The thing about period films is that they build a world that’s different from the one we’re used to, but at the same time, they project a time we’re familiar with – be it from photos and videos to stories from one’s elders. With the Akshay Kumar, Ileana D’Cruz-starrer Rustom, director Tinu Suresh Desai has attempted to create one such world – that evokes a sense of the time that has passed, yet is so familiar. One significant element of this glimpse into a different time is the fashion quotient. The late 1950s and early 1960s were known for glossy retro fashion, the kind inspired by Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe, when oomph and style oozed through every garment and accessory.
Now add in a dash of Parsi to the mix for D’Cruz’s character, and you have yourself pastel shade dresses and embroidered saris. For this film, costume designer Ameira Punvani has been widely complimented for the precision with which she has dressed the various characters. In various interviews where Punvani deconstructed the looks for her principle characters, she explained how she opted for a lot of can-cans in the dresses, the colour palette was restricted to pastel shades, with influences of Audrey Hepburn from Breakfast at Tiffany’s. While, her post-marriage look, D’Cruz was styled in authentic Parsi saris with the typical Ghara embroidery.
Here are a few tips to enhance the retro look and rock it as you recreate Rustom’s Look
Opt for polka dots: As they say, you can never have a bad day in polkas, rightfully so, the polka dots can take you straight into a retro vibe. As bright and beautiful as that decade, the polkas vary from twin colour combinations to a plethora of hues.
Knots: Front knot crop tops and shirts were the favourites of every fashionistas. Knotting is a retro statement as one can also see it being used in hair-bands, tops and belted bottoms. So, make most of this retro style this season by giving it a modern spin.
Oversized sunglasses: Oversized sunglasses in timeless round or cat’s eye frame can effortlessly let you make an edgy retro statement.
Hoop Earrings: The representation of jewellery in the retro era was pretty much bold and bling and here hoop earrings managed to steal the show every time. When it comes to hoops, the bigger is the better.