Being a land of diverse cultures and traditions, it all reflects Indian women’s fashion. The color white holds a special place among designs, patterns, and colors. White reflects purity and elegance. Though in some traditions white reflects sadness and sorrow, some do associate the color with happy occasions.
A universally liked color, this color exists in the wardrobes of both men and women. Being versatile, it can be styled with both light and dark shades. Be it weddings or cocktail parties white is a great choice for choosing your attire. There was a season when white replaced pinks and reds.
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Alia bhatt’s lehenga was the talk of the town, the white lehenga that was layered with sheer and had silver thread work caught everyone’s attention that brides to become in favor of the humble color for their choice of wedding attire.
Image source Vogue
Sara Ali Khan flaunted a lehenga choli that had floral embroidery in pink and was embellished with mirror work over white fabric that gave a grandeur look.
On that note when we talk about the trends in W, I thought I’d also give a couple of wedding trends for lehengas because we are talking about ‘W’.
Light gold lehenga: A great choice of color for lehenga that can be apt for weddings to after parties. This color will give you the versatility to pair up with any color of your choice later when you choose to reuse this outfit for any other occasion. Not only that just change the accessories and tada you are ready to rock the party and even traditional rituals.
Multicolored embroidery: These levels up the lehenga game and it gives you a different dimension. It makes your outfit extra luxurious when you play with a myriad of colors on your outfit.
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Emerald green: the color of hope and love, it is a rich color that goes well with gold jewellery.
Ombre choice: For brides who get confused if they should go for pastel shades or dark, the ombre is a great solution.
Color blocking: Gone are the days when wedding attire is monotone, the concept of color blocking is great when you want to play with shades of light and dark.
Timeless elegance and modern sensibilities are the fusion element in Indian women’s fashion. Indian women’s fashion has evolved over the history of 1000 years and is still adapting to the changes keeping its uniqueness.
Venkatagiri weave
Image source The Chennai silks
With a history that spans a thousand years, the Venkatagiri weave originated in the town of Venkatagiri in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Known for elegance and intricacy it has a special place in the history of textiles. It continues to thrive as a symbol of cultural heritage and is also loved by connoisseurs of handloom.
The fine cotton threads are woven with unique precision which is the beauty of the weave. A blueprint is initially made with a design chart which is transferred to the loom and which is woven into the fabric with cotton threads. The jamdani technique of weaving being adapted to make little motifs is the highlight here. These small motifs are done by hand mechanically and require a lot of precision with gold or silver threads which add more beauty to this weave.
The history can be traced back to the 18th century to the reign of the Venkatagiri Nayakas who were the local rulers at the time. The weavers were encouraged to weave intricate pieces for the royal court and it was a symbol of wealth and status as it became popular with the aristocratic group. It is recognized with the Geographical indication tag by the Government for its authenticity.
Vaira oosi
Image source The Palam silks
With intricate needlework and vibrant colors the vaira oosi holds a special place in the hearts people of Tamilnadu and is cherished by saree lovers. The precise intricate needlework that resembles the diamond needle brought the artwork the name, vaira oosi which literally means diamond needle. It is mainly done on cotton and silks and the shine it brings out when light falls on the fabric is mind blowing.
The Indian women’s fashion trend depends on weaves and garments and how women carried themselves. Women in films whom I would say were the first role models we look up to even today for fashion inspiration. Though at times like today, we have social media at our fingertips, when we refer to a trend, we most often mention the name of the celebrity who sported it.
Urmila Matondkar
The ‘Rangeela’ girl as we know her made all of us even women who went in awe looking at her on screen. Be it her beauty or hair, the costumes she wore had a lot to speak about. Manish Malhotra, the designer also mentioned that there were copies of her costumes post that movie on every street. The movie that made him win the Designer of the Year award. Her designs in the movie ushered in fashion trends and became a style statement.
