Indian designers revive Victorian fashion as consumers go vintage shopping

Year 2020 taught Indian consumers to value their rich clothing heritage. Clothes that had been passed from generations gained in importance for their sustainability. Corsets, pouf shoulders and lacey blouses began appearing on streets, social media feeds and runways as consumers went vintage shopping.

Collection reflecting 19th century idealism

The spring/summer 2021 collections of Christian Dior and Valentino focused on disco and balloon sleeves while the fall/winter collections continued to be dominated by retro styles in pastel colors. Inspired by Victorian silhouettes, Los Angeles-based designer Vidur Adlakha launched a new collection under his new label La Fuori, As per a Live Mint report, the collection featured ruffled dresses and exaggerated sleeves.

The latest collection by designers Gauri and Nainika also reflects a similar idealist philosophy. Featuring their signature floral work and ruffles, the collection is an ode to 19th century European fashion. It provides consumers with much-in demand evening wear without making them look overdressed, says designer Nainika Karan.

Demand fuelled by media channels

Much of the current demand for 19th century fashion has been fuelled by the Netflix series Bridgerton an American streaming TV period drama series that first released in the year 2000. Its release in India in December last year fuelled demand for vintage-style garments with big sleeves, low necks and empire lines to such an extent that Designer Pallavi Singhee’s label Verb registered 30 per cent increase in sales

Demand for corsets also spiked last year more than at any other time in the past five years. Preeti Yadav, Owner, Panda Pocket, a second-hand store on Instagram sold out almost all her corsets last year. She currently has 37,400 followers who are crazy for second-hand clothes.

Divya Saini, Owner, Bodemonts, an online vintage store believes, much of this demand for vintage clothing is fuelled by the freedom these garments offer consumers to express their individuality. Vintage clothes also make people aware of their huge clothing heritage and help curb over consumption, adds Saini.