Why KITSCH Fashion is everything but Ugly

KITSCH, a word definitely not unheard of in the fashion industry. Kitsch has always been visually delightful while also being questioned with raised eyebrows. What is it about Kitsch fashion that pulls us towards it despite the busy, chaotic gaudy? Let’s dive in.

According to famous dictionaries: KITSCH is defined as “art, objects, or design considered to be in poor taste because of excessive garishness or sentimentality, but sometimes appreciated in an ironic or knowing way”.

I totally disagree about poor taste. I think the best way to define it is: "it’s a spiced-up version of eccentric and certainly not for the faint-hearted.”

In Art and Interiors, Kitsch has more to do with taking the mundane cheap, mass produced, borderline gaudy and transforming it into something eye-catching. I find this so amazing; transforming the ordinary into extraordinary. It may be loud, but the busy beauty it holds is definitely profound and sometimes at a loss of words. Somewhat similar to if we say "There is an eerie serenity in a bit of insanity".

Kitsch in fashion is more about making a statement with extravagance. The jarring yet alluring juxtaposition of color, patterns, forms and layers to create OTT (Over The Top) pieces. The fun-tastic genre is heavily inspired by popular, cultural icons. In Pakistan, the perfect example is "Truck art".

Kitsch fashion is not a stranger to many nations. Japan, for one, is a thriving culture. The Japanese street fashion, particularly of Harajuku, Shibuya and Shinjuku, are the epitome of  stunningly bizarre. Their street fashion is known all over the world as the instigators of trends and inspiration is flows in abundance here.

Globally, the designers who dwell in this art form can actually be considered the Gurus of "Gorgeous Kitsch" and are a household name for every fashionista. Vivien Westwood, Dolce & Gabbana, Betsy Johnson, Alexander McQueen, Meadham Kirchkoff is just naming a few in the long line of garish glam.

Our neighbors (India) are quite the kitsch-lovers themselves. We are well aware of the "King of Kitsch" in India, Manish Arora. The quirky, colorful designer has never failed to amaze with his vivacious array of designs which boldly scream for attention in the minutest of details Two others Indian Designers that definitely follow a similar, yet slightly subdued path, are Masaba Gupta and Nida Mahmood. Their Design concepts are innovative and should be reviewed by all (in case you haven’t already). From seeing inspiration bubbling up from film posters, to candy and lipsticks, these ladies take quirky very seriously in their fun yet savvy designs.

Pakistan is definitely not behind in this fashion genre and we have Truck art to vouch for that. Truck art has been a major inspiration in the past few years for many designers, however, Kitsch fashion has evolved further than just that in Pakistan. Designers have created inspirational collections with Folklore, Mughal Art, Nature, Rural Toys and many other subjects and elements from our diverse culture.

Gulabo, Rizwan Beyg, Tapulicious, Deepak Perwani, Fnk Asia and Wardha Saleem stand the most and their past collections have been proof of such kitschiness.

If we review the past we will discover that Kitsch has always been around. It’s been there in our everyday life, the beggars on the streets, the dhaba (tea shops) we pass every day, the old dinner set that belongs to our grandmother, we have attuned ourselves to appreciate it because it is, in truth, beautiful. 

I can sum up "Kitschiness" by something I read somewhere (and can’t seem to remember where!): “Bordering on garishness because of its colors and concepts, kitsch is eclectic and eccentric; vivid and vivacious and, above all, alive and kicking. Little wonder then that it’s such a rage with people looking to infuse their life with punk and personality.”

If all this doesn’t bring out the kitsch in you then you just boring.

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About Maliha Rao

Creative Director/Passionate Blogger