The peplum skirt, knotted tops, black saree, and red leggings were an instant hit among the womenfolk of the country. Her smart casuals looked very glamorous and became a trendsetter. Her gharchola and the bandhani in the song made the weave much more famous and preferred for the ghaghra. Her tangerine skater skirts, the pleated skirts were such a hit. Though it is nearly 28 years since the movie was released, the trends she set are still timeless and are great fashion inspiration for a confident woman.
Uppada
Image source Karagiri
Tracing back its origin to the 18th century, when the country was ruled over by the East India Company, the weave is from the Uppada town in Andhra Pradesh. A traditional handloom technique is known for its intricate designs and fine texture; the weave is a testimony to skilled craftsmen.
The Weaver population from Uppada migrated to Peddapuram where they happened to learn the weave of Jamdani from the Bengali weavers. They incorporated their techniques into jamdani which brought out a new weave called the Uppada. It is lightweight and the sheer texture gives a grandeur look and is most sought after for making traditional garments.
The weavers take great pride in their artistry which is time-consuming, complicated, and labor-intensive. A diverse range of patterns with motifs that include nature and geometric designs in vibrant colors make the weave unique. Gold and silver zari threads are used for extra richness to the woven fabric. The intricate designs and elaborate borders on the pallu are the highlight of the uppada weave. The metallic thread in the body adds grandeur to the fabric.
Another unique feature is the texture of this weave which is lustrous and has a sheen which is because the warp is made of pure mulberry silk and the weft is a combination of silk and cotton that is responsible for the shine. The uppada weave has received the GI tag from the Government for its uniqueness and authenticity which is another reason for its boost in the global retail market. It is a weave that is cherished by the connoisseurs of handloom textiles and is even passed through generations as an heirloom.
From vibrant, colorful lehengas to elegant sarees, and trendy kurtas, Indian women’s fashion caters to every occasion and taste. Indian women’s fashion is a cultural phenomenon celebrated across the world and not just only a source of our national pride.
Tanchoi
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Tracing back its origin to Varanasi in the 19th century the tanchoi weave was introduced by the Persians who migrated during the period of emperor Akbar. Luxurious silk fabric is known for its distinct weave and ornate designs that are rich. It is a favored choice among the royals for its look and feels. The floating warp technique is used to weave on satin. There is an intricate embroidery of patterns and motifs with colorful silk threads. A labor-intensive and time-consuming art, the tanchoi weave is a meticulous process that requires a lot of patience and skill.
The motifs in the intricate designs are inspired by nature, mythology, and folklore. The symmetry, boldness, and precision are evident in the intricate patterns that are woven. The hues and shades are usually contrasting with zari and meenakari embellishments. Dyed with a wide range of colors like jewel tones, earthy tones, and pastel shades the tanchoi is mesmerizing. This unparalleled beauty is a masterpiece of Indian textile art.
Tangaliya
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Tracing its origin back to the Dang region in the western state of Gujarat, the tangaliya is known for its vibrant colors and unique motifs. The tangaliya was practiced by the Bhil tribe from the region who were known for their weaving skills. Known for its bright colors like oranges, red, green, blue, and yellow from natural dyes the resulting fabric is stunning and depicts the cultural ethos of Gujarat.
Telia rumal
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Tracing the origin back to the 16th century during the reign of Qutub shahi dynasty in Telangana, the telia rumal or putta rumal is a tie and dye technique known for its vibrant colors. The fabric is woven in a pit loom using the resist dyeing technique known for bright colors that are derived from natural sources like pomegranate peels, turmeric, indigo, and madder.
The telia rumal apart from being a cultural recognition has also found its place in contemporary fashion that it is used in making shawls, stoles, and scarves.
A vibrant and diverse tapestry of culture, heritage, and style is what Indian Women’s fashion is about. The defining aspect of Indian women’s fashion is the diversity of traditional clothing that varies across geography.
Salwar Kameez
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The history dates to the Mughal era in the 16th to 19th century and consists of tunic and loose-fitting pants. Often has embroideries and embellishments to make it look more elegant. Paired with a dupatta it adds a touch of elegance and can be draped across the shoulder or over the head. The comfort it offers is the key reason that most people prefer to wear the salwar kameez. It is apt for hot and humid climate because of the loose fit of the pant that allows ample movement.
