Go for the heavy metal look on bags, boots

NEW DELHI - Who said chains, rivets, studs and silver detailing were meant for rock and hip-hop lovers alone? Women are spunking it up with a heavy metal look on their bags and shoes this season!

“Heavy metal detailing like chains, studs, rivets and zippers add an edge to the look and keep one looking tough and so trendy. The rock star-inspired look is the current highlight of the season,” Manoj Chandra, vice president (marketing and customer service) of Bata India Limited, told IANS.

Be it at a designer outlet or a local street shop, there’s a huge demand and supply of shoes and bags with metallic add-ons. Often, a zipper, two layers of rivets, or multiple chains and studs in square and round shapes are used to make the accessories a style statement.

Delhi-based shoe designer Swati Mehrotra said that the punk look rocked the fashion runways last season, but the trend came to the Indian streets only this year.

“These metal hardware details like nails and studs are very conspicuous in this winter, especially on pumps, boots and wedge heels. They are very youthful and can pep up and easily jazz up a very simple and dull look,” said Mehrotra, who sells under the label Swati MODO.

A lot of credit for the trend goes to international high street fashion labels like Zara, Forever 21, Mango and Guess, now readily available in India. Gold, copper, black or silver metal elements - these brands have used them all on bags and shoes, and have found umpteen takers here.

“Today, the customers are well travelled, well informed about the latest trends. By focussing on trend-based collections, we have to keep pace with these customers. Since the trend of chains and rivets is youth-oriented, this range is targeted at the young generation who is fashion conscious and keeps in mind such trend specifics while shopping for footwear and accessories,” said Chandra.

Devanshi Sehgal, 24, told IANS: “I swear by my Guess bags! They are a little expensive, but they are so trendy. The dash of metal in them makes them look dressy yet not into the face.”

Public relations professional Neeti Dhawan, 28, feels metal elements do look classy on bags, but are a no-no for shoes. She said: “Bags look trendy and add zing with metal, especially when you go out for a party. But I feel shoes with such details look cheap.”

Nevertheless, Mehrotra said that apart from adding the aesthetic value, these metallic details could serve as functional elements in shoes too.

“One can play around with shoes these days. Simple pumps can be converted into jazzy boots using metal zippers or buttons. An extension to the shoe can be zipped on or buttoned up…metal elements don’t just add beauty, but utility too!” she explained.

However, she also warned against teaming such accessories with blingy clothes.

“These shoes and bags look best with simple clothes without any bling. Basic denims, smart t-shirts or tunics complement them the best. Otherwise, they take the attraction away.”

The best bit is the price. The shoes and bags can cost as low as Rs.200 at a street shop, and can range anything around Rs.1,500-Rs.2,500 at well-known stores. However, be prepared to shell out more for ankle-length or knee-length boots that are usually on the steeper side.

(Radhika Bhirani can be contacted at radhika.b@ians.in)