“Kasa Kai Mumbai” (How are you Mumbai)? We read it somewhere and to quote “Bombay is an emotion, Mumbai is a name”, and we do not beg to differ. Since time immemorial, the commercial capital of India, Mumbai (ex Bombay) was known for its highrises, glitz, glamour, fashion and the warmth of the ‘Marathi Manoos’.
Ever since the reign of Bollywood has happened, fashion now has taken various twists and turns; where ethnic meets the modern day need. Let’s take a look at the five quintessential fashion styles of a true Mumbaikar, which none of us can ignore.
Fashion street clothing
From tops to shirts, indo-western to ethnic; Fashion Street Mumbai is a haunt for shoppers who love to pick and pick affordable fashion for daily wear. Anita Dongre, the famous fashion designer may have broken the social dressing stereotypes and fashion sense, but the Mumbaikar would still be seen shopping here for trendy clothing, shoes and accessories. One look at the men and women around in Mumbai, and in most cases you can point out which suit or trousers for that matter was picked up from Fashion Street. If you are headed to Fashion Street, brushing up on your bargaining skills is a must! Pssst! Celebs and their personal shoppers pick stuff from here too!
Source: outlookindia.com
Large printed dresses
Travellers in the past waxed eloquent on the large maxis and ‘granny-skirts’ in larger-than-life floral patterns, but celebs from the swinging sixties and the flower power seventies made it a fashion statement. The new-age hasn’t left the rigmarole all together, you’d still see men and women in floral tops or tees, skirts and pyjamas, and other quirky prints for the fashionista, but yes, the large printed dresses worn mostly by the anglo-indian community, goans, mangoloreans, the parsis and even college-goers across all religious outfits are still around. So Bombay we tell you!
Source: thegoan.net
Kolhapuri chappals
Originally from Kolhapur, Maharashtra, the famous Kohlapuri Chappals made from natural fibres and materials are a hit with Mumbaikars and visitors alike. Perfect for the hot and very humid weather of Mumbai, they keep the feet cool while being on the go. You’d see government officials wearing them and the fashionistas endorsing them; an amalgamation of the east and the west done well! Unisex footwear to keep you looking cool, why not?
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Source: craftsvilla.com
[Also Read: Mumbai Street Shopping: Shopaholics’ Ultimate Shopping Destination]
Nathu
The chunky moon-shaped nose-ring worn by Marathi girls and women is the epitome of all things Marathi, or should we say Mumbai like! The nose-ring is a symbol of power, of wisdom and of elegance, defining feminity in more ways than one. A true Marathi woman or girl would surely have a piece or two in her vanity kit for sure.
Source: i.ytimg.com
Hippie clothing
From flip-flops in a myriad range of rainbow shades to the chic palazzos and kurtas embossed with psychedelic prints, Mumbaikars dress not to only impress but to flaunt their love for all things kink and stylish too. From high-end boutiques to the crowded and chaotic Fashion Street; you’d find a touch of hipster fashion everywhere you go.
Source: giasaysthat.com
Know of other traits in fashion that Mumbaikars are famous for; do let us know with a line or two! The fashion capital of the nation is all about colour, and Mumbaikars can carry off anything with elegance and grace. Mumbai has evolved from Bombay, and so has the fashion scene as well! What’s your personal ‘Mumbaiyaa’ fashion style?
