Why Bling Remains A Constant In The Ever-Changing Fashion Landscape

Have you ever bought a flashy, shimmery dress for a New Year’s Eve party or a birthday only for it to never be worn again? A lot of us have been there, enticed by the glittering allure, justifying the purchase by calling it “an investment”, only to watch the dress forsaken in the depths of our closets after a single night. We cannot help but get trapped in the temptation to indulge in a glimpse of glamour, drawing people to turn heads and take a second glance as you strut in all your glittery glory. Such is the appeal of bling– it is your moment to shine (literally), capturing attention like regality.

A little bit of glitter can go a long way in elevating a person’s look, and in turn, their mood. Fashion experts believe that bling is not just about the visual appeal, but also makes a person feel psychologically content.

What Makes Bling So Special?

When Marilyn Monroe pranced to the catchy number Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend in the 1953 film Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, her magnetic charm was felt through the screen. Her infectious glee in the song reminds us of the significance that luxury and glam have in making us feel confident and powerful as she did.

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Be it a gown decked up in sequins from top to bottom, or a singular statement necklace to give a simple outfit some pizzazz, bling is known to be the go-to companion that people rely on to feel put-together, in our looks and our minds. Couturier Shivani Awasty told SheThePeople about the effect that bling can have on a person’s psychology. 

“Bling in fashion is like your style's secret weapon. It's not just about shiny stuff; it's a mood enhancer. Whether it's dazzling jewels or subtle sparkle, bling lets you express yourself. It's that extra oomph that screams confidence or whispers sophistication, shaping your vibe and making you feel like a style superstar," she said.

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Nishit Gupta, the director of the contemporary Indian-wear brand KALKI, also echoed the power of bling. He said, "When used thoughtfully, bling can uplift spirits, instil confidence, and exude elegance. For instance, at an intimate gathering where subtlety prevails, dressing in an exuberant and stylish shimmering outfit could radiate a glowing presence, becoming a fashion statement for the event."

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Evolution Of Bling

The magnetism of bling has been present throughout history. The desire to decorate our bodies with some sparkle comes inherently to us humans, and why wouldn't it? Spending time elevating our look is a form of self-care as we meticulously curate an outfit that makes us feel our best.

In 1922, archaeologists opened up the tomb of Egyptian king Tutankhamun (1332 – 1323 BC) and found garments adorned with tiny disks made of pure gold-- what we now know as sequins. That is how long blingy fashion is known to date back to. Bling and jewels have been a measure of wealth and ostentatious status for centuries, regardless of the gender of the wearer.

In India too, bling has been an integral part of historic fashion. Sahiba Sethi, the co-founder of fashion house Fanaan said, "Bling has always been around and used consistently over the ages. Go all the way back to the Mughals and you’ll see how both men and women loved blinging out their outfits." Sethi shared her observations on how bling has evolved over the last few decades. 

She recalled, "The early 2000s had a huge bling moment when international musicians wore “ice” around their neck which became a massive trend. Swarovski became a coveted brand then and everywhere you looked people were wearing blingy caps and belts. Then came the blingy Bebe t-shirts - every girl who went abroad bought one back with her!... Now we are living in a time of brand culture where people simply can’t do without their Guccis and LVs, and clothing is used as a tool to display wealth, prosperity and success. For this reason, brands and designers are incorporating bling in their collections more than they ever have."

Sethi's brand Fanaan is all about that blingy maximalism. Their pieces-- denim jackets, tote bags, batuas, and more are canvases where their artistry has no bounds. They are handpainted and embellished with eye-catching colourful beads and sequins, complete with a touch of kitschy humour in the wordings.

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How Bling Shines Now

When we think of bling, the first image that comes to mind is a flamboyant red carpet dress that most laymen cannot wear on a regular day. However, fashion experts remind us that this is not the case. Bling has a definitive place in daily wear, with accessories, shimmery makeup, and rhinestone-studded nail art at our disposal to make any simple outfit look polished. 

Nishit Gupta said, "Bling has seamlessly integrated into daily wear. There should be a celebration of the versatility of bling by offering subtle ways to incorporate it into everyday looks. This could be achieved through various means like shimmer scarves, metallic accents on casual wear, or understated embellishments on comfortable fabrics. Balancing bling within daily wear involves strategic placement, and avoiding excessive embellishments to preserve elegance."

Environmental sustainability has been a prominent conversation in the fashion landscape. Chandrika and Raamz, a husband-wife fashion connoisseur duo said that the ubiquitous elegance of vintage, ancestral jewellery makes them great contributors to the circular economy. 

Sharing tips for conscious fashion choices they said, "Incorporate bling through upcycling or adding vintage embellishments to existing clothing items. This reduces the demand for new materials and gives new life to pre-existing garments. One can also create designs that are timeless and can withstand changing fashion trends. This encourages consumers to keep the garment for a longer duration, reducing the overall environmental impact."

Since bling has almost always been present in the vast timeline of fashion history, it is evident that it is not a rickety trend. It has not just made people throughout history feel opulent, but also given them a chance to express themselves and feel confident. So what's the harm in re-wearing that flamboyant party dress without an occasion? Maybe let the dress see the light of day by wearing it to a solo coffee date on a random afternoon, feeling your fashionable best!

Views expressed by the author are their own