A little less ‘toned down’ and a lot more ‘sparkle and shine’ is what the final months of the year demand! Even though the partying scene is intimate this year, there’s no reason for your outfit to be anything less than something you’d wear to a rager! There’s one wardrobe hero we can always count on to give us the life-of-the-party status – sequins.
They have been favoured not just for the all-nighters but also for the times when making a statement was the ultimate goal, and have been a very essential part of pop culture and classic Hollywood movies. So, we took a trip down memory lane and bookmarked the looks we loved the most. Take cues from the silver-screen and pop icons on how to do sequins the way they deserve to be done.
Who?
Marlene Dietrich in A Foreign Affair, 1948
The millennials may have never heard of the actress who took over the silver screen in the 1940s, but she is still remembered and appreciated by older generations. Marlene rose to fame due to her femme-fatale roles and a sensual appeal that came naturally. Sultry, sophisticated and an instant charmer, she made men and women both fall to their knees in admiration. Her style was all about glam, but it was also experimental and feminine in every way. In the 1948 film A Foreign Affair, the audience saw her in a sequined gown that inspired many after her.
Why?
Remember the seemingly naked, crystal embroidered dress that Rihanna sported for the CFDA Awards? Yes, Marlene did it first in 1948 with what is known as the Illusion Gown. Made by Jean Louis, the illusion dress comprised strategically placed sequins, embroidered intricately on to a sheer fabric. It was a bold move on the actress’ part and is now one of the most sought-after looks for the biggest events in art, fashion and cinema.
Who?
Marilyn Monroe & Jane Russel in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, 1953
The actress duo that has fans aplenty, Marilyn and Jane were seen playing showgirls in the 1953 hit film Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. If you’re into classic Hollywood, you’ve probably seen the movie that needed no spotlight; thanks to the glittery wardrobe and the stars that were casted in it! You can’t not be smitten by Marilyn’s 1000-watt smile and Jane’s vivacious vibe. Each one of their costumes held us captive, but it was the matching red sequin dresses that we just can’t get over.
Why?
The dresses adorned in sequins were perfectly aligned with the glitz and glamour theme of the movie. They also played on and brought out the actress-duo’s best features, whether it was with the long slit in the front or the figure-hugging silhouettes that eventually flowed down into a small yet alluring trail. It’s safe to say that the sequins shone brighter than the diamonds in this one, and so did Marilyn and Jane.
Who?
Diana Ross, Central Park Concert, 1983
Pop music history has Diana Ross’s name highlighted on every page of the book for uncountable reasons. Delivering one hit song after another is a feat that she achieves beautifully. Another feather in her cap is her all-bling style game, and the singer never shies away from going beyond the ordinary. Her performances have been as electric as the outfits she chose to don, and the glamour she brought to the stage with her remains unbeaten. Among her many looks that made history, one, in particular, is our favourite; the purple sequined bodysuit she wore for her Central Park Concert in 1983.
Why?
On the day of the concert, the weather was unfavourable with a thunderstorm raging on as she sang to a crowd of 450,000. Dripping from head-to-toe and the entire venue filled with water, the fans and Diana both were relentless. It was literally history in the making with no black woman ever having performed here! But as the weather worsened, she decided to make the promise of an impromptu concert the following day, for which she turned up in a sparkly purple bodysuit and said, “It’s a new day, it’s a beautiful day!” to the crowd that was eager for a second serving of her amazingness.
Who?
Beyonce, Mrs. Carter World Tour, 2014
Bee has not only been the queen of the Beyhive but she also rules the World Stage! Her wardrobe follows suit, making us stare in amazement every time she steps out. From all-out bling to bold outfits, her no-holds-barred approach is an inspiration to many, but can only be pulled off by her. Even though there was nothing OTT about her Tom Ford dress for the Mrs. Carter World Tour, it still made it to the ‘iconic’ list.
Why?
Because how can you not take notice when a jersey dress is adorned with dazzling disks aka sequins all over? The ‘Molly’ dress by Tom Ford was from his A/W’14 collection. It re-established the close friendship and partnership that Beyonce and Jay Z shared with the designer. Inspired by the rapper’s 61 football jersey (also by Tom Ford), it was Queen Bey who made it all the rage!
Who?
Lady Gaga, Super Bowl Halftime Show, 2017.
Lady Gaga needs no introduction! Fashion enthusiasts and icons around the globe know her risk-taking, message-sending wardrobe choices. From making sure that every camera is points towards her when she steps foot on the red carpet, to instantly pulling the crowd in with her reverberating voice and exaggerated yet tasteful clothing; she is a sight not meant for the fainthearted. Fan or not, you just can’t ignore her. For the Super Bowl Halftime Show, she donned an outfit that spoke volumes about her ability to create a narrative.
Why?
We know that the Super Bowl attracts a whole lot of fans and attention from the paparazzi. It is undoubtedly one of the biggest nights of the year, and therefore is a star-studded affair. Lady Gaga graced the stage for the night in 2017, and trusted Versace for her costumes. The Halftime Show saw her in a pair of sequin-embroidered hot pants and a football jersey inspired top, with huge sculpted sleeves resembling shoulder pads. It was relevant, stunning, and wonderfully showcased what the night was all about.
Image credits: Pinterest
