“The dictionary describes fashion as 'the make or cut of a thing form or pattern vogue a prevailing custom,” I replied.

“And what must you do to qualify yourself for being called fashionable?”
“I must dress and act according to the prevailing fashion.”
“What if the prevailing fashion is to walk around in your birthday suit?” he asked.
“I guess I'd act accordingly,” I thought I had given an adequately silly answer to a silly question.

“I don't agree. Fashion must have some rules. It cannot be devoid of good taste and morality. It is created and practiced by Man, not animals, and the motivation behind it is to look different and attract attention. Fashion plays an important role in PR too, in this highly competitive world.”

“Or, maybe, fashion is a revolt against the prevailing way of life. But, what are you trying to prove?” I asked.“Nothing! I just thought we should discuss Fashion this morning. It is the in-thing.”

“Do you know it is not proper for men to talk about latest fashions? It's the domain of women,” I said.

“I don't think there are separate rules for men and women as far as latest fashions are concerned. Both sexes have an equal penchant for it. But, I would like to ask why this penchant? That is my question.”

“Perhaps it is a manifestation of man's restlessness with things already available to him at any given time — be-chaini — what else can one call it? I said.

“You are right. It is in the nature of Man not to remain content with the prevalent state of things. He is soon fed up with routine. He also wants to stand out among fellow humans?” said Babboo.

“Shall we attribute this to his inferiority complex — something that is inherent in his nature?” I tried to confuse Babboo.

“I don't agree. How could anyone rich enough to buy the newest and the latest in garments, jewellery, footwear and cosmetics have an inferiority complex? Secondly, it is not just man's nature to strive for change. Change, I suppose, is the very essence of life. Without change no progress is possible...” Babboo would not let an argument conclude.

“Yaar, why can't people live in peace?” I said in desperation.

“Sukoon mahaal hai qudrat ke karkhaney mein. You have not answered my original question when did man first become fashionable?” he asked.

“When Adam picked up a leaf and made it a part of his birthday suit,” I thought Babboo would appreciate my wit, but he took a turn and asked

“Has BEAUTY anything to do with fashion?”
“Beauty is skin deep,” I said.

“No beauty is sin deep! The letter K was added much later — when man realised that in order to hide his real self, he must cover it with something artificial. This is when FASHION came into being. All the newest and the latest items in different designs and of different material that beckon you to come-grab-me are meant to cover up some weakness. The most fashionable people are the moulvis” Babboo said.

“What?”

“Why, haven't you noticed he uses surma in his eyes, colours his beard bright orange, adorns his head with turbans of different shades, keeps his shalwar above the ankles. My little daughter once asked me why are moulvis so fashionable? It is interesting to see even modern girls wearing shalwar and pyjamas with their ankles showing.” “Sometimes a famous person wears something that becomes a fashion,” I observed.

“Yes, like Gandhiji,” said Babboo.

“Don't be silly. He hardly wore anything — except a loin cloth wrapped around his midriff. That's why this fashion did not catch up with the people of India.”

“You are wrong. Millions of Indians still walk around in this dress.”

“You can't call it fashion. I think the designers missed the idea given by Gandhiji. Otherwise, with all the creativity at their disposal, plus big budget advertising to back them up, they would have given it an impressive brand name and spread this fashion across the length and breadth of the subcontinent.”

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