The grunge plunge
Shouger merchant doshi
The grunge look, that has been popularised by the 80s rock culture, is slowly but surely making its presence felt in India. It’s not exactly an easy look to maintain. Right from the hair to the makeup, accessories and clothes one needs to be very carefully careless. The tearing up needs to be done strategically. The makeup and hair should be bold but one needs to take care to not go the goth way.
How to get the look right?
The grunge look is basically a mix of feminine and masculine styles and clothing. Facial makeup needs to minimal and the hair should maintain the messy, unkempt style. As far as clothes go, one should opt for loose baggy stonewashed or ripped jeans, plaid or crushed shirts, long swirly scarves. It’s mostly what a lot of us look like when we get out of bed — except with a dab of red lipstick.
How to maintain grunge?
The trick is to maintain a lackadaisical attitude and a quiet confidence. You have to be able to carry off grunge. If you are the type to be concerned about clean shoes and always have manicured nails and like a fitted dress on a night out, you are not grunge material. Kurt Cobain was the posterboy of the grunge look and since then a lot of rockstars around the world have emulated his style. Girls who are okay with painting their nails in unconventional shades such as black, blue and green, who like to don leather jackets with leggings and a pair of shorts are suited to go grunge. The look is that of a heavy metal rockstar — someone who doesn’t have a care in the world and still effortlessly manages to put together a messy but attractive look, that sets them apart from the rest.
Getting started
Invest in a short, sleeveless black leather dress which can be paired with different coloured scarves and jackets. Pair that with chunky neckpieces and large finger rings. Even a simple floral dress could be worn with a black vest. Top it off with black mascara, a white or beige spiked clutch and a cuff. A plaid shirt with different coloured camis and a denim skirt with an oversized hobo bag is another look.
Messy hair is a signature of grunge. Tie it up in a bun or leave it in a ponytail. Highlights in muted pink or purple might work too. Bright red lips with no foundation and heavy eye-liner will complete the look.
The writer is a designer
As told to Natasha Coutinho
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