It suits all body types and is versatile to be worn for any occasion. It holds significant cultural and regional significance. The same salwar kameez has different distinctions across geography. For example, in Punjab, it is of vibrant colors and in Lucknow, it has chikankari work.
Sambalpuri ikkat
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A traditional textile art that originates from Odisha is the Sambalpuri ikkat. Intricate patterns and vibrant colors make it a unique tie-and-dye textile art that has rich cultural significance. It involves a complicated process of resist dyeing that is done before weaving onto the fabric. The process is labour-intensive and requires skill and precision. The intricate patterns have motifs inspired by nature, geometric designs, and symbols depicting tradition. The colors used are vibrant and are derived from natural dyes.
It has a great impact on the economy of the weaving community of Odisha, apart from being of cultural significance. The skill is passed across generations and is a form of livelihood for the people of Odisha, contributing to the socio-economic development of the state.
Siddhipet Golabhamma
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Originating from the town of Siddhipet in the Telangana district, it is a mesmerizing art form that is being passed down through generations carrying the essence of the culture of Telangana. Gola bhamma translates to round mother which signifies the round circular motifs that are characteristic of the art form. An eco-friendly and sustainable form of art, it is made using dye from plants, seeds, and minerals.
The circular motifs drawn are by freehand without any template or stencils. The patterns are eye-catching and vibrant depicting subjects from nature, folklore, and mythology.
An ever-evolving industry, the Indian women’s fashion segment is constantly influenced by varying trends that come and go. Not only attire but the material that is used also plays an important role in fashion trends. For example, there is a difference between a cotton saree and a chiffon saree. Each is different on its own, be it comfort, durability, and efforts taken to maintain.
Gathered or pleated strips of fabric that aid volume and give an appearance of a frill is called ruffle and that is now becoming a fashion trend. Right from sarees to gowns to even crop tops, the trend has hopped across categories of garments that aid more grace and elegance.
From sleeves, yokes, hemlines, and even dupattas can have ruffles of various sizes ranging from large to small based on the look or the occasion for which the garment is to be worn. The ruffle adds a touch of femininity to the wearer. Elegant in appearance it tends to highlight the curves. It also adds depth and creates movement when worn.
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This movement and depth make an eye-catching appearance of the outfit. It gives a vintage and bohemian outlook to the outfit. Its ability to be able to incorporate into various fabrics or patterns makes it versatile. While Chiffon, georgette, and organza that is lightweight give a dreamy effect when a ruffle is added, silk, satin, and velvet get a lot of volume when a ruffle is added since they are more structured.
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Designers have incorporated the ruffle trend in most Indian attire and it especially gained a lot of traction when Deepika Padukone wore it for Cannes. Her off-white ruffle saree with pearl collar designed by Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla for the closing ceremony brought this trend alive and much sought-after. Not to forget yet another time when Deepika flaunted a dual-tone ruffle saree to a popular TV show with colors right out of a candy shop was an instant hit that a lot of manufacturers adopted the design to offer it to the masses who wanted to follow their star. If you would want to check out the saree you can buy an affordable one just by clicking here.
Indian women’s fashion influences are not only by seeing movie stars but going back in history to the period of the Maharanis(Queens) and the princesses. The invasion of the Indian subcontinent by people from far-off places has influenced women’s fashion trends that have become timeless. Though we could say the fashion world is still evolving, yesteryear trends continue to rule the world of fashion.
The influences involved rich and intricate designs on the luxurious Indian fabrics and jewellery trends that remain classic. Indian Royalty has played a major role in setting the benchmarks for fashion trends. Rajkumaris and Maharani’s have shown how to be stylish and elegant.
