Tag: Indian Fashion

A Look At Women’s Fashion In India

Coco Chanel, the very pinnacle of fashion, once said:
“Dress shabbily, and they remember the dress; dress impeccably, and they remember the woman.”

This quote has been repeated ad nauseam in myriads of ways because it defines to the T the very essence of fashion. It is about elegance, style, and perfection that leaves an indelible mark. Today, we take a look at how fashion has made a mark on the female population of India.

Like most countries, women’s clothing in India reflected the social perspective or the political scenario for a long time. When you look back at about half a century or more ago, attires of women were a mirror of their position. They were not a reflection of popular practice. But unlike other nations, women’s fashion did not change drastically in our country. While the western world was quick to modify apparels to showcase their comfort, belief or freedom, for Indian women the transformation crept at a snail’s pace.

Explore More About : India And Its Fashion Evolution Over The Years

Since explaining the slow movement of classic drapes to more modern outfits is virtually impossible without writing a thesis, we take a look at the point of time where a dynamic shift occurred. It was with the turn of the millennium that the way women dressed altered. The first changes were felt in the film industry. Actresses and celebs began opting for bolder choices. They wore clothes that felt comfortable to them while still being sensual.

Another significant change came with the rise of the internet and smart devices. As even the average girl of the country could keep up with the fashion trends of the rest of the planet, they began emulating them. They became aware of the choices that could be made. As a result, their fashion sense grew to be personal, bold and unique. Yes, some of them still opt for salwar kameez and sarees but an equal number are more comfortable wearing western designs.

When you walk down the streets of a metropolis in India, you will see females clad in jeans, skirts, jumpsuits, bodycon dresses, formal pantsuits and even fusion wear. It is the latter that has become the most fashionable. A modern cut dress made of tie and dye or bandhani is considered the chicest and coolest outfit possible.
In a gist, a woman’s wardrobe is no more limited to traditional dresses; it is filled with designer wear, streetwear and so much more.

India and Its Fashion Evolution Over The Years

When you think of India, you imagine a place rich with culture and tradition. Design, clothes, and accessories are part of every culture. Therefore, it is no surprise that fashion in India has been prevalent since ancient times. But when it comes to the organised fashion industry, the trend is relatively new. Before the ’80s, there were few fashion designers in the country, if there were any.

The boom of the industry came in the late ’80s, and it spurted in ’90s. The reason for it was twofold:

• More exposure to the fashion of the rest of the world
• Economic liberalisation which led to growth and development

Since then, Indian designers have been heavily influenced by the riches of the country. From the most prominent names like Sabyasachi to the more recent upshots like Anju Modi, every one of them has showcased a line that has links to some part of India. Most fashion designers accept it wholeheartedly that the Motherland is a cultural wonder and a forever muse. One can never exhaust the fount of ideas it presents to a creator.

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Just a few things from which these fabric artists draw inspiration from are:

• The national flower – lotus – as seen in Anamika Khanna designs
• Wall arts and bright colours as visible in Masaba Gupta’s creations
• The national animal – Bengal tiger – as prominent in a lot of accessories and attires made by Sabyasachi

The best part of sourcing motivation from Indian soil is success. The consumer of not only the nation but the rest of the world lap up the style. The fashionable elite finds it chic, sophisticated and extremely opulent. It is designs like the tiger print of Sabyasachi which helped cross borders. Indian fashion has been able to make a mark on international runway because of it. It may have been a slow start, but presently designers and celebrities are hankering for it.

The hope is that in the coming time Indian fashion will continue to influence global trends in a plethora of ways. The flow of a saree, the embroideries of every Indian state, the motifs of each style, the dyeing methods and even the gorgeous jewellery will change the manner in which fashion is viewed. After all, the truth is that it is hard to ignore something that is full of intricate beauty, colourful vibrancy, and exquisite skill.