Commuter core decoded: 6 ways to comfortably style fashion trend that is for all the girls on the go
Commuter core is everyday fashion, whether for work or something as simple as running errands. Whatever it is, this kind of grounded style makes you look like you have your life together (totally cool even if you don't.)
Want to know more about this fashion style? We have got you sorted.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Niti Gupta, Luxury Style Curator, Founder & Creative Director of The AFRA World, and Curator of the NIFT Alumni Networking Group (NANG), decided the commuter core fashion trend.
She shared her take on this style and explained, 'Commuter core, a trend that has been created and popularised largely by Gen Z on social media, is the new wave of travel comfort and a shift away from whimsical, a move from the almost impractical teenage styles prevalent at one time to more practical garments that do not compromise on either style or comfort. At its very essence, commuter core is representative of what women wear in the real world, as they juggle the practical, recreational and domestic elements of their routine with the need to hold on to the style quotient. Commuter core reimagines the pressed-for-time city girl who is in sync with the fashion trends, chooses comfort yet is always effortlessly cool, and isn't afraid to push the boundaries of conventional power dressing.'
Niti Gupta shared a detailed guide, covering all the essentials of commuter core style:
ALSO READ: Desi outfits too sweaty for office this summer? 7 ethnic styling tips to save your day and OOTD
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I had the Tree of Life exhibition series with a film on kalamkari and chikankari. Then we had six models come on the ramp to reinterpret the same with modern outfits. We had similar showcases through the Festival of India series abroad. This generated tremendous curiosity in the West about our hand-made textile legacies,' says Kumar. As export orders for her hand-block prints came from all over, her husband stepped in to help her manage the business. Post-liberalisation, India's beauty boom and string of pageant winners from India meant Kumar got to define the look for Miss Indias that got global attention. However, that early mover's advantage also made her aware of the challenges of running a couture store in the West. 'For brands like Dior, couture is a lot about public image on the ramp. Their actual sales come from perfumes, lipsticks, shoes, bags, accessories, ready-to-wear. Our designers are only about bespoke experiences, so sustainability overseas is a concern,' says Kumar, who has often been stereotyped as catering to the bridal market. 'Things have to move off the shelves to make sense. The bridal market is not just about designers, it is about the parallel hubs like Farrukhabad, which is one of the biggest wholesale markets for bridal wear and has managed to keep the craft of zardozi alive. The wedding market will continue to be a conduit of our crafts,' says Kumar, who still privileges the craftspeople over her label. 'Who am I to label heritage?' However, she has left hard business decisions and innovation to her son Amrish Kumar, who has helmed the Western pret line, Label, for 20 years. Young urban Indian women have taken to its boho chic Parisian appeal. Amrish has been focusing on creating entry-level, pret sub-brands of accessories like Ritu Kumar Homes to look beyond couture. Recently, Reliance Retail acquired 52 per cent in the fashion brand. 'We've had private equity before but corporatisation helps us scale up the brand, unlock its value and create a larger market,' says Amrish, who imbibed his mother's sensibilities while accompanying her to Serampore and Kolkata. Much of Kumar's life has been about travelling on the road. 'Both my sons were in Doon School, so I would plan my travels in such a way that I would be mostly home during their vacations. No mother is ever satisfied but I tried to do the right thing. I would take them to the units, give them little blocks and colours to play with and let them daub on waste cloth. They would come home all black and blue. Some sort of osmosis happened here as both my sons have chosen creative disciplines,' says Kumar. Her other son, Ashvin, is a filmmaker. These days, she is to be found mostly in her library, working with her archivist on her book. 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