ethnic wear – Page 3 – That Madras Mom

April 3, 2023

C’s in Indian women fashion

Being a unique blend of traditional and modern styles Indian women’s fashion has evolved over the years. Intricate designs, craftsmanship, and vibrant colors make it stand out distinctly. Let us take a look at Indian women’s fashion in ‘C’.

Churidar

Originating in North India, the churidar is bottom wear, which is worn with kameez or a tunic. Characterized by its tight fit near the ankle, it uses extra fabric to be gathered around the ankle. A churidar is a versatile outfit that can be worn for both formal and casual events. It can be stitched with cotton, silk, or chiffon and to add that touch of elegance it can be embellished with sequins or embroidery.

A modest and conservative garment that covers the leg, the churidar is loved by women from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and other south Asian countries. It is a comfortable and easy-to-move-around attire.

Chanderi silk

Handwoven by artisans in the town of Chanderi, Madhya Pradesh, chanderi silk is a fabric that is a combination of cotton threads and silk. Unparalleled quality, exquisite texture, and intricate designs make it a luxurious fabric that is known for its sheer texture and lightweight that makes it stand apart distinctly.

The soft and delicate feel makes it perfect for weaving comfortable garments. The history dates to the 7th Century, wherein the artisans spun the thread to yarn, dye them with vibrant colors, and then weave them into the fabric. Highly coveted for its intricate design and graceful drape, the chanderi silk often uses zari which is a metallic thread that adds to the glamour of the drape.

Elegant and sophisticated evening wear can be made because of the natural sheen, but since it’s also lightweight, it can be suited to make daily or casual wear garments as well. Such is the versatility of the fabric. The fabric can be woven into sarees, salwar, and lehenga.

Chikankari

An embroidery technique that comprises intricate handmade designs being stitched onto lightweight airy fabrics is chikankari which originates from the state of Uttar Pradesh. It is a traditional embroidery style derived from the Persian word ‘chikan’ which means embroidery. It is usually done on lightweight fabrics like silk, muslin, and cotton.

Initially brought to India by the Persians, the technique was later adopted by the Mughals who used it to make garments for the nobility who made it an art form, so we could also say that the chikankari art flourished during the Mughal Era. Now it is a widely practiced embroidery technique that is also loved by the general population.

Floral motifs, paisleys, and geometric designs are some of the intricate patterns of embroidery that are done on the fabric. Mostly done in white or pastel colors the light weight of the fabric is the distinct feature of the chikankari which makes it perfect to be worn in summer. Its, crisp finished texture gives it a sophisticated look.

It takes days to finish making a garment because the process is highly labor-intensive because needs delicate embroidery which is one of the reasons that the fabric or garment is on the expensive side.

This post is part of #blogchatterA2Z 2023.

April 2, 2023April 2, 2023

B’s in Indian women fashion

Talking about India’s rich history of women’s fashion, which dates back centuries, the vibrant prints and weaves that originated from small villages still stand leading their way on top of the most sought-after weaves. Not only popular within the Indian subcontinent, but some of these weaves are also considered souvenirs by tourists from across the globe.
Let us look at some of the Indian women’s fashion trends in B.

Bandhani

Practiced in India for centuries, the bandhani is the most popularly known as tie and dye which is a traditional textile craft. Tying a small portion of the fabric with thread and then dying them in bright colors results in small circles or dots that form a pattern of intricate designs.
Though Bandhani originated in the state of Gujarat, it is also being practiced in the neighbouring state of Rajasthan. The art of this weave has been passed along through generations and is one of the ways of earning an income. Traditional techniques and natural dyes are still being used for bandhani by many families in Rajasthan and Gujarat.

The unique patterns of dots, stripes, and waves which result in an intricate pattern often vary across the different regions in which this art is practiced. The bright and bold colors used reflect the mood of the occasion for which the fabric would be worn and often vary across geographies and availability of various natural dyes.

Requiring patience, precision, and creativity the bandhani is a highly-skilled craft, which is quite labor-intensive since each dot or circle is individually tied before being dipped in the dye obtained from plants and animals.
The beautiful and intricate textile craft of bandhani which reflects the cultural heritage of India is not only popular in India but also has a fanbase across the world. Designs incorporate modern twists to this ancient craft to adapt to contemporary fashion.

Banarasi silk

Produced in the city of Varanasi, in the Uttar Pradesh state of India, the banarasi silk is a luxurious and most sought-after fabric, that incorporates gold and silver threads that form intricate patterns which makes it one of the most expensive and finest fabrics.

Dating back to Mughal era, where Persian artisans were brought to Varanasi to create weaves for the royal court. The craft evolved over time, with the artisans incorporating local designs and motifs into the fabric. The fine quality, rich texture, and intricate designs make it highly prized among consumers.
The finest silk threads are woven in hand-operated looms which are enhanced using gold and silver threads that give the fabric more shine and luster. From floral motifs to geometric shapes, the threads are intricately woven to obtain desired patterns. Brocade, Zari, and meenakari techniques are used to weave into the banarasi fabric. Used to make traditional Indian costumes like sarees, salwar, and lehengas the banarasi silk is also used to make luxurious shawls and scarves. Often banarasi sarees are passed down as family heirlooms. The fabric is recognized as a geographical Indication(GI) by the Indian Government, which helps in protecting the unique identity of the product and prevents duplicates from being sold in the market.

