UNLIKELY ICONS : THE BIG BANG THEORY

The 'Big Bang Theory' almost made my head go bang, when late night bingeing turned into sartorial appreciation.

As with most things this time of year, to avoid the bitter cold I sought refuge in the comforting embrace of Netflix. It was after one such headlong binge that I discovered 'The Big Bang Theory' - a programme that I had long associated with past uni days when it was the only respite from the endless stream of 'Friends' nostalgia. It began as easy watching, background noise if you will, yet 12 seasons later I was hooked and it was for reasons most unexpected.  

It was unassuming at first, my focus rested solely upon their off kilter friendships, aptitude for big words and dry witticisms. Of course I noticed their zany outfits. Though initially I saw their worth as a prop to visually signify their general cluelessness to all things other than genius level smarts. 

Actually I'm not quite sure when I noticed the fashion as anything more than a vehicle to promote their brand of 'geekiness'. I can't even say that it was one particular outfit, perhaps it was the immersion of watching back-to-back seasons? Whatever the genesis, once my attention had been piqued, I was fixated and in all honesty, I can't believe I hadn't noticed it sooner.

For those in need of a little more convincing, let's begin with what is perhaps the most striking; colour. Primary colours, all the colours, in one outfit and in all the outfits. As a group they look like Mr Tumble's back-up dancers. However, the brash colours are contagious, perhaps it is the contrast they provide to the bleak weather? or perhaps the festive cheer has finally taken me in? 

Either way the colour is impactful, whether clashed or worn monochromatically. Howard, the most colourful of the quad, favours an arrestingly tonal look. Donning many an untypical hue of skinny trouser, which thus informs the rest of his outfit, often leaving him the personified embodiment of a Crayola. 

In contrast, Raj's outfits are of a subdued palette reminiscent of the AW19 collections, favouring rust, toffee and caramel tones. In one particular episode, Raj wore an argyle jumper, brown corduroy trousers, white ribbed socks and black and white checkered Vans slip ons. A quick flick through instagram and one could be mistaken that I hadn't just listed the wears of every influencer over the past 6 months. 

Pattern, in all manner of rendition is heavily featured; checkered, plaid, the occasional floral. Sometimes worn as shirts, sometimes as knitwear. With Burberry forever making a case for the check and Raj's staple argyle diamond knits seen at Victoria Beckham's AW19 show, it's difficult to ignore where their true smarts lie. Their style is effortless, one might even go so far as to say clueless, but it is undeniably bang on.

With the stark colours and mismatched prints, it's easy to overlook the construction of the outfits, namely the dexterous layering. Sheldon is rarely seen without a long sleeved top peeking out of his t-shirt. Embodying (albeit unknowingly) the recent suffer-vibe embraced by the likes of Proenzer Schouler and Prada. Howard's neck is forever warm in his turtle neck, layered under his selection of 70's inspired western shirts (the 70's being a trend in and of itself - hello, Chloe & Stella McCartney). Whilst Raj favours a knitted vest paired over his extensive collection of vintage shirts. Something similarly seen at Gucci who, it should be known, has long been making geek chic.

As briefly mentioned, corduroy - the fabric of the season - should be elucidated further. In a case of the chicken and the egg, what was once relegated to the stereotypical uniform of academics, is now on the bodies of fashion editors the world over. As academics then, are the Big Bang boys embracing a trend or starting one? Either way, they've garnered fashion acclaim which is on par with a Noble prize, right?

Lastly, you may think that I had forgotten Leonard, but you'd be wrong. His indelible commitment to a military-style jacket is not unnoticed. Favouring to pair khaki with everything - an undeniably smart move. And of course his forever shoe of choice, the Converse, a stalwart for all sartorially savvy. Perhaps the only downfall is Penny's example of noughties bad-taste, which contrarily has also seen its own revival.

They may say that television rots your mind, but amongst the brainiac banter, science-fiction quips and rich fashion underpinnings, I feel smarter already. 

(Photos via : metro.co.uk, stylecaster.com, pinterest, thefashiontag.com, theindependent.co.uk, thefashionspot.com, refinery29.com & tvinsider.com)