Anjoo Karanjia, Founder, ANJ defines 2019 as a game changer. “Brands and companies have woken up not only to the tougher economic environment but also changing consumer trends and shifts in the fashion system. Fast fashion retail brands have excelled this year leaving the industry couturiers and luxury brands behind. 2019 trends are heavily inspired by the ’80s. The statement high volume oversized jackets, fringes to name a few.”
Exciting year
Designer Deepak Sharma and Neeraj Malhotra, Brown Men’s Wardrobe call 2019 quiet awakening for fashion. “Media has covered each and every moment of fashion world whether it was a hit or a disaster. The whole year was exciting.”
Throwback time
According to Asha Gautam, 2019’s top fashion trends displayed the best throwbacks. “The return of tiny accessories and dresses gave us a return to the 90s, and icons like Sonam Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, and Deepika Padukone showed us ways to update these looks and take them into the everyday.”
Budget-friendly trend
For Sonika Shah, lead designer, S.N. Creations, 2019 had new innovations and trends. “We saw a huge paradigm shift where customers are moving towards more budget-friendly options. While still looking for chic designer wear, they’re no longer willing to spend a small fortune per outfit, giving upcoming designers an opening to showcase their talent.”
Streetwear rage
According to Deepak, 2019 saw belt suits and street wear trend. Regarding failed trends, Neeraj speaks about embroidered bandh gala suits and drape kurtas with too much cuts.
“Athleisure is the trend that keeps giving, and its latest offering is as unexpected as it is stylish.” She also mentions animal instincts, boiler suits, lavender tones, puff shoulders, neo-gothic and coloured tartan.
Sonika saw Indo-western outfits get a whole new space. “With increasing number of destination weddings, people are looking to buy trendy Indian outfits that aren’t heavy and don’t take up too much space. Indo-western outfits are the perfect amalgamation of style and comfort, making them the ideal choice for a sangeet, cocktail or even mehendi function.” Anjoo felt high volume pleats, bold prints, tie-dye look and fanny packs were big this year.
Naushaba Ara designer of Candere, India’s popular online jewelery company, recalls, “Pearl is a forever classic in its famous white hue. There are 10 more variants but white pearls have topped the list. As for Mother of Pearl, the iridescent nature of the pearl made it sell like hot cakes. This gemstone also became the gemstone of their choice for the LGBTQ community to express themselves. Layered and personalised jewelery can be considered as the not-so-great ones.”
Bauble beauty
To quote Rohan Sharma, Managing Director of RK Jewellers South Extension, jewellery trends 2019 were more of customer’s interest for minimal, feminine designs. “Women prefer to wear comfortable jewellery. Similarly, we are receiving the maximum requests of studs, tassels, dainty rings and multi-string diamond necklaces which women can wear any day. This dominance will continue to be present in 2020.”
Label love
The year some designers created the right news. Asha mentions Gucci, Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermès. “Not only their collection was creative but they brought a positive difference to the world. There was a message in their collection which strengthens inclusivity in the world.”
Sonika credits Kresha Bajaj, Anita Dongre and Ankur and Priyanka Modi for doing a fantastic job in building their own space. Neeraj reveals the names of Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla. “They celebrated their 33 years in the grandest of style with 90 models, 130 ensembles and a whole lot of fabulous.”
Anjoo explains, “This year Indian designers made a statement with their eco-friendly and sustainable collections – Samant Chauhan, Anavila, Payal Pratap to name a few.”
How can celebs be behind? Sonika calls Sonam Kapoor the ultimate style icon. “Each of her outfits are a work of art. Alia Bhatt and Ananya Pandey also created a splash for their unique fashion choices.”
Asha suggests Rihanna. “She is by far one of the most stylish and iconic women of the decade, proud of her origins and now blessing us with her high-fashion brand.” She also mentions Kate Middleton, Kendall Jenner, Olivia Culpo, Stella Maxwell, Jhanvi Kapoor, Sara Ali Khan and Sonam Kapoor.
Anjoo applauds Priyanka Chopra courtesy her casual day looks along with her statement evening looks. Deepak mentions Manjot Singh, Shahid Kapoor, Ayushmamn Khurrana and Ranveer Singh.
Bags trend
In terms of bags, Mohit Jain, Founder, MIRAGGIO, speaks about abstract floral print. “Considering that floral
have been a great trend during the summers as they are bigger, bolder and richer with a backup of vibrant
colour options, they have not lost their essence amongst their loyal customers even in winters. Animal prints
are another big thing soaring high. From snake textured detail to crocodile outline, everything adds on to the
earthy sense of boldness owing to its detailing. The formal top handle satchels are also not behind in the
league. In the wake of increase in office going women, the sect of bags cannot be beaten. They are perfect
personification of professional statement.” According to him, certain trend went kaput due to drawbacks like
fur bags. “Considering that winters here are short spanned, people get discouraged to buy.”
Anshuman Sing, Founder-CEO, Paul Adams, reminds us of structure top handles trend, along with the return
of the Hobo. He felt out crossbodies and out straw bags failed in 2019.
Shoes trend
Ambud Sharma, CEO, Escaro Royale, correctly states not to undersestimate the importance of shoes.
“Sneaker culture is at the forefront of menswear with no signs of slowing down. It is versatile enough
to dress up with high-end tailoring or casual jeans. The suede chukka hits the smart-casual sweet spot.” He
mentions versatile chelsea boots emerging as the shoes for stylis men.
Tabby Bhatia, Founder, Voganow.com, found chunky sole shoes in sporty & casual look trending. “The trend
was initially started by international brand now been followed in other styles. The trend will be more
upgraded in 2020.”
Anupam Bansal, Director (Retail), Liberty Shoes, calls 2019 fashion trend as a aesthetic and classy one.
“People wore shoes with bright textiles with different embellishments. Hot coral was something that too was
seen on spring summer runways. Another trend was unusual colours like mint or seafoam, making the
footwear the centre point of any outfit. For men, the trend were athleisure shoes which people wore while
they were in office and also travelling.”
Kolhapuris, according to Khyati Gandhi and Nikhita Jain, Founders, Twistank & Co, made a comeback in
2019. “We saw everyone wear Kolhapuris with jeans and dresses. Even trendy mules were in fashion. There
were so many varieties of Kolhapuri and mules available for people to choose from.”
Regarding failures, Tabby recalls Crocs not creating a buzz. “Unless you are a child or work in the medical
profession, these shoes should not ever be worn in public.”
Ambud speaks about the square-toe shoe that seem like a boat trawler paired sadly with chic business suit.
“Loafers were trendy in the last few years but in 2019, its popularity faces a downfall. Sneakers with dirty
looks gained a lot of hype; however, the trend didn’t last.”
Bansal recalls mismatched shoes being not so trendy. “From telephone dialer wedges to cabbage slippers,
from grass flip flops to noodles heels, shoe designers have gone all out in experimenting with bizarre styles
which was a total failure for 2019.”