Maharani Gayatri Devi
Image source Times of India
The third Maharani consort of Jaipur, Maharani Gayatri Devi, married to Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II, was known for her love for pearl necklaces, bob cuts, and chiffon sarees. Named by Prestigious Vogue magazine in the list of 10 most beautiful women in the world. Her love for chiffon sarees in pastel hues still stands timeless as it is preferred by women even today. She proved that chiffon sarees with pearl strings make stronger fashion influences than benarasi sarees. Her long-sleeved blouses are still a hit when paired with sarees.
Maharani Tara Devi
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The pantsuit, with tie and hat, set a new style statement and proved us wrong that Tailored suits came into fashion in the 21st century. A skilled hunter, she was a pioneer in fashion trends introduced by the Maharanis.
Maharani Indra Raje
Image source Wikipedia
Known for her collection of fine silks and neckpieces, it is believed that she was the first to catch the sight of chiffon and was asked to extend the length up to 42 inches to drape as a saree. Her fine taste in fashion was evident from her collection of sarees and neckpieces. Mother of Maharani Gayatri Devi, we now know how the latter got her fashion sense inspired by her mother.
Princess Rafat Zamani Begum of Rampur
Image source Wikipedia
We all thought that the mathapatti trended after we saw Alia flaunting them on her day of marriage, but the Princess brought the trend 60 years back. Known for her heavily embellished lehenga which included beads, diamonds, and even found on her dupatta. The lehenga also had floral motifs which were studded with diamonds. She even wore a diamond tiara.
Maharani Yashoda Devi of Patiala
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The Maharani adored a ruby choker which is a classic in the field of Jewelry design that was done by Cartier in 1931 and gifted to her by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala. The magnificent piece had six layers of ruby studded with diamonds and pearls on the sides.
With a history spanning thousands of years, Indian women’s fashion has evolved over the years incorporating a fusion of traditional and modern styles. Women now have a wide range of options to choose from and incorporate the culture.
Patiala salwar
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Also known as Punjabi salwar, this is the most common attire worn by women in North India, especially Punjab. Designed initially for the Maharaja’s courtiers, it was initially worn by men and later adapted for women. Pleated loose at the waist and tapering towards the ankle the Patiala salwar is a comfortable pant that is unique and fashionable.
It can be made in cotton or silk depending on the occasion for which it is worn. The pleats in the pant are hand stitched to give a voluminous look and are usually worn with a long tunic. The outfit also gleams a high level of modesty in the conservative society. The loose fit of the pant makes them easier to move, so many women prefer to wear this as everyday garments.
Pochampally ikkat
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Originating from the Pochampally town of Telangana, this textile art form is highly valued for vibrant colors and designs and is also passed down across generations. The weaving technique is unique and involves using dyed thread to be woven onto a pattern in a loom, involves great skill and could be spoiled even with the slightest mistake.
With origin traced back to the 17th century, the weave is known for intricate patterns and vibrant colors. Predominantly worn as sarees, the fabric is now used for garments like salwar and dresses.
Patola
Image source Karagiri
The finest form of textile art and known for its vibrant colors and durability, the patola originates from the state of Gujarat. The weaving technique is known as double ikat where the yarn is first tied and dyed in a pattern and then woven into the fabric. Dating back to the 12th century, the patola was initially used to be worn by the royals.
Collectors and enthusiasts had this as the most sought-after because of its rarity. The vibrant colors in the pattern are visible on both sides. The silk threads used to weave give a luxurious and elegant look. A popular weave among the wealthy and elite because of its beauty and craftsmanship.
The weave is durable, and long-lasting making it popular among the masses.
Paithani
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Originating from the state of Maharashtra, this time-consuming and complex weave is known for intricate designs Worn initially only by the nobility, the paithani’s origin can be traced back to 200 BC.
A technique called bandi is used for weaving wherein the fabric is woven in sections according to the pattern which requires patience and skill. Peacocks, flowers, and vines are traditionally inspired motifs that are woven into intricate patterns. Resistant to wear and tear and fading of colors, the paithani is yet another popular weave.