Bagh and bagru prints

Both these are hand block printing techniques used on fabrics. Bagh has a history dating to 400 years and originated in Madhya Pradesh whereas bagru originated in the Bagru region of Rajasthan. Involving natural dyes for colors and hand-carved wooden blocks for creating intricate patterns, both these techniques are labour intensive since they are done by hand manually.

Once printing is complete, the fabrics are washed to remove excess dyes and fixatives. The vibrant colors and intricate design on the bagh and bagru print fabrics are inspired by nature and traditional motifs. Both are eco-friendly and sustainable processes that make them a one-of-a-kind fabric.

This post is a part of #blogchatterA2Z 2023.

April 1, 2023

A’s in Indian women fashion

Dating back centuries, Indian Women’s fashion has a rich history. Be it the intricate designs, vibrant prints, or magnificent weaves, Indian women’s fashion is still evolving and offers a diversified range of styles and trends.
Beginning with A, I decided to pick out two styles and two weaves to discuss Indian Women’s fashion.

Anarkali and Angrakha

Being around for centuries, Anarkalis and Angrakhas are traditional attire with a rich history and are still in the limelight of contemporary fashion. Having been worn for special occasions like weddings and festivals to now being part of fusion wear, these Indian attires are not going anywhere out of trend.

Anarkali, a long flowing dress was named after Anarkali, a famous dancer, and courtesan, who wore this attire when she performed for Emperor Akbar. It is said to have originated in the 16th century during the reign of the Mughals. Flaring out from the waist with a fitted bodice extending to the hips, the Anarkali attire is made of silk. Heavily embellished with sequins and embroidery on the bodice, the sleeves of an Anarkali can either be long or short and are usually made of sheer. It can be worn with a dupatta or as a dress in itself with just a scarf to accessorize or layer.

The Angrakha on the other hand, originated in the 18th century in Gujarat and Rajasthan. It was typically designed for men but was later adapted for women as well. Like Anarkali, the angrakha is a flowing skirt that flares from the waist but has a shorter bodice with a slit in the front. It’s usually made with light flowy fabrics like cotton and silk and often embellished with embroidery and vibrant prints for a grandeur look.

Both garments are worn during special occasions such as weddings, festivals, and religious occasions and do have a rich cultural and historical significance of their origin. They’ve become popular choices in contemporary fashion to be worn for formal occasions. Designers have also come up with modern twists making them into fusion wear, wherein the Anarkali can be worn as a floor-length gown and the angrakha is designed with unconventional prints and asymmetric hemline.

These attires have stood the test of time, and women wear them to be in connection with their heritage. Designers have adapted modern tastes giving twists to the attire in contemporary fashion.
This also is proof that these attire will remain popular for years to come and are timeless treasures.

Ajrakh and Arani silk

Known for their intricate designs and high-quality material, the Arani silk and Ajrakh prints are traditional Indian textiles that have been passed down for generations.

Traditionally made, the ajrakh is a type of hand-block printed fabric from Kutch in Gujarat and Sindh in Pakistan. The fabric has been worn by generations of people in that region which dates to 4000 years. Cotton and silk fabrics are dyed with natural colors like indigo and Mudder and printed with intricate designs. It is then washed and dried a couple of times to achieve the desired pattern and color. The result is a fabric known for intricate geometric patterns and vibrant colors.

Considered a symbol of the wearer’s heritage the ajrakh fabric is often worn for weddings and religious occasions. The fabric has a deep cultural significance in the area it is produced. Sometimes used as a traditional remedy for certain ailments, the ajrakh is also believed to have healing properties.

Arani silk originates from the town of Arani in Tamil Nādu. Known for its high-quality and durability, it is used to make sarees and traditional attires. ‘Rehwa’, a process that involves twisting two threads to form a stronger, durable fabric is used in weaving the arani silk. The result is a fabric known for its lustre and softness.

Highly sought after for their beauty and quality, the arani silk sarees are worn during weddings, and religious occasions and are even passed along through generations as family heirlooms. Being produced in the Arani town for centuries it is a major part of the local economy.

Ajrakh and Arani are important in India’s rich textile heritage. Produced using traditional techniques they have been passed along through generations to keep the art of weaving along. Often worn during important occasions like weddings, both have been deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of the region of their origin. Prized for their beauty and cultural significance be it the lustrous beauty of Arani silk or the intricate patterns of Ajrakh, people around the world continue to be captivated.

This post is a part of #BlogchatterA2Z 2023.

February 17, 2022February 17, 2022

Must have blouse designs in your wardrobe

Be it going to office, staying at home, running an errand, supermarket trips, cocktail parties or attending marriages the desi girl attire saree can never go wrong. Variety in materials, comfort, patterns and level of work give you much options to choose them for each occasion.

But it’s the blouse that makes the entire saree in an elevated look. Wearing a heavy work blouse for a simple saree can definitely make heads turn. Statement pieces are staples in your wardrobe and can literally match any saree. If you have a wardrobe malfunction with your sarees, the blouse can be your game changer.

In addition to to fabric, it’s the stitch and the style that does the talking. So always make your tailor a good friend because though you can pick up showstopper designs from Pinterest, you need a good tailor to implement it to reality.

Here are some must have blouse in your wardrobe.

The Maharani Blouse

Heavy work at the neck, can lift up the entire look of the blouse. Bonus point it saves your budget for jewellery. Having one of this in gold or black can elevate your saree wearing experience. Keep it half sleeved or full sleeved both works magical.

Crop top style

The next time you shop for crop tops, choose the ones which have dull tone or something that would match with any fancy saree like your ruby red and dark blues which are commonly known as jewel