WARDROBE MALFUNCTION

– July 15, 2012Posted in: NEW

AUTHOR: PARAMITA SARKAR MAZUMDER

Wardrobe malfunction can be described "an unanticipated exposure of bodily parts”. It has been a hot topic for gossip and media news. It has been quoted by many journalists ---" a way for a celebrity to be in news sometimes intentionally , sometimes by accident". Most articles are written on the celebrity and the incident, We miss out on--why wardrobe malfunction occurs and how it can be avoided. Improper fit, defective zippers, strings not stitched properly etc. can be the reasons.

CASE—1

CAROL GRACIAS WARDROB MALFUNCTION, AT LAKME FASHION WEEK 2006

Carol is an Indian model and winner of L’oreal/Elite “ Look of the year title”. It was during a ramp walk in the Lakme Fashion Week , in Mumbai in the year 2006, her halter top slipped off completly exposing her breasts. Carol acted brave and as a professional model completed the walk, holding her top with her hand covering her upper abdomen.

This incident was repeatedly telecasted in Indian channels. The organizers were also accused of the show for promoting obscenity. This was also raised in the Maharastra Legislative Assembly. Social activist P. Rajdev, registered an FIR against the model and the organizers.

I was watching all this on the television. The question that came in my mind was who is the designer? She only came in the scene in one interview. The entire focus of the media was on carol and the halter slipping off.

MAIN CAUSE OF THE WARDROBE MALFUNCTION

The cause was simple the hook which was holding the strips of the halter neck top, broke. The hook was defective.

  1. This could have been checked by the designer at the point of production.
  2. By the model, when she had a trial fit session. Ideally ever model goes through a trial fit before the show.
  3. Back stage helpers (usually design students from different institutes employed during fashion shows), who are in charge of garments to worn by a particular model. They help the model in changing the garment with the right accessory, as a model gets very less time to change. While helping the model the helper might have overlooked the defect.

This defect could have been identified in the above said stages which never happened. Carol who was already a famous model did not need  a cheap publicity to come in the limelight. The main reason was a cheap and defective hook used by the designer. Designers should be very careful and such minute details are to be taken care of.

CASE-2

NICOLE SCHERZINGE, ALMOST WARDROBE MALFUNCTION AT U.K. PREMIERE OF MEN IN BLACK 3

U.K. premiere of Men in Black 3, Scherzinger wore a strapless, black Cengiz Abazoglu Haute Couture gown. The gown had a thigh-high slit. It was on the red carpet when she was facing all the phographers that the slit of her gown, when the slight slit continued to open till her crotch. Somehow she managed it well with her supporting boy friend. It was difficult for her walking down the stairs, covering her legs.

MAIN CAUSE OF THE MALFUNCTION

Choosing the right outfit is very important. If you are going to place where you will be climbing stairs it is good to avoid high slits. While deciding to a buy a high sight, its is better to see the fit is right and comfortable. Opening of the slit shows Nicole must have been careful during her trial fit, about the fact she needs to climb stairs and she needs to be comfortable while walking  was not taken in consideration.

 

CONCLUSION

There are many cases of wardrobe malfunction. Few controversial cases of Janet Jackson, wardrobe malfunction raises questions. Weather it was planned or happened by accident is not our point of discussion as the media does.

This article is to educate that there are technical faults that lead to such incidents. It is important for the designer to check minute details and to have a good quality control over the garments if they are delivered to the client. Most of the celebrities make custom tailored garments. In that case the designer needs to understand what best options he can give the client for  event, function or occasion. Study of the event or any special requirement or functionality of the dress is important. Is the dress appropriate for a dance, act, climbing stair, and holding for longer time, comfortable enough to be carried gracefully by the client? It is advisable for proper trial fits and suggests the client to wear the dress for some time and be assured, it is safe and comfortable. Such precaution on the designer’s part can avoid the unfortunate incidents.