No show for the skin

In the world of fashion, one of the finest examples of style and grace includes the names of the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton and Queen Rania of Jordan. The royal ladies have been noticed for their sartorial choices without much skin show, a la Priyanka Chopra at the recent Golden Globes awards ceremony.

A few days ago, Kate wore a red blazer, black turtleneck and knee-length boots during a Royal Air Force event in Peterborough, England, and while attending the Bafta, she wore an off-shoulder Alexander McQueen gown. On both occasions she managed to look more stylish than most divas from showbiz. Queen Rania too is known for her modest yet sophisticated dressing. Even the First Lady Melania Trump wore a red knee-length dress during a rally at Florida on Saturday and made quite a style statement. So, why is it that skin show has become a must for the ladies from showbiz?

Designer Nachiket Barve believes that fashion is the opposite of skin show. “The less you show, the more appealing you look. It’s all about looking glamorous, yet modest. That’s what I try to do with my designs — it’s about drawing attention to your best features.”

Nachiket further explains that the focus needs to be on the fit, rather than skin. “When you’re wearing something modest, it is important to choose colours and fabrics correctly. Full-length gowns and full-sleeved tops can look great but, it is important to wear clothes that fit you properly,” he says. Designer Gaurang Shah adds, “Women can wear traditional gowns and look equally stunning. Also, it is important not to accessorise too  much.”

Fashion designer Rocky S. observes that both these women have the responsibility of representing the country, which may prompt them to choose traditional choices. “Being at the position they are, they have to be more careful about their dressing. However, it is not a must for women in showbiz to show skin. A woman, be it celebrity or a commoner should be able to wear what she wants and something that she is comfortable in,” says Rocky.

The designer debunks the myth that fashion is necessarily about skin show or being covered up. He elaborates, “Fashion caters to everybody’s needs, bringing out their own individualistic style, sensibility, and personality,” adding that Kate Middleton or Melania Trump are the best examples. “They wear outfits with little or no skin show and have left no stone unturned in making the classics look sensational.”

Designer Amy Billimoria thinks making heads turn is all about the self-confidence.  and how one carries their outfit. “Even classic style closed necklines, collared jackets and pencil dresses with long sleeves when worn in the right coordination of colour and accessory can create a style statement. An oomph factor doesn’t necessarily mean skin show; focus on a perfect fit, a unique texture or embellishment,” she says.