Street-smart fashion rules

As you walk down the streets of Bangalore, there's one thing you'll notice -- that Bangalore is beyond the rules of fashion. One can wrap a silk saree as stylishly and be as comfortable wearing skinny jeans. You can sport the punk look or go for the usual formals. When it comes to street fashion in Bangalore, it's a mix of the traditional and modern.But, above all, it's unique. The weather is an added advantage, of course.
"The best thing about Bangalore is you won't be looked down upon if you wear a saree and put flowers in your hair. I could also wear a ganji with capris and sandals and step out on Brigade Road without being bothered. That's street fashion for you in Bangalore. It doesn't go by the book and is not a victim to fads," says Manisha Murthi, a commerce student.
Kirthi M, a software engineer who came to Bangalore from Delhi, three years ago says the Bangalore weather makes it ideal for all kinds of fashion. "During summers in Delhi, you can't do without cottons. But in Bangalore, the weather's always nice. So you can experiment with fabric, any time of the year," she points out.
Local flavour
The saying, 'When in Rome, do as the Romans do' applies to the fashion sense of the various localities in Bangalore. Your fashion statement changes depending on the place you stay. Malleswaram, now known as Kadu Malleshwara, boasts of a large orthodox Hindu population. And the youngsters residing in the area still sport salwar kurtas and long tops. A little cleavage or ripped jeans still make heads turn. But, if you are a resident of Koramangala, known for its young crowd, you'd slip in your latest denims, even if you are out to shop for groceries.
"When you go to Rajajinagar, you can't step out in hot pants or minis," says Jyoti Patil, an MBA student. "That's because Rajajinagar and Malleswaram are one of oldest localities of Bangalore. Hence, the people living there are more traditional in their outlook. But if you go to Whitefield or Koramangala, you can see everyone sporting high fashion clothes. With the growth of the IT sector, people from all over India have come and settled in these places and they influence a lot of what we wear," she says.
Feel flea
Commercial Street is to Bangalore what Janpath is to Delhi or Chor Bazaar is to Mumbai. Yes, we do lack a bit, when it comes to the concept of flea markets, but Commercial Street is the best bet when you are in the mood to bargain.
"I go to Commercial Street to buy regular wear. There is a huge variety and the rates are fairly reasonable," says Alfiya. Jyoti likes to pick up trendy stuff from the market. "If you want buy trendy clothes at a reasonable rate, you have to go to Commercial Street.
They also have a good collection of chunky jewellery," she says. But Shalini Roy, an engineering student, does not agree. "Yes Commercial Street does have a lot of varitey, but it can't be called a flea market when you compare it to Janpath in Delhi," she says. Shalini says that it's hard to find anything unique there. "It's all Hong Kong and Bangkok stuff that you find there. You can get it at Dubai Plaza on Brigade Road too. But in Delhi, the stuff comes from different places. You can find a really nice top from Nepal for Rs 200 as well as something from Delhi. Plus, there are the export rejects," she says.
Accessorise wise
Over time, the street fashion sense of Bangalore has improved. The brands have made the young more style conscious and the street shoppers more aware. But why buy a Gucci bag or Esprit jewellery, when one can get something equally trendy on M G Road or Commercial Street for Rs 50. The young in Bangalore would rather go for the cheaper imitations when it comes to buying accessories.
"If I have to buy a top or a jeans, I go for branded stuff. When it comes to purses or shoes, I don't mind picking up something cheap as long as they look good," says Alfiya. And when you are in college the budget is limited, points out Jyoti. "If I buy a shoe from a branded store, I'll go for neutral colours. But when you buy off the street, you can go for all kinds of colours and add to the collection. And it helps when they just cost Rs 100," she laughs. Shonali also prefers buying stoles or scarves from Commercial Street. "If you take care, they last a long time. Besides, I don't mind buying again, as they hardly cost a thing," she says. ��� TNN
t25@timesgroup.com