Revenge of the Nerd

 

Frames from H&M, a gift from Sue Castellino

Utility became an accessory when the ‘four-eyeds’ decided to change the way 6/6 vision world perceived eye-frames. At one of our earlier conventions, we decided to portray John Lennon and Woody Allen as our mob-lords. With their pictures plastered everywhere wearing their iconic glasses, we slowly began to incept ideas as bizarre as suggesting their coolness was directly proportional to their lens power. We still can’t believe how, even with your perfect vision, you couldn't see through our trap. Too late now. We’re cool now. You can wear our frames and be the poseur/douche-who-tries-too-hard; we still laugh at our conventions. YES, we have a club. And no, you are not invited, not even with your non-prescription glasses; you have to prove your blindness to enter. After all those years of bullying in school (when we were called ‘four-eyed’ and our glasses were flung around as an everyday sport), we’re finally having our revenge. From being a minority to becoming very description of the word ‘hipster,’ we've come so far. On behalf of all the fellow nerds – thank-you for participating, the joke’s on you. 

"If Lennon and Ono had an optical-frame baby, this would be it." - Sue

A pair of Lennons, stolen from Pasham Alwani's shoot

Refer to the picture below

From Yoko Ono's whimsical exercise book Grapefruit

One of my all-time treasures – A John Lennon x Yoko Ono Short Play record 

Disclaimer – The author is not a nerd (no matter how hard she may try to convince you). No hipsters were hurt in the research of this pseudo-article.  

The Avant Garde Tribe, Andhra Pradesh

For lack of a better name (or actual information) I call this Andhra Pradesh tribe the Avant Garde tribe. Why? Find out for yourself -

With that kind of costume, you could inspire super heroes... Look at those Power Shoulders (and you thought only Lady Gaga could pull them off!) The insanely oversized necklaces and those ear masks?! The blue and white layered tunic/maxi looks perfect for summers.

The Drum chest brace! I dont think thats really part of the outfit but it could be an interesting styling accesory for a runway look! 

I know its hard to focus away from the lady's cracked heels but the simplicity of a single strand Rope and bells (Ghungroos) anklets is rather gorgeous. Remind me again why did we stop wearing anklets. Such a discreet little understated accessory!

The Tribe's men wear the three strand anklets. Well since they are performers, the extra sound must come handy! I think they are gorgeous.. Somebody please use them for shoes... Its such a delight to see men wearing accessories!

This brings me to the final and most inspiring sighting of the tribal attire... The Bell shorts. Dude, Look at those. I want one of each. the colors, the contrasting fabric strips, the tiers of oversised bells. I waant them SO bad. If these men understood any hindi or English I would have asked them about their village but no such luck.

Also do you notice that fringe thing hanging from the crotch? These guys are so awesome.

Anybody who knows where this Tribe is from exactly in A.P. or anything else about them, please do lemme know!

Have a killer day!

Much Love,

Men Are Back?

Images Courtesy Lanvin Spring'11 at Style.com

With second edition of Van Heusen India Mens Week around the corner, 27 - 29 August at The Grand Delhi, its that time of the year when Fashion's step sons take spotlight. Its quite a challenge to design menswear, the lines have to be perfect, the finishing immaculate and textures innovative. With Indian designers still hooked on turning Indian men into 'pretty boys,' we can only hope that this event will make them as competitive as their western counterparts.

While the drama on John Galliano's 2011 Spring runway would make Charlie Chaplin pop right out of his grave, its the insane detailing in the Lanvin collection that made me sit up and take notice of infinite menswear possibilities. The pointelle knit pants, the check trimmed jackets, the ridiculously sexy Biker Jacket variations, Denim Suits, Striped pants, Bomber Jackets... ahh the collection is to die for... or the reason to Live? You decide!

What is extraordinary though are the accessories - The modern strappy Floater slip-ons, The messenger bags and the KILLER jewelry. The designers Alber Elbaz and Lucas Ossendrijver, the geniuses behind this collection remark, "When women can wear pants, men can wear jewelry!" You Bet.

May the forces of madness and creativity forever rule design!!

Much Love,