TWIN FOR THE WIN

By Pratiti Mathur

I am certain you've experienced the phase when your mother made an effort to ensure that you and your sibling looked alike. And if you happen to be part of a set of twins, that similarity is even more pronounced.

But what if you don't have any siblings or your sibling is much older, making it challenging to achieve a similar look? Or perhaps you have experienced a strong bond with someone who feels like a sister or brother from another mother? No need to worry, as the fashion industry has a solution for you! Who says twinning is just for siblings anymore? The idea is simple: to mirror each other's style as closely as you can. There are numerous ways to experiment with this concept. Your outfits can share the same colour, each piece can be an exact match from head to toe, or you can centre your choices around a specific theme, brand, fabric, or shape.

The goal? A fashion win for you and your twin!

In the contemporary fashion landscape, the term ‘twinning’ has gained considerable popularity, stemming from the notion of "twin dressing," this trend has become a sensation in today's style-savvy era. From the virtual realm of social media to the pages of influential fashion blogs, twinning has cemented its place as a prominent phenomenon. Its influence extends even further, making notable appearances on the grand stages of fashion weeks in major cosmopolitan hubs.

At the forefront of this trend, you'll find passionate supporters in the form of mothers and daughters, sisters, twins, couples, and the inseparable bonds of best friends. They joyfully coordinate their outfits, creating a mesmerising fashion spectacle that captivates everyone around them.

There are various ways to incorporate twinning fashion into your wardrobe. Here are a few examples:

IdenticalOutfits

Wear identical or nearly identical outfits from head to toe. This can include matching tops, bottoms, accessories, and even hairstyles.

CoordinatedColours

Choose outfits in complementary colours. For example, you and your twinning partner can wear outfits that have the same colour scheme but different styles or patterns.

Theme-basedTwinning

Select a theme or concept, and both individuals dress accordingly. It could be a specific era, movie characters, superheroes, or even animals.

MatchingAccessories

Focus on coordinating accessories like hats, shoes, bags, or jewellery. This allows for a subtle twinning touch without wearing identical clothing.

Remember, twinning fashion is all about creativity, self-expression, and having fun with your style. Feel free to experiment, mix and match, and adapt the concept to suit your personal preferences and the occasion.

Twinningontherunway

Throughout fashion history, designers have explored the concept of twinning through various creative approaches. The fashion runway and its history have seen numerous instances of twinning fashion, showcasing the fascination with matching outfits and coordinated styles. Twinning on the runway often symbolises unity, harmony, and a shared identity among models or designers

GUCCIREADY-TO-WEARSPRING2023

Undoubtedly, you are already aware of the remarkable casting manoeuvre executed by Gucci during Milan Fashion Week. With a truly extraordinary display, a total of 68 sets of twins graced the runway in the poignant spring 2023 show, a heartfelt tribute from Alessandro Michele to his "twin mums." Alessandro Michele explored various themes, including tailoring, activewear, Hollywood glam, chinoiserie, and more Notable elements included a sequined jacket referencing a '70s magazine and Gremlinshaped handbags Michele emphasised unity among twins and addressed pressing issues like the climate crisis The emotionally charged show fostered a sense of solidarity and left a lasting impact.

VERSACEPRE-FALL2022

The Fendace collaboration between Versace, Fendi, and Kim Jones was a standout success, merging their fashion identities while maintaining their individual styles. Versace's pre-fall collection showcased a toned-down Fendace vibe with a black and white Barocco print. Versace's designs showcased matching ensembles and complementary elements, creating a sense of harmony The collection embraced sensuality, twinning elements, and responsibly-sourced vegan Latex. Evening Wear exuded glamour and showcased Versace's bold and vibrant designs.

PRADAREADY-TO-WEARSPRING2022

Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons unveiled their collaborative collection at the Prada show in 2022 Titled "Seduction, Stripped Down," it explored modern seduction and its connection to the body The simultaneous shows in Milan and Shanghai featured models wearing the same looks displayed on large LED screens The collection reimagined historical elements and embraced a contemporary take on sexiness, impressing audiences with its boldness and well-judged details Prada's approach always offers a twist, and the collection's strongest proposition involved the interplay between raw leather jackets and duchesse satin miniskirts with trailing trains

ISSEYMIYAKEREADY-TO-WEARFALL2020

Issey Miyake's collection, titled "Making Speaking, Speaking Making," delved into the question of how human creation can unify the diversity of individuals

Directed by Daniel Ezralow, the show featured white garments adorned with black lines, symbolising individuality. As the collection progressed, it explored colourful patterns, scuba-like materials, and the concept of twinning. The presentation showcased a transformation from individuality to a connected community, emphasising the power of human creation in fostering unity.

SIMONMILLERREADY-TO-WEARFALL2019

In addition to their brand expansion, Simon Miller embraces the concept of twinning in their Mannequin Fall collection. The collection features coordinated sets and matching ensembles, allowing individuals to dress in synchronised styles. The idea of twinning adds a playful and cohesive element to the brand's vision of wearing Simon Miller from head to toe. Whether it's through matching outfits or coordinating pieces, Simon Miller encourages the concept of twinning as a fashionable expression.

THOMBROWNEREADY-TOWEARSPRING2018

Thom Browne's fashion show in Paris not only captured the essence of fantasy but also embraced the concept of twinning. In his alternate universe, Browne presented men and women dressed in matching all-white organza skirt suits, creating a sense of symmetry and harmony The collection showcased exquisite designs featuring lifelike octopus tentacles, shimmering sequins, and floating tulle. By incorporating twinning elements into his whimsical designs, Browne added an extra layer of enchantment to his otherworldly collection.