and Kallol Dutta breaking the mould often,” he says.
Just like any self-respecting glossy will tell you, no supermodel ruffles it more than she should and that is what becomes her identity over a period of time. Words that ring true speaking to Prashant Verma, who says that only those who have an identity have a uniform. “I am not a fan of unnecessary experimenting with one’s look and one does need to keep it in perspective. It’s the uniform that becomes a part of one’s visual iconography over the years. So, it’s not those who are good or bad, but only great, who have a fashion uniform,” he tells us.
But not everyone likes to get stuck in a rut and remain mode monkeys that refuse to evolve. Designer Pankaj Ahuja admits to having a uniform of blue jeans, but say that it’s necessary for clothes to evolve as one grows with age and experience.
“There are some classic pieces, which will be a constant, but then one needs to find out a style of their own and for that experimenting is a must. However, many choose to stick to one look once they have found it, like friend and designer Manish Arora who is forever seen in kurti-shirts with prints that keep varying,” he says.
Though, as with any form of regimentation, this too poses a threat. Borderline style clones, which would say that designer Rahul Mishra would soon over take the world, if originality and individuality doesn’t step in. “Style should be liberating which reflects all elements that make you the person you are. And if there are fashion uniforms then they should be one’s own and not some chain peddling it to you,” he opines.