Disco fever

The Seventies was a decade of disco balls, prawn cocktails and most of all — momentous style. From Pam Grier to Farrah Fawcett, the 70s churned out an impressive list of fashion goddesses whose sartorial influences still reign supreme. Whether we’re talking bell-bottoms and clogs or hot pants and colourful leisure suits in loud patterns, sequins, glitter and gold lamé, there are plenty of ways to channel your inner Bianca Jagger without ever stepping foot inside Studio 54.

“You can see why people are keen to revive the disco era. Everything about it is appealing: the music — with its blend of euphoria and melancholy, the sense of escapism from tough times — it was born out of New York when the city was on the verge of bankruptcy, the hedonistic abandon, the Halston gowns, the feeling of danger, of possibility... a place where you feel like anything can happen,” shares fashion designer Pallavi Mohan as she talks about the genesis of the trend. She adds, “As many of the trends and ideals of the 1970s counterculture and radical movements gradually came to influence mainstream fashion, clothing became an increasingly colourful expression of individual choice. Exaggerated fashion trends showed the growing acceptance of anti-conformity, self-actualisation and revolt against convention, and people wore clothes that stood ‘out’ in order to fit ‘in’.

Discotheques became a place where you could change your identity by changing your costume, and glamour mixed with fantasy reigned in the form of flirty, feminine, swirly skirts and wrap dresses in cuts and fabrics that flowed with the dancer’s movements and shimmered under the disco lights.”

Now whether you’re going full ’70s siren or simply dipping your platform-clad toe into the disco trend, designer Aartivijay Gupta gives you a rundown on how to pull it off in 2015. She points out, “The popular looks for women from that era were the blouses and pants in billowy, flared, or skin-tight styles. Bodywear, which featured pieces made of spandex and lycra that emphasised a woman’s figure — from leotards under wrap skirts to colourful catsuits were also a hit. Now for the very obvious yet important question of incorporating the trend without over-stepping, I’d suggest to mix match the texture and colour. If you don’t want to look too bright/glittery or stand out from the crowd, then avoid glitzed junks. Go for silhouettes that accentuate your body depending on your body type. One can easily pull off a flowy maxi dress for a luncheon, a pair of well-fitted flared jeans worn with halter neck top for a semi-casual affair and a shimmery well-fitted dress or hot pants to set the tone for a glam night-scene. The trick here is to balance.”

The ’70s disco dancer broke the mould, allowing freedom, creativity and individuality to rule over any sartorial dictatorship and if you want to reinvent the look to become a modern day disco-enthusiast, designer Eshaa Amiin suggests, “From aggressive leather punk look complete with hots pants, low V-necks and super-high slits to an androgynous futuristic outfit, this style allows for a greater emphasis on individuality by promoting looks that captures different impulses. Go for synthetic polyester, spandex, lycra, satin, heavily adorned sparkly sequin and stretchy materials. Warm earthy shades, vibrant kaleidoscopic prints, colourful brush stroke prints, geometric motifs, ethnic patterns, floral prints, etc. are in vogue too. For accessorising choose from the season’s plethora of platforms, highlight the eyes and lips with bright colours and wear statement jewellery, medallion pendants, head bands, and belts.”