The world of fashion is in a reflective mood this season with an abundance of holographic finishes and patterns blooming all over fashion runways. Off the catwalks and into the real world, the high street too is getting on with this trend a la vivid multi-coloured holographic foils cut into casual separates, T-shirts, tank tops, micro-minis, shorts and swimwear.
Designer Lalit Dalmia explains, “Holography is a technique that enables three-dimensional images or holograms to be made. It involves the use of a laser, interference, diffraction, light intensity recording and suitable illumination of the light recording. What’s more intriguing about this technology is that it helps the image change as the position and orientation of the viewing changes in exactly the same way as if the object were still present, thus making the image appear three dimensional. When it comes to fashion, a holographic effect gives any garment a high-voltage update. However, keeping things simple with jeans and jersey is a measured way to work on the trend. Although this futuristic trend was huge in the 90s, its refined comeback reasserts the season’s motto: minimalism.”
According to designer Vandy Mehra of SBJ, since textured holographic material shines differently, adding pleats, micro pleats, crush effect or pin tucks to your outfit will help you create unique effects. “Experiment with different prints or colours for an array of effects. Metallic works amazingly well with this trend. Think beyond gold and sliver and team it up with rose gold, copper, etc. for different upbeat looks. A transparent holographic garment can act as a layering fabric. By wearing it over a patterned or printed layer underneath, you can achieve a glistening reflective sheen. Neutral materials covered entirely with minute tint clusters of transparent yet rainbow sequins will also give you the sparkly appeal. Holographic appliques and patches can also add dramatic quotient to any outfit. You can experiment by patching geometric shapes of holographic leather on old jumpers to recreate the 1980s club look.”
Designer Sakshi Relan, on the other hand, cautions that wearing two holographic pieces together is fashion faux pas. She elaborates, “Two high shine pieces will make you look like a disco ball. Hence, avoid such conflict. On the other hand, the easiest way to pull off the holographic trend is by pairing it up with neutral colours like black and white. You definitely want to keep the rest of your look simple including your make-up. Also, it’s all about playing with contrasting colour palette, so make sure you never match your holographic outfit with similar coloured accessories. Another great option of wearing this trend is by teaming it with pastels for a balanced yet edgy appeal. This combination not only adds a mysterious sheen of rainbow colours but also helps you revisit the 70s kitsch era.
However, if you are not feeling bold or confident enough to sport this trend in your clothes, wear it in statement accessories, stilettos, sandals and more mannish flats that have been given a dip in the molten and flashy holographic details. Team them with subtle, neutral garments. For example, choose one focal point and wear either stilettos, a chunky neckpiece or carry a huge envelope clutch in holographic leather.”
