Ruchira Bose goes in search of the origins of a trend, and finds scissors that cost more than the average monthly income in India, hair-stylists who work faster and with greater precision than nuclear scientists and trends that become a fashionista’s cult!

TWENTY years ago, we could wear a red, brown or pink lipstick, it could be glossy or matte and no one would raise an eyebrow.

But, today, step out wearing that maroon lipstick you wore in the ‘80s and even your average Page 3 wannabe would politely tell you, “Darling, why don’t you try that lovely transparent glossy new pink parfait?”

Beauty now is inextricably linked to fashion. With each season, there’s a new trend. But how is a trend born? Especially when we are not being lazy and doing a retro job of it? I am curious, so I head to where it all began and where it’s really ‘Hep and Happening’ - Paris, of course!