J in Indian women fashion

Indian fashion is an evolving industry that keeps coming up with new designs every day. Based on comfort, affordability, the fabric used, and the occasion or region where it is worn we have lots of options when it comes to styling.

Let us take a look at trends in J.

Jamawar

A beautiful, luxurious fabric prized for centuries, the Jamawar is known for its intricate designs and most importantly its reversible nature, along with the use of gold and silver yarn which makes it a symbol of elegance.

It is a type of shawl made with silk, wool, and gold, silver threads that trace back its origin during the reign of the Mughals. A symbol of wealth and luxury the Jamawar is woven in Iran, India, and Pakistan. Weaved as a special garment for royalty it is also an expensive trade commodity, which makes it a prized possession and a symbol for the elite population.

The pattern is drawn on paper and then transferred to warp threads, it is then tied, and dyed as per the drawn design post in which the weft thread is inserted. The design on one side is a mirror image of the other making the fabric reversible which is possible with the kani technique of weaving. The weaving is done on the back following the design which appears on the front.

The designs are predominantly inspired by nature like paisleys, and flowers. The Jamawar is known as an adulterated form of the pashmina weave. But then the production has also declined because of the cheaper availability of fabrics that are machine-made.

Jamdani

Particularly originating and to have been practiced in Bangladesh and Bengal, the Jamdani is a handloom weaving technique that is done with intricate designs on cotton fabric. Derived from the Persian word ‘Jam’ which means Flower and ‘Dani’ which means vase, the weaving includes making designs of flowers onto the fabric.

A thicker cotton thread katan is woven between warp threads and to which the weft is inserted later. The Katan is removed once weaving is done, which results in intricate patterns being done on the fabric which look vibrant. The quality can be decided based on the design and skill of the weaver. The more skilled the weaver is, the more intricate the design on the fabric. The fabrics are lightweight and most suited for hot and humid climates.

Due to cheaper machine-made fabrics, Jamdani production is declining which Government is taking steps to preserve this weaving technique and train skilled weavers, and bring this art to the next generation to be taken forward. Several non-profit organizations along with the Government train skilled laborers, support them and create employment opportunities for their livelihood.