Return of 90s 'fashion' spirit

Let’s start on a serious note. Are you a child of the ‘90s?  If yes, then most often than not, you must be reminiscing about the ‘good ol-days’. Good ol’ days? Those were like ages ago, you say. Well yes, we are in 2013 and yes, we are getting old. I’m sure the kids born in the millennial generation thinks we are maybe ‘antiques’. As much as the truth hurts, but we, the kids of 90s, sure had our own share of fun, fashion and entertainment at that time - we had masala packed films full of melodrama (no realist tomfoolery that took over Bollywood in 2010 and 2011), Michael Jackson and Backstreet Boyz’s music internationally and the likes of Alisha Chinoy, Baba Sehgal, Lucky Ali and Shaan ruling the roost at home. We also had Byomkesh Bakshi and Captain Vyom as our desi heroes, and slam books instead of confession pages to pour our hearts out. But most importantly, 90s was the time when we started experimenting with fashion.

The 90s marked a shift in fashion for both men and women as India opened its doors to international brands like GAP, DKNY, Dolce & Gabbana and Levis through its new economic policies. No more casual or over the top dressing - with designers like Manish Malhotra and Surily Goel designing for Bollywood stars, clothes in 90s became charming, sexy, and street as in Rangeela; feminine minus the garishness as in Raja Hindustani and breezy and fresh as in Dil To Pagal Hai. In fact Kuch Kuch Hota Hai took college fashion to a whole new level with young boys and girls sporting sweatshirts and ultra minis respectively.

Whatever it was, 90s fashion did leave an impact on our generation. And I'm glad that some of those trends are back. Here are some of those trends that have risen from the 90s fashion list...

Crop em' up ladies: Miley, Selena and Gwyneth show off their slender waistline

Tank and crop tops and hot pants

Urmila Matondkar became an overnight sensation sporting a mix of what can be best called a mix of desi belle meets femme fatale outfits in Rangeela. Her wardrobe consisted of thigh high boots, miniskirts and floral dresses - all of which have made a comeback in today’s fashion scene. What’s more, the good ol’ Dungarees or the overalls as they are sometimes called have also managed to sneak back in with the likes of Selena Gomez and Zoe Saldana sporting them off and on.  

Chiffon saris

Made famous by Karisma Kapoor in Raja Hindustani and Madhuri Dixit in Dil Toh Pagal Hai, chiffon saris have become a must for your summer wardrobe. Solid or pastel, neon or net, pick any colour, but the mantra of wearing them still remains the same as it was in the 90s - minimalistic accessories and simple hairstyle.

Actresses Deepika Padukone, Katrina Kaif and Priyanka Chopra go grunge. Pic: metromela.com

Grunge

Remember the grunge look Rani Mukerji sported in Bichhoo? Be it her leather minis or jackets, lofty oversized shirts and even the neck chokers or seed beads - it is all back. Ripped jeans too are an important part of grunge dressing - the more tattered and torn the better, and with stars like Anushka Sharma, Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra sporting the look, we can safely say that grunge is in.  

Miley in hot high waisted shorts. pic: celebitchy.com

High Waisted Shorts

Miley Cyrus can single handedly be credited for bringing this trend back in fashion. It wouldn't be wrong to say that high-waisted shorts have become a part of her signature style, as she is often clicked roaming around in them. Though Piggy Chops (in her Exotic video) and Dippy (in the movie Cocktail) have tried to ooze their sex appeal in these shorts, youngsters back home are yet to take a fancy to this garment, but like everything else, it is just a matter of time before the trend catches up.  

The kurtis and the Anarkalis

Designer duo Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla first introduced the Anarkali in 1988, while the kurtis made their ramp debut in 1998 through designer Monisha Jaising. While Anarkalis have become a staple for every women be it on television shows, social functions and even red carpet appearances, when it comes to traditional wear, kurtis on the other hand have seen various adaptations and modifications to remain in trend. Popular in the 90s as an embroidered light garment, kurtis have evolved to kurti dresses, tunics and kaftans.

Jelly'like': Jelly sandals come in really nice and vibrant colours

Jelly sandals and bellies

Katy Perry, Anne Hathaway, Katie Holmes - international celebs have been rocking this trend for some time now, and with the desi junta back here following suit, flip-flops and jelly sandals have made a comeback in vibrant colors. These are not just perfect for a monsoon day out but also helps brighten up your day by adding colour to your outfit. Recently actress Aditi Rao Hydari of Murder 3 fame launched a whole new monsoon collection for a big footwear company aimed to ‘beat the monsoon doldrums with vibrant colored footwear’. In fact, if I might add this in this section - platform flip-flops too have made a comeback. As ugly as they look, they are back on the display windows - Sad, but true.

While there are many other items too that have or are on the verge of bursting upon the fashion scene, we think these five trends are here to stay. What say!