TCSH Trends 2011: Wear What?
As we usher in the new year, we gladly welcome the new fashion trends of 2011. Though not differing much from what we have seen over the past year, there are still a few interesting (and stylish!) new looks that have caught our attention during these past few months.
One cannot fail to notice some outstanding style-setters amongst the masses of people out there in Taylor’s College Sri Hartamas, each with their own unique style of dress. One noticeable thing is that there seems to be a noticeably stronger Japanese influence on fashion within Taylor’s College Sri Hartamas as of 2011, compared to that of previous years.
While floral fashions such as the “Liz Lisa look” (for those of you who don’t know, Liz Lisa is the most popular girly fashion brand in Japan. Think florals, pastels, lace hems and doll-like kawaiiness) are still very much welcome if you’re going for a spring look, but if you’re looking for a breath of fresh air, why not give the new ojikawa/obakawa look a try?
Ojikawa and obakawa literally translate to “grandmother cute” and “grandfather cute”. One of the latest fashion trends of today, the ojikawa/obakawa look makes ‘old’ the new ‘in’. Think camel, brown and khaki colours; smart-looking-nerdy shirts; nerd glasses; vintage elements; socks; Mary Janes and brogues. If you’re the lazy type, simply throw on a tweed jacket or camel coloured blazer and voila! Instant ojikawa style. Not to mention, instant protection against the freezing cold college climate.
As we all know, we all live in an era of globalisation – and the fashion industry is no exception to the many changes this age has effected. Many key pieces such as blazers, skirts and tops are being influenced by Orientalism, which is the fusion of Asian prints with Western cuts, and vice versa. Dresses with kimono prints, cheongsam inspired tops, and blazers with Asian-inspired prints are just a few of the examples of the influences of Orientalism. Being one of the less noticed trends of the past, I would not suggest this for the faint of heart. For the daring, by all means, take the runway and strut that style with swag.
For the badasses, the year is yours. 2011 is the year of biker chic and punk. Read: motorcycle boots, leather, zips and studs. Bring out your inner hell’s angel and kick into gear this season. The biker chic look – evolved from the military looks of last season – enables you to mix and match elements such as black leather jackets with army green attire. For those who prefer a softer biker chic look, take a leaf from Burberry’s colour offerings and opt for pastel coloured leather jackets, or quilted leather. Guys, this is your season. Pair that leather jacket with a white v-neck and dark denim, and you’re ready to go hunt some hearts. However, keep in mind to steer clear of leather pants if you would prefer not to ‘evaporate’ in the tropical weather of Malaysia.
Fans of feminine styles, fear not. Use colours and fabrics to your advantage to bring out the girly side in you. Try boyfriend blazers in pastel colours, cream or white. Chiffon, lace and other sheer fabrics are a must have in this year’s wardrobe. The key point here is to maintain a balance, especially when experimenting with lace and crochet knits. While these are strong elements in 2011’s fashion styles, keep in mind not to overdo anything. For instance, rev up that sultry look with black lace, but don’t be over-suggestive. Similarly, go with white lace for romantic innocence, but not to the extent that you end up looking ‘over-girlish’. In general, sturdier lace with a wider net, on a loosely cut apparel would be safer than burlesque tights for this year (and college dress codes).
As for you people out there who want to stand out while sticking to your own style, why not take a few hints from the pointers below and play around with the elements of style? As we all know, campus climate can get a tad too cold sometimes, so do go ahead and mess around with layering styles. Take a cue from a few of your fellow course mates (and even some of your teachers) and throw on a shawl or scarf.
The bohemian look from last season still hasn’t completely run dry yet, so use that to your advantage. Remember the braids, feathers, ponchos and shawls. By all means, give the shawl a creative twist and use it as a headscarf if you want. Coco Chanel and Audrey Hepburn aspirers who are die-hard fans of classy monotones or safe solid colours, cut yourself some slack, let loose and try accessorising and jazzing your outfits up with shoes, bags or other accessories that scream for attention with their colours. Bold, striking colours like sunshine yellow, orange, teal and red are good accessory colours.
On a closing note, fashion is offered all year round; style is what you pick out of that fashion. It’s what you make of fashion once you’ve learned to accept and ignore based on what looks good on you. 2011 is the year to experiment, so TCSH students, go forth and sizzle up our campus with your style!
BY NICOLE NG
One cannot fail to notice some outstanding style-setters amongst the masses of people out there in Taylor’s College Sri Hartamas, each with their own unique style of dress. One noticeable thing is that there seems to be a noticeably stronger Japanese influence on fashion within Taylor’s College Sri Hartamas as of 2011, compared to that of previous years.
While floral fashions such as the “Liz Lisa look” (for those of you who don’t know, Liz Lisa is the most popular girly fashion brand in Japan. Think florals, pastels, lace hems and doll-like kawaiiness) are still very much welcome if you’re going for a spring look, but if you’re looking for a breath of fresh air, why not give the new ojikawa/obakawa look a try?
Ojikawa/obakawa style of fashion
Ojikawa and obakawa literally translate to “grandmother cute” and “grandfather cute”. One of the latest fashion trends of today, the ojikawa/obakawa look makes ‘old’ the new ‘in’. Think camel, brown and khaki colours; smart-looking-nerdy shirts; nerd glasses; vintage elements; socks; Mary Janes and brogues. If you’re the lazy type, simply throw on a tweed jacket or camel coloured blazer and voila! Instant ojikawa style. Not to mention, instant protection against the freezing cold college climate.
As we all know, we all live in an era of globalisation – and the fashion industry is no exception to the many changes this age has effected. Many key pieces such as blazers, skirts and tops are being influenced by Orientalism, which is the fusion of Asian prints with Western cuts, and vice versa. Dresses with kimono prints, cheongsam inspired tops, and blazers with Asian-inspired prints are just a few of the examples of the influences of Orientalism. Being one of the less noticed trends of the past, I would not suggest this for the faint of heart. For the daring, by all means, take the runway and strut that style with swag.
A floral-printed blazer influenced by Orientalism
For the badasses, the year is yours. 2011 is the year of biker chic and punk. Read: motorcycle boots, leather, zips and studs. Bring out your inner hell’s angel and kick into gear this season. The biker chic look – evolved from the military looks of last season – enables you to mix and match elements such as black leather jackets with army green attire. For those who prefer a softer biker chic look, take a leaf from Burberry’s colour offerings and opt for pastel coloured leather jackets, or quilted leather. Guys, this is your season. Pair that leather jacket with a white v-neck and dark denim, and you’re ready to go hunt some hearts. However, keep in mind to steer clear of leather pants if you would prefer not to ‘evaporate’ in the tropical weather of Malaysia.
A leather jacket, white v-neck and dark denim for the men
Fans of feminine styles, fear not. Use colours and fabrics to your advantage to bring out the girly side in you. Try boyfriend blazers in pastel colours, cream or white. Chiffon, lace and other sheer fabrics are a must have in this year’s wardrobe. The key point here is to maintain a balance, especially when experimenting with lace and crochet knits. While these are strong elements in 2011’s fashion styles, keep in mind not to overdo anything. For instance, rev up that sultry look with black lace, but don’t be over-suggestive. Similarly, go with white lace for romantic innocence, but not to the extent that you end up looking ‘over-girlish’. In general, sturdier lace with a wider net, on a loosely cut apparel would be safer than burlesque tights for this year (and college dress codes).
As for you people out there who want to stand out while sticking to your own style, why not take a few hints from the pointers below and play around with the elements of style? As we all know, campus climate can get a tad too cold sometimes, so do go ahead and mess around with layering styles. Take a cue from a few of your fellow course mates (and even some of your teachers) and throw on a shawl or scarf.
Layering with a shawl or scarf
The bohemian look from last season still hasn’t completely run dry yet, so use that to your advantage. Remember the braids, feathers, ponchos and shawls. By all means, give the shawl a creative twist and use it as a headscarf if you want. Coco Chanel and Audrey Hepburn aspirers who are die-hard fans of classy monotones or safe solid colours, cut yourself some slack, let loose and try accessorising and jazzing your outfits up with shoes, bags or other accessories that scream for attention with their colours. Bold, striking colours like sunshine yellow, orange, teal and red are good accessory colours.
On a closing note, fashion is offered all year round; style is what you pick out of that fashion. It’s what you make of fashion once you’ve learned to accept and ignore based on what looks good on you. 2011 is the year to experiment, so TCSH students, go forth and sizzle up our campus with your style!
BY NICOLE NG
