The ’90s are back: Designer Kunal Rawal’s guide to dressing for the trend

I must admit, fashion-wise, the ’90s wasn’t my favourite decade. But it is also the decade I grew up in, and was influenced by, like so many of you.

In terms of fashion, it was all about screaming colours, psychedelic prints (not the good ones), pants worn above navel, and exposed chest hair. America was culturally influencing the rest of the world.

But let’s leave aside the bad and focus on what was good (and is now in fashion again).

ALSO READ: Kunal Rawal on a guide to white sneakers

Ripped jeans: With the emergence of grunge, ripped jeans became a coveted fashion piece. Stars like Salman Khan and Sanjay Dutt owned the trend, and paired them with chunky boots (think Salman in Oh Oh Jaane Jaana from Pyar Kiya Toh Darna Kya, 1998). Looking at youngsters deliberately slashing and ripping their denims, brands like Ralph Lauren and GAP started manufacturing pre-distressed denims.

Tracksuits: It wouldn’t be wrong to say athleisure was born in the ’90s, with tracks-suits being quite the trend. Since then, tracksuits have transformed from cringe-worthy to the chic, cleaner ones from labels like Dries van Noten, Sandro, APC, Prada, Adidas, and Yeezy. The hoodie and sweatshirts are still popular: colourful graphics from brands like Billionaire Boys Club and Kenzo, cleaner ones by Supreme, and embroidered ones from Horiyoshi The Third.

New Era baseball caps: From sporting team logos and snapback patterns, the baseball cap has come a long way. These are now available in prints, with slogans, and in fabrics like leather and stretchable technical material.

Air Jordons and the sneaker culture:Every hip-hop artist from the ’90s has worn these at some point. This trend legitimised use of basketball shoes off court. Sneakers have quickly become go-to the footwear — pair them with denims and a tee or a three-piece suit.

Oversized Tees: With the hip-hop culture came the oversized tees. Though the ’90s style was dominated by tie-dye and animal prints, it is best to keep your basics solid and textured in order to allow versatility.

Tie-dye: These psychedelic prints ruled Bollywood with neon body-con dresses, as seen in films like Ishq (1997). It is still very much a part of fashion, but in subtler hues.

ALSO READ: Kunal Rawal tells you how to wear prints

Kunal Rawal is a leading men’s fashion designer. He tweets as @kunalrawalvibe