Where does fashion end and gimmick begin?

Ripped at the knees, shredded at the thighs, or half the front panel missing — we’ve seen possibly all variations a pair of jeans can have. But it seems the world isn’t done with them, yet. Recently, Tokyobased designer Meiko Ban showcased her debut collection, of which one creation is now being called “thong jeans”. The barelythere pair of jeans only has the waistband, side seams, inseams, and a sliver of fabric across the knees.

“This is fashion for the runway’s sake. I highly doubt if this kind of style will take off,” says designer Namrata Joshipura, when asked if this counts as a viable trend.

On the runway, drama isn’t a new thing. But designer Nachiket Barve feels the runway is where it should stay. “I hope such a style never sees the light of the day. There’s design that pushes the conversation forward and then there are gimmicks. This falls in the latter category,” the designer says.

However, designer Rina Dhaka believes that there’s no definitive tool that can be used to measure the viability of fashion. “You can’t predict the market,” she says. “Whenever I’ve thought nobody would wear my designs, people have gone gung-ho over them. And, when I’ve thought everybody will love it, the product might not have [the] moves.”

Dhaka adds, “There’s a sense of risk that the youth want; something [for] their time. Fashion has already stretched all its possible limits. Creating something within that parameter, even if it’s something bizarre, yet classic and dramatic, will be a success.”

Will we see people in India taking to, the thong jeans? “Behind closed doors, anything is possible,” says designer Anand Bhushan. “Apart from this, there’s nothing that’s ‘too much’ when it comes to fashion and design. It either fits your comfort level or it doesn’t.”

I hope such a style never sees the light of the day. There’s design that pushes the conversation forward and then there are gimmicks. This falls in the latter category. NACHIKET BARVE, FASHION DESIGNER

PHOTO: ROHAN SHRESTHA