An essential part of Indian culture and worn on various occasions, the ornaments are important and play a significant role in Indian Women’s fashion trends. In ancient times, the ornaments decided the status, wealth, and power of the people who adorned them. In changing times, designs and styles have evolved a lot and become an integral part of Indian culture.
Embellishments, vibrant colors, and intricate designs have made Indian women’s fashion trends famous. The beauty and charm of an Indian outfit are enhanced when Jewelry or ornament is added as an element, Gold, diamond, platinum, silver, and stones are the variety of materials that have been used to craft Indian ornaments. What makes the jewelry or ornament very special is the story behind it, which makes it unique.
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A necklace worn by married women, the mangalsutra is the most popular ornament. The ornament is made of gold and has black beads, which symbolize the bond between the married couple. Being considered a sacred symbol of marriage, the mangalsutra is also a vital part of Indian culture.
The nose ring comes in a variety of designs, and sizes embellished with stone, the nose ring is also a popular ornament. Known to be considered a symbol of married status, the nose ring is nowadays being worn by adolescent girls. It is also considered that wearing a nose ring enhances a women’s facial features.
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Worn in the wrists and made of gold, silver, or glass the bangle is a popular Indian ornament. They enhance an outfit instantaneously if paired properly. The bangle is usually worn in sets and adds beauty to the outfit. It is also considered that the sound from bangle is auspicious and especially worn by pregnant ladies as part of ceremonies to let the child identify the mother with the sound from bangles.
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Varied in sizes, and designs and often studded with stones or made of intricate designs the earring is one of the most sought-after ornaments. They enhance the beauty of the women flaunting them. It is considered an essential part of a woman’s wedding. Women have often resorted to multiple piercings to enhance their beauty.
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Anklet is an ornament worn around the leg and is considered to elevate the look of an ethnic outfit. It is mostly made of silver but it can also be worn in gold. Embellishments can be added like stones, danglers, or even enamel pieces.
Statement jewelry is now the talk of the town and is becoming increasingly popular, wearing ornament pieces that are unique and make a bold outlook can enhance the outfit of the wearer. These jewelry pieces add a contemporary touch when ethnic wear is worn.
Whether it is a mangalsutra or bangles, nose ring, or even earrings and anklets, ornaments are ssure to enhance the outfit and will continue to be an evolving fashion trend for women.
Most of us have a tailored skincare and haircare routine to keep our skin and hair in good shape. Similarly, scalp care is essential to a healthy hair care routine, yet many people neglect it or are unaware of the right way to do it. With the proper scalp care, you can prevent hair problems such as scalp eczema, dandruff, dry and itchy scalp, thus promoting hair growth and improving the vitality of your hair. From using the right shampoo to massaging techniques to dry scalp treatment, there are many things you can do to give your scalp the TLC it deserves. In this article, we will guide you through the basics of scalp care to ensure you are doing it right.
What Is The Importance Of Scalp Care?
Healthy hair adds charm to your overall personality, but where is this hair seated? It’s on the hair follicles present on the scalp. The scalp is the augmentation of your facial skin; hence, scalp care is an extended skincare regime. A healthy and problem-free scalp is the prerequisite for healthy hair growth. How can you expect healthy hair to grow on an unhealthy scalp? Your scalp is like soil; if the soil is fertile, healthy plants, in this case, healthy and buoyant hair, will grow on it. The base is where nutrition begins for healthy hair. A healthy, hydrated, and A well-nourished scalp will make your hair more lustrous and strong. Hence scalp care is vital in promoting the growth of healthy and vibrant hair. Hydration, nourishment, and scalp stimulation are required to keep the scalp healthy. A lot of dirt, debris, dead skin cells and buildup accumulate on the scalp, which needs to be eliminated from the scalp to have a clean scalp. A clean scalp will only promote the growth of healthy hair. So with proper scalp care, keep your scalp problem-free, clean, and hydrated.
Hydration, nourishment, and scalp stimulation are required to keep the scalp healthy. A lot of dirt, debris, dead skin cells and buildup accumulate on the scalp, which needs to be eliminated from the scalp to have a clean scalp. A clean scalp will only promote the growth of healthy hair. So with proper scalp care, keep your scalp problem-free, clean, and hydrated.
