The world of fashion is full of surprises, and unexpected and quirky trends. But what defines beauty is something very subjective. Recently, international supermodel and actress Cara Delevingne made a bold style statement by shaving her hair, saying she believes that women needn’t rely on hair to feel beautiful. Previously, model Diandra Soares did exactly the same and set an inspiring example.
According to industry experts, experimenting with one’s looks and making bold attempts like Cara’s, create trends and send a strong message that defies stereotypes.
“I completely agree with what Cara has said. Whether it’s fashion, poetry, or any piece of art work, beauty is all about the attitude,” says designer Rahul Mishra.
Asked if he would have a bald model walk for his shows, he says, “I would love to cast someone like her. Diandra has walked for me and I gave her the strongest outfit of the collection. While casting models, we look at different characters that models can portray. At a show, I’m not just showcasing clothes, I’m also there to showcase the attitude.”
Stylist Saloni Arora feels that even shorter hair is “truly unwinding”. “Even I got bald once. Hair is a beauty element but it doesn’t define beauty. And when it is coming from someone like Cara, it is definitely a bold style statement.
Sometimes, when I step out of the house with my short hair and spikes, people have different viewpoints to offer. But I just feel that my viewpoint is much bolder than theirs,” says Saloni while adding that she’s helped around 10 of her clients go bald.
However, model Noyonika Chatterjee believes that no trend stays for too long in fashion —“We needed someone really popular to change beauty stereotypes and Cara did it successfully. Having said that, I think that only a person in Cara’s position can attempt this. If an ordinary girl did it, I can’t say how people in India would react.”
“Here, it is a belief that giving up your hair is like giving up a big part of your vanity. Also, it’s a trend and in the fashion world, no trend stays too long. There have been icons like Madonna who have done trendsetting things, but it only works for a while. When celebrities take up something like this, it becomes a bigger concern but I don’t see it changing the whole mindset,” she adds.
Agrees beauty expert Ishika Taneja, who feels that hair adds a lot to one’s personality. “What Cara did is very liberating and courageous, but I’m not in support of it. Many people are keen to have shorter hair and I would suggest crops or A-symmetrical hair cuts to them, or going half-way on one side and longer hair on the other side,” says Ishika.
