Fashionista turns recessionista

One of the top fashion buzzwords of 2009, recessionista is originally a person who enjoys dressing fashionably on a budget. Kirti Mehta asked some Indian designers...

She’s called the ‘recessionista’ and she delights in spending Rs 700 rather than Rs 7000 on a top/dress. As the world economy tanks, recessionistas are finding pleasure in bargains rather than splurging in an era where ostentatious consumption — even for the well off — is beginning to appear gauche.

One of the top fashion buzzwords of 2009, recessionista is originally a person who enjoys dressing fashionably on a budget. We asked some Indian designers to layout a recessionista’s guide to fashion:

Nitin Bal Chauhan: They need to invest in one white dress for the day and a black dress for the night. Scarves for summers are a must. With big discounts and sales on, pick up some stilettos and chappals for half the price.

Namrata Joshipura: Recessionistas must emphasise on accessories like a neckpiece or a classic handbag, which are not heavy on the pocket and at the same time give a completely new look to the same old dress.

Anupama Dayal: This year harem pants are huge and what’s more, they are available in the streets markets. Secondly, you can add colour to your wardrobe by buying neon colour ganjees and tops.

Zubair Kirmani: One must buy simple dresses and subtle colours that aren’t seasonal and can easily pass off the next year too. Layering clothes is also a good idea as you can sport two to three different looks.