Here’s to the glamorous colour palette of metallics that ensures every aspect of fashion incorporates the perfect bling, whether a stunning ensemble or a statement-worthy add-on.
With the festive season preparations in full swing, it’s time to get the party started. From exuberant soirées to magnificent evenings, everyone wants to showcase their striking fashion sensibilities and enjoy the celebrations. While many are looking to go flamboyant, a few want to leave a lasting effect with ease, and here’s the good news – we have a winner without a dispute. Over the past few years, there has been an astonishing resurgence of the metallic trend, but have you ever wondered where this trend came into existence and became a crucial part of the fashion industry? Here’s a tale of metallic magnificence that rose to prominence, conquered the fashion scene, saw a short decline, and rose back to fame in the 21st century. Here’s to the glamorous colour palette of metallics that ensures every aspect of fashion incorporates the perfect bling, whether a stunning ensemble or a statement-worthy add-on.
The shimmering silhouettes emerged in the 1930s when Hollywood icons walked into star-studded parties in glam-infused outfits. This was a significant moment in fashion history, as the fans embraced their favourite icons’ styles, making them part of their regular wardrobe. Around the early 1970s, when the world was undergoing tremendous changes, fashion didn’t miss a beat either. With disco taking centre stage, whimsical and glittering outfits became vogue, and designers opted to craft high-on-shine costumes for the glitterball era. The metallics were the chart-bursting choice until the late 1990s when the trend drastically declined. In 2013, it resurged in the spring/summer collections and has been part of the fashion industry since then.
While Hollywood fell in love with the allure of the shimmering hues, the Indian fashionscape always had gold, silver, and other metallic shades in its heritage-infused silhouettes. From timeless masterpieces adorned by the medieval kings and later the Nawabs to the classic-meets-contemporary outfits of recent times, the lustrous threads, fabrics, and craftsmanship have consistently been part of the country’s sartorial journey.
Indian cinema introduced the mirrorball disco era, and these motion pictures played a massive role in shaping the fashion standards of the country. From oh-so-glamorous Zeenat Aman and Rekha to ever-graceful Alia Bhatt and Anushka Sharma, no one could miss metallic shades’ glittering charm.
Metallic represents tech-imbued glam, and the nation’s top fashion connoisseurs have incorporated it in their statement looks. A-list creative geniuses like Tarun Tahiliani, Manish Malhotra, Anita Dongre, Gaurav Gupta, Amit Aggarwal, Ritu Kumar, and Anamika Khanna have created scene-stealing masterpieces with gleaming shades of gold, silver, bronze, and copper, that have also been part of prestigious red carpets and runways.
Ever wondered how these metallic fabrics are made? While fabrics like silk, crepe, and satin naturally shine, designers use metallic yarns made out of polyester and aluminium woven together to bring out the surreal sheen. These fabrics are not just for creating mesmerising sarees and glamorous gowns; they are also used to create stunning accessories and footwear. While many want to make a sensation with high-on-shine outfits, others amplify the celebratory occasions by carrying statement bags with embellishments that align with one’s style quotient. From refined shoulder stunners to soigné clutches, these attention-grabbing pieces are enough to leave an indelible mark.
When talking about the metallic trend, how can jewellery be overlooked? Even before the trend rose to prominence, gold and silver ornaments have inevitably been part of women’s styling repertoire. Be it timeless gold jewellery encrusted with precious stones and crystal or dainty contemporary ornaments that give an elegant touch, these bling-worthy add-ons are perfect to add finishing touches to your overall look. However, with a rise in the mixed metal trend, individuals are ready to experiment by pairing up different metal jewellery to create a lasting impression.
Add the final punctuation to your metallic trend with statement footwear. It has been part of the fashion industry for ages, but got its due recognition in the last few years. From extravagant pumps to subtle flats, the metallic shade’s versatility with various finishes assures a perfect pair for every moment. Leading shoe makers have crafted some of the finest pieces that amalgamate with the ongoing craze. You can never go wrong with footwear that adds a subtle shine to your entire outfit. It isn’t necessary to wear metallic with metallic; even the simplest outfits can add panache with these shimmering footwear.
Trends make a major contribution to shaping the present and future scenarios of the fashion industry. Like every trend, metallic has been on top, disappeared, and again risen to fame, but one quality of this trend that makes it stand out – it’s never too old. From outfits to accessories and footwear, metallics are and will forever be the ‘It’ colour palette of the celebratory season, inspiring and exciting fashion enthusiasts and designers alike.