Articles  
Fashion Fiesta or Fiasco
by Ankita Kumar

Tons of make-up, high heeled stilettos, tattoo-covered bodies and skimpy clothes - that's what defines 'fashion' in present day India. Models walk on the ramp wearing 'barely there' clothes with appalling jewellery and atrocious headgear. The clothes designed are such that no sane person can wear them and walk on the street and yet these costumes are priced sky high.

And where so much of money is involved controversies are bound to follow! In the Lakme India Fashion Week, held recently in Mumbai, a top shot model Caroline Gracias, gave the viewers a peek-a-boo! Walking the ramp for a designer, the strings of her top came undone. Questions were raised regarding the fact that whether this was actually an accident or was it deliberate and premeditated, done to add an extra bit of spice in the show.
This news had been flashed in almost all the major news channels, in some uncensored. But even this issue failed to capture the attention of the people for long, because today, such issues have become a part of our daily lexicon.

However, the saddest part is that in the present times beauty is measured not in terms of looks but in terms of money. As a result, the models are rarely beautiful. They chiefly get into modeling due to the twin powers which govern this industry - money and status or through means needless to mention.

This trend of wearing very little clothes started in the West and in next to no time spread to India. Saris and salwar suits have been replaced by jeans, capris, spaghettis and tank tops. Instead of 'Namaste' now it's a fashion for 'Hyes' and 'Yos'.

But the question that remains to be asked is that do these fashion shows do any good to the country? Crores of rupees are spent every year on financing such shows whereas this money can be spent on much more useful and socially beneficial purposes.

Will Indian fashion ever wake up to reality or will continue to exist in a confused world dominated by western influences and values.   

June 18, 2006

Image courtesy : BBC.co.uk

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