Simple, no-nonsense and effortlessly flattering, the tunic dress is making a serious comeback for Fall 2016. The return of the shiftdress fits in perfectly with the current obsession for retro shapes. ‘Tunics’, a classic silhouette with varied interpretations, have evolved over time from one style to another becoming more of a basic in a woman’s wardrobe, as it adorns every body type and size, with endless possibilities of innovation. Not too structured and achieved with minimal tailoring, the silhouette has been one of the most commonly produced items by Indian manufacturers and exporters, even though Fall is not the favourite season for Indian apparel industry. With varied interpretations taking rounds on the runways, tunic is all set to become the staple, all-time classic piece of clothing in Fall collections…
Enhanced with added embellishments and value additions, the trend charts have consistently witnessed the presence of the tunics for quite a while now, showcased in different looks world over. While denim, prints and collars add a modern edge, it is the minimalist nature of the shift dress that makes it something to be celebrated, making a statement all on its own with little need for eyecatching accessories. Tunics can no longer be defined or fitted in one category. These days a tunic could vary in lengths, silhouettes, neck lines, sleeves and also be redefined as a dress, a long top, shirtdress, maxi or midi, the variation and interpretations are so wide.
Among the various inspirations, Roll-Neck Tunics are an upcoming trend for A/W ’16-17. The look has been spotted on the runway of Fall ’15 multiple times and has already made its way to the mass market through popular retail brands such as Forever 21 and Urban Outfitters. This trend is both functional and fashionable and may suggest a consumer shift, placing more value towards garment utility in addition to aesthetics. Their ubiquity has turned tunics into mainstays. But there are a few new twists: a slight tailoring at the waist for a more flattering graze, while asymmetry turns a hem into a playful style. An exporter of readymade garments Dolly Sidhwani, Owner, Nobel Faith Clothing thinks that refined fabrics, strategic draping, and added embellishments transform tunics into alternatives for eveningwear like an elegant artier version of the pantsuit. Tunics may be worn over knits and shirts, or else styled as tabards.
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In the Indian scenario, a hybrid between the traditional long kurta and the short kurti, a tunic doesn’t have slits on the side. It imitates a long, relaxed top in a western silhouette that ends above the knees and can be paired with trousers or cigarette pants, salwars, churidars or slacks; with jeans or leggings, with a pharsi pyjama or harem pants, or even worn on its own. Its versatility has urged designers to create various looks – elegant, nomadic or beach glamour, from urban to boho chic. “A tunic busts the Indian tradition of wearing a joda (a set); it is easy to wear, imbues modernity and is versatile. Its name is a clever marketing mind game too; the kurta is considered too ethnic and the kurti has lost its fashion value, therefore tunic induces freshness into the same clothing segment,” says designer Rina Dhaka.
No longer can the “short fitted dress” which has been the traditional style defining tunics, be bound in definitions. Materials, fabrics have also made this new exotic versatile apparel an around the year garment, wear it as it is with sheer, soft fabrics, voile and cotton in summers, or team it up with long pants or slacks in heavy woolly fabrics for winters. For evenings the same in silk can add that extra shine making it suitable luxury.
Teamed with straight pants, jeggings, and funky tights or worn as is, tunics turned into all-in-ones, on the past Fall Runways. The mood was for playful 70’s shapes seen at Giulietta, whereas Christopher Kane and Alexander Wang opted for elegant maxi versions in silk. High-low asymmetric hems giving a new twist to the tunic line by accentuating the asymmetric details which were strongly embraced by the New York designers, also played out in one-shouldered or one-sleeved effects. Suno, Zero + Maria Cornejo, Marni, Narciso Rodriguez, Escada, Marques Almeida presented asymmetric hem models, with unexpected accents of materials with contrasting colours. Mitesh Bhatia, Director, Vamani Overseas added, “Currently sweeping the markets are soft, elongated silhouettes which are one of the strongest emerging trends: casually styled ankle-skimming dresses, relaxed all-in-ones and easy long-line layers in breezy silks and casual cottons.”
Sport style tunics are another type of tunic influence gaining popularity. With users increasingly paying attention to sports, health and body care, preferring freedom in movement and comfort, tunics with short sleeves and long sleeves are becoming popular. Such tunics resemble sports uniforms, which were displayed by Mabille, Alexandre Vauthier, Akris and Lacoste. Another tunic version is the bright eveningwear one. Giorgio Armani, Tommy Hilfiger, Dennis Basso and many other brands recommended wearing tunics not only for daily activities, but also for special occasions. Designers used bright colours, bright fabrics, embroidery, shiny yarns, metallic shades for exclusivity.
The basic reason why this look is always in fashion, is that women world over have been embracing this garment in their wardrobe. With the capability of being produced for petite, larger sizes and also plus sized women, this is practically one of the only silhouettes which is as basic as a T-shirt or a trouser and can still look like a magnificent couture piece. Discussing further Darshika Sharma, Assistant Designer, Bharatiya International Ltd. said, “Versatility is another reason why women can’t have enough of them. Tunic dresses are great to be worn all year round. From warm summer weather to chilly winter season; they never fail to create sophisticated winning looks and this is true for all markets.”
Long tunics which are somewhere in-between the midi and the maxi is another fashion adaptation of tunics. Although the standard length of tunics is up to mid-thigh, modern designers such as Rag and Bone, Wendy Nichol, Zimmermann, Creatures of the Wind, 6397 chose to lengthen them a bit. Such a decision made fashion lovers to travel instantly to centuries ago, in the days of ancient Greece, where the inhabitants wore tunics, whose length could reach up to the ankle line. As Fall 2015 runways showcased a lot of scope for this trend, the fashion pundits predict that the popularity will only grow further, and move ahead with a lot more interpretations. In this scenario, tunics are one of the safest bets for Indian exporters to work on for Fall 2016 as well as for A/W ’16-17…
