Why is the mechanic's uniform flooding runways and Bandra boutiques?

The modest overall that was once a practical choice of clothing for plumbers and auto mechanics is now gracing svelte bodies of supermodels, the biggest Bollywood actresses and mannequins at suburban boutiques. The GUIDE tells you why the jumpsuit, in silk, jersey or cotton, should be your next purchase

What does our sudden fondness for utilitarian fashion have to do with the money-strapped economy? Everything. This freshly-revived fashion trend flirts with childish frivolity, and then moves to adapt itself and support pragmatism for the working class. Fashion forecasters and designers would have been caught sleeping if they hadn't picked up the jumpsuit's versatility. Ultimately, they decided that the jumpsuit was a delectably stylish investment. Yes, we are reeling in the agony of recession. Why not make it a stylish one?

In Paris, Milan



Model Laxmi in a creation by British designer Stella McCartney showcased at Spring/Summer 2009 ready-to-wear collections in Paris in September last year.



A model in a creation by Salvatore Ferragamo showcased at Spring/Summer 2009 ready-to-wear collections in Milan in September last year. ALL PICS/ AFP PHOTO

The jumpsuit turned 98 this year
Conflict between form and function in the late eighteenth century gave us denim jeans, when Bavarian peddler Morris Levi designed them for Californian coal miners. In 1911, it was the visionary HD Lee who created the Lee Overall, our very first jumpsuit. The initial brand model was named Lee Bib Overall, made in 7.5-ounce denim containing an all-functional chest pocket and a button fly. Since then, it has been a practical choice for pilots, auto mechanics and plumbers.


Rockstars love them
The audaciously charming king of rock 'n' roll Elvis Presley's most treasured costume was a white jumpsuit embellished with a blue-and-gold peacock emblazoned on his back, peacock feathers trailing down his flared pants. Music legends Mick Jagger and Freddie Mercury made the most of it, and the younger lot of popstars including the Spice Girls, Britney Spears, Korn, Feeder, Pink and Rihanna have fueled its popularity through live gigs and sultry videos.


On Hindi screen and fashion ramps
The year 2009 is strung together with a series of jumpsuit appearances, on and off the runway. In an idyllic movies-mirroring-trend reality scenario, actress Deepika Padukone wore a denim jumpsuit in the opening scene of Love Aaj Kal. Entrepreneur Ashiyana Shroff shimmered in a blazing orange silk overall at the opening of her hip SoBo nightspot Dragon Fly, and designer Malini Ramani made a blockbuster collection fit for a diva out of the poor man's outfit. Design genius Sabyasachi Mukherjee sliced a range reflecting the delightful whimsy of pinafores with a stray jumpsuit, in his Spring/Summer '09 collection showcased at the New York Fashion Week, in September last year.


Adopted by international style Gods
The playground attire arrived at regular intervals at international fashion shows, each designer giving it a spin of originality. A sexy provocation by designers Stella McCartney, Salvatore Ferragamo and Emilio Pucci, met with bizarre imagination at Alexander McQueen's show. Stefano Pilati for Yves Saint Laurent and Givenchy's solid sensuality was in sharp contrast to DKNY, Vivienne Westwood and Moschino's cheeky chivalry that had fun with prints and colours. Described as the Millennial Maverick by Elle magazine, British-Turkish designer Hussein Chalayan portrayed a dual tension of personalities in his precisely patterned collection.


How to wear your jumpsuit
>> Looks can be diabolical. Always try it on before buying it. Check for key comfort zones: bust, rear end and waist.
>> Short and medium height women should opt for jumpsuits in silk, and pair them with a great pair of stilettos. This will make you look tall and lean.
>> It's a tricky garment since bulges tend to get magnified in a one-piece garment. Plump women should steer clear of this.
>> Lucky slim ladies should wear a thong for a sleek, clean look.
>> Elasticised ankles run the risk of riding up. Choose long flowing or tapered legs, instead.
>> The fabric should be flattering, and drape around rather than choke your body.
>> Darker colours work best black, brown, charcoal grey, deep blue, green, and purple. Leave lighter shades for Uma Thurman.
>> Keep it simple. A neckpiece and sexy stilettos is all you need.