The Vinyl Voyage
This fall, designers have zeroes in on one word: plastics. More specifically, PVC or vinyl through a variety of looks.
Vinyl, like many other great inventions, was discovered by accident. in 1926, a scientist working for GF Goodrich, Waldo L. Semon, created different compounds while trying to form a synthetic rubber.
At first, he thought that the rubbery gel that he had created would work as a bonding agent to adhere rubber to metal, however, through further experimentation, he found out that he had invented a highly versatile plasticised vinyl that, in the 21st century has thousands of uses.
Astonished by the versatility, Waldo, later on, applied the gel to curtains and hence the world's first waterproof vinyl-coated shower curtain came to be. Soon, vinyl was adapted to umbrella and raincoat fabrics for its waterproof properties. During World War II, it was turned to wartime use but it wasn't until the 1960's that vinyl became a fashion commodity.
Vinyl, like many other great inventions, was discovered by accident. in 1926, a scientist working for GF Goodrich, Waldo L. Semon, created different compounds while trying to form a synthetic rubber.
At first, he thought that the rubbery gel that he had created would work as a bonding agent to adhere rubber to metal, however, through further experimentation, he found out that he had invented a highly versatile plasticised vinyl that, in the 21st century has thousands of uses.
Astonished by the versatility, Waldo, later on, applied the gel to curtains and hence the world's first waterproof vinyl-coated shower curtain came to be. Soon, vinyl was adapted to umbrella and raincoat fabrics for its waterproof properties. During World War II, it was turned to wartime use but it wasn't until the 1960's that vinyl became a fashion commodity.
“André Courréges, one of the most influential fashion pioneers who
claimed to have invented the miniskirt, made vinyl fashionable through his
miniskirts, helmets, A-line dresses and suits. Pierre Cardin and Paco Rabanne,
noted for their modern and futuristic looks, seized upon the high-tech look of
these fabrics and followed Andre in welcoming the fabric to the world of
fashion.
“André Courréges, one of the most influential fashion pioneers who
claimed to have invented the miniskirt, made vinyl fashionable through his
miniskirts, helmets, A-line dresses and suits. Pierre Cardin and Paco Rabanne,
noted for their modern and futuristic looks, seized upon the high-tech look of
these fabrics and followed Andre in welcoming the fabric to the world of
fashion.
Modern clean-line geometric shapes characterized their designs, and
outfits were cut to suggest geometric forms, boxy with hard edges, angular,
straight or circular in shape. It was the beginning of a new reign that was
packed with creative vision of architectural shapes rather than fluid draped
lines,” shares designer Pallavi Mohan of Not So Serious.
“By the 1960s people were ready to have fun with fashion and they leaned
towards clothes that reflected the radical social change of that decade.
Vinyl-coated fabrics not only gave a new surface appeal but lent a modern
structural look to consumers,” she adds.
Vinyl’s lush shiny property also attracted the likes of trendy English
designer Mary Quant among others. The much-popularized look: miniskirt with
high vinyl boots and shoulder bags is all courtesy to her. She penetrated the
youth by using vinyl-coated fabrics to create what was called the ‘wet look’
not just in raincoats but in tight miniskirts and dresses as well.
Vinyl can be produced in almost any colour or can be crystal clear, says
designer Ridhima Bhasin. “From mauve and shocking pink to electro furs, couture
reds and gold, you have a myriad of options when it comes to the colour
palette. However, the only downside of vinyl for cloth is that it does not ‘breathe’.
Wearing a beautiful coat, or any other article of vinyl clothing, can become
quite uncomfortable as the body keeps heating and moisture gets trapped next to
the skin. But if you are a true-blood fashionista, go for it. Sky is pretty
much the limit while styling them. The point is to challenge conventions and
break rules, while looking seductive and sophisticated. Keep it simple, but
sharp: if in doubt, just wear monochrome. Nothing says modern more than a flash
of glossy black vinyl, a graphic jacket, and stomping boots,” she suggests.
Original Article from the Deccan Chronicle: http://www.deccanchronicle.com/lifestyle/fashion-and-beauty/250916/vinyl-voyage.html
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