What Does A Healthy Scalp Look Like?
Your scalp is covered with hair, sometimes making it difficult to assess your scalp condition. A healthy scalp is free from dryness, itchiness, flakes, patches, and any signs of infection. It is clean, hydrated, and well-nourished. There should be no signs of buildup on your scalp. You can achieve a well-hydrated, well-nourished, and problem-free scalp with proper scalp care.
Are You Doing The Scalp Care Right?
Just like skincare and haircare, scalp care also depends on the type of scalp skin. You choose skincare products according to your skin type, similarly, choose your scalp care products according to your scalp type. Your scalp care should work in synergy with your scalp type. For oily scalp, shampooing your hair twice or thrice is advisable. Similarly, if you have a dry, flaky scalp, then scalp cleansing is required 2-3 times a week to eliminate flakes and dead skin cells from the scalp surface. Below mentioned are five ways to get a healthy scalp.
1. Keep Your Scalp Clean
The first step in scalp care is to keep it clean. Regular shampooing removes dirt, oils, and product buildup, allowing the scalp to breathe. The accumulated gunk can clog the pores of the hair follicles, thus disrupting normal hair growth. Choose scalp shampoo that is gentle on your scalp, free from sulfates and parabens, and suitable for your hair type. Use a clarifying scalp shampoo every fortnight to clear the scalp of all the debris.
2. Invest In A Good Scalp Scrub
Regular exfoliation is another primary step in any scalp care routine. It helps to improve blood circulation, ensuring an ample supply of vital nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles, thus improving the vitality of the hair. Scalp exfoliation helps stimulate the hair follicles, thus promoting healthy hair growth.
If you are struggling with a dry and flaky scalp, exfoliate your scalp twice a week with ThriveCo’s Exfoliating Scalp Scrub, as it contains gentle exfoliating hydroxy acids, essential oils such as orange peel oil, and patchouli oil, which provides relief from the inflamed and itchy scalp. This scalp scrub does its job efficiently by eliminating product buildup, debris, and dead skin cells from the scalp, thus reviving and rejuvenating your scalp for improved hair growth. Regular scalp exfoliation facilitates better absorption of nutrients from haircare products, thus improving their efficacy.
3. Hydrate your scalp
Your scalp contains sebaceous glands that secrete oil, which lubricates the scalp and hair. The natural oil in the scalp prevents scalp dryness, maintaining the hydration level of your scalp. Dry scalp conditions such as scalp eczema, scalp psoriasis and dandruff worsened when the scalp gets dehydrated. You can consult a derm to know more about the dry scalp treatments available for your scalp type to eliminate scalp dryness. Using a scalp hydrating and nourishing serum 3-4 times a week helps to improve scalp health. To keep your scalp in optimal condition, restrain from using hot water to wash your hair. It can strip the natural oils from your scalp and make it dry and flaky.
4. Boost Blood Circulation
Massaging your scalp is the most effective way to stimulate hair follicles. You can use ThriveCo Scalp Vitalizing Serum to boost scalp health for added scalp care benefits.
It improves blood circulation and provides nourishment for the hair follicles. It is power-packed with active ingredients such as copper peptides, pea protein, and advanced HA to revive and rejuvenate your scalp, promoting the healthy growth of hair.
5. Avoid Heat and Chemicals
Heat styling and chemical treatments can damage the scalp and hair, leading to dryness and breakage. Limit heat styling and choose chemical treatments wisely, opting for gentler options whenever possible.
Embracing healthy scalp care habits such as protecting your scalp from the sun, keeping your body hydrated, maintaining a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and avoiding stress help in the long run to maintain a head full of hair.
By incorporating these five simple steps into your scalp care routine, you can effectively maintain a clean, nourished, and flake-free scalp. Remember to be patient and consistent, as it may take time to see results. With a healthy scalp, you will be well on your way to achieving luscious, beautiful locks
That Madras Mom 