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| Sunday, 4 April 2004 |
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by Umangi de Mel It's a women's world, stunning studs, chunky chains beautiful bracelets and bold body art...and it's a man's world too!! From armlets to bracelets and chains to studs...the whole works and its winds of change in the fashion world where men have decided to go totally 'adorned`. The 'shining armour' , their jewellery and those accessories make a very fashionable statement. "It all depends on the wearer. Jewellery or accessories enhances one's look but one shouldn't wear a lot either, less would be better," says Previn Perera, General Manager, Arena. In his opinion lots of people who are into music and arts use accessories that give them the real artistic sort of look. "Choreographers, fashion designers, model painters are a few who actually make use of jewellery. But it's better to keep things simple, and not go overboard. Not many chains or bracelets...," he says. Men wearing a particular type of jewellery or accessories doesn't kill, "It all depends on the personality. If you are tall and well built, you can naturally carry off what you're wearing. On the contrary, if you are slightly built, a limited amount of jewellery would be nice." Previn reveals that he favours silver jewellery, "I think it's the trend all over." Talking about the very next thing which is in vogue, he says 'piercing' too depends on the person. He feels that one should be smart enough to carry it off. "If body piercing may be in at the moment but it doesn't mean that everybody should get it done. Fashion is what you make of it. The mini skirt is the current trend but not every girl can wear it. You've got to have long, slim legs to flatter the garment that you're wearing," he says and adds that body piercing suits a younger person better, "A younger person would be able to flare it better than an older person 'cause a younger person seem to be able to do whatever and get away with it. But it doesn't mean an older person can't do it either." He advices to go to a professional irrespective of the charges, since piercing, otherwise could be a bit risky. "Like anything, if it's done correctly, difficulties won't occur. But then again, to be able to carry it off is another question." Aping western culture is not always fashionable, he says. "But it's nice to know that we do have those options as five years back we didn't have the facilities." Getting back to accessories, Previn feels wearing jewellery should be done appropriately. He says that it should suit the clothes you are in and the occasion. "If you're to start from the top of the range, where it's a formal occasion during which there's hardly any actual showing off of any jewellery unless the wedding ring, a signet ring or a bracelet," he points out. Previn says that a full suit which includes tie, bow and blazer doesn't leave any chances for a man to show off any kinds of jewellery other than a ring, tie pin or a pair of cuff-links, "Yet these are all personal effects of the wearer and it all depends on personal likes on dislikes. Its a less formal or a smart casual sort of event when you'll wear an open shirt, then of course there's more room for you to wear jewellery like chains, bracelets and rings...Ideally you see men wearing lots of jewellery when they are casually dressed," A fad that seems to have stuck is the black cord. According to Previn, the black cord which is in vogue is worn with different types of pendants, jewelled crosses or silver globules that can be moved up and down to make your own designs as well. Getting down to what's apt in the work place, he says that it depends on the profession. A big 'No, No' if it's an office environment. And gold for men is certainly out. Most often you see young people, in baggy pants with silver chains round their necks. It's a fad which has spread from the west." The hot pick this era seems to be, silver, 'Nobody goes for precious stones unless it's an engagement ring or the 'Navaratne'. It's silver and metal that is used to a very great extent which is also priced reasonably. Hitting on a very vital point Previn points out that there's nothing effeminate in men wearing accessories or jewellery, "During our parent's time the only jewellery a male would wear is a chain, and the Muslims would as always wear silver while the Tamil wore thicker gold chains. At that time nobody considered it feminine but today there is hardly any difference between a woman and a man. But then again, these days everybody would like to be considered equals. Why should anybody think when a man wears jewellery that he is ineffiminate ?" he continues, "But of course men's taste in jewellery are more severe in their presentation. They are more elaborate, and loud. If a man has a nice body, may be just a simple black cord with a silver adornment could look absolutely stunning. In fact, another form of jewellery is the beads of matt form which looks more like the rosary beads and not of feminine form." What matters in fashion is how good you look in those, says Previn, "You should be able to be the master of your own fashion and always less is better," he emphasises from a personal view point. But if a man or a woman simplicity is the best form. I certainly don't like to see a person over-dressed or over-killed with jewellery." He talks about ancient traditions that had a little bit of fashion in them. The traditional sikh men of yore used to wear a silver bangle. Even our kings and African kings wore colourful robes with huge chains and stuff. It's not something which has evolved recently but has been there for quite a long period. The Roman kings wore leather wrist bands, so from days gone by males have been wearing some sort of jewellery. But I guess you just have to know to wear it at the correct time, correct place and have the personality to carry it off." |
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