Splash of panache

Bloomers transform from undergarments to bold fashion statements

- Pramita Bose

What was an inside story in the erstwhile eras of modest fashion is now an overt and bold statement for the rebellious hipsters. They defy every rule in the mainstream style book to be unabashedly unconventional and unapologetically outrageous to the custodians of moral policing. Bloomers are booming on the ramps.

The latest fashion week it was seen raiding was the Mecca of fashion carnivals - the Paris Fashion Week of 2024.

Lacy, frilled shorts or baggy breeches, tight knee or ankle-length trousers or slinky hot pants bloomers evolved big time from being the so-called underwear to the jawdropping headliner of a fashion fest. Well, new-age designers and maverick clotheshorses are not complaining at all!

Inside and outside edge

Bloomers were earlier worn as an innerwear or underneath the apparel on top. Today, such pants get to team up with short dresses, interesting tops or a skimpy skirt. Bloomers thus sneaked out of the closet as a striking bottom wear to rewrite the cliché style diktats.

"Originally designed and created for dignity, sense of propriety and functionality, bloomers have steadily transformed into a versatile statement piece. This trend embraces the balance between comfort and style, lending a throwback to the retro elegance while allowing individuality of expression in its manner of styling," comments Pinky Rai, head of the design team at The Indian Garage Co., a reputed fast-fashion direct-to-consumer brand in the domestic market.