The blingtastic season is upon us once again! It’s that time of the year when we dress up to grace a myriad of parties, festive gatherings, and extravagant weddings. In the midst of all this glamour and glitz, mastering the fashion game becomes the ultimate priority for many. And if there’s one trend that consistently reigns supreme during this season, it’s the unapologetic extravagance of bling.
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Over the past several years, bling has been the undisputed king of the fashion landscape. From the iconic Manish Malhotra sarees swathed in sequins, donned by nearly every Bollywood actress, to blingtastic lehengas that have become a staple in bridal trousseous, not to mention the dazzling mini dresses and ornate gowns that set party scenes ablaze – bling, in all its maximalist glory, has firmly entrenched itself in the hearts of fashionistas.
Shraddha Kapoor turned showstopper for Rahul Mishra at India Couture Week 2023 in sparkling silver lehenga enlivened with pastel blooms.
However, one question lingers – Is it still chic to wear sequinned clothing? Has the glitter overdose pushed it into the realm of ‘outdated’ trends? To shed some light on this, we reached out to fashion professionals who shared their insights to help you make informed choices this season.
Rahul Dayama, Head of Marketing at Urbanic India, says, “When it comes to sequins, there’s an enduring charm that prevents it from ever becoming completely outdated. But there are a few rules to bear in mind. Emerging from the lockdown, one of the most prominent trends was Dopamine Dressing – wearing clothing that ignites joy. It’s all about bright colours, sequins, embellishments, and anything that sparks happiness. Donning items typically reserved for special occasions can instantly lift one’s spirits and serve as a mood booster,” he said.
Palak Tiwari in a tank top teamed with a sequinned skirt.
Dayama added that with the right styling moves, one can also pair bling with casual pieces instead of simply reserving it for special occasions.
“The key to pulling off sequins when it’s not a formal event is to pair them with more casual pieces. The juxtaposition rule is a game-changer. It creates intrigue by allowing opposites to attract. Sequins follow a similar principle. Pairing sequined pieces with casual, rugged items like jeans, sneakers, or a tee elevates the look. Conversely, it enhances the dressy factor of jeans, sneakers, or a tee, making these garments feel more upscale. In my view, sequins are timeless essentials in every wardrobe, here to stay,” he added.
Pearl Uppal, Creative Head and Designer at bridal wear label Talking Threads, also rooted for sequin as a treasure trove of happiness. “Sequins exude happiness! They shimmer, they dazzle, and they make everyone feel like they’re living inside a disco ball. They are glittering reminders that there’s always something worth celebrating. So, as far as couture goes, the sequin trend shows no signs of fading away; in fact, it’s only growing bigger and better,” she announced.
Rock a sequin-embellished jacket with trousers for a modish look this season. (Credit: Talking Threads)
“From wedding extravaganzas to glamorous red-carpet affairs, sequinned ensembles are everywhere! At Talking Threads, we painstakingly hand-embroider each sequin, creating intricate and unique patterns by combining various needlework techniques. We also artfully layer sequins to achieve a three-dimensional glitter effect. The demand for our hand-sequined cocktail sarees and wedding shararas continues to surge year after year. Indian wedding functions remain incomplete without the glitter and glamour of sequins,” she added.
Designer Shilpi Gupta, reminiscing about the enduring allure of sequins, said, “Sequins have adorned the fashion industry for decades, from women disco-dancing in the ’70s clad in sequin tops and bell-bottoms to witnessing sequins shimmering on the red carpet in the 2000s. The allure of sequins continues to captivate, making a dazzling return,” she said.
Alia Bhatt in a Sawan Gandhi saree.
“Sequin is used in a wide range of accessories, handbags, and shoes, adding a complementary touch to outfits while keeping them simple yet eye-catching. Some clients even opt for complete sarees and blouses made entirely of sequins, enveloping them head to toe in glamour. Party dresses and gowns receive an instant infusion of allure and sophistication with sequins. Sequin skirts have always been a trend, whether paired with simple or matching sequin tops,” she added while talking about the different silhouettes one can embrace.
Hailey Bieber in a sequinned dress and dazzling bag (Photo: Getty Images)
“Sequins are undoubtedly in vogue, rapidly evolving into a fashion statement. Whether one chooses sequins to evoke a retro-inspired look or embrace modern-day glamour that makes a statement, they are sure to shine. Jumpsuits and silhouettes adorned with sequins never fail to capture attention. A simple dress can be elevated with sequin-studded accessories that accentuate the wearer’s unique style,” Gupta added.
Kiara Advani in a sequinned blue jumpsuit.
Is bling still in? The answer appears to be a doubtless yes! So, this season, whether you’re attending a glamorous soir?e or just looking to infuse your everyday style with a touch of dazzle, don’t hesitate to embrace the sequin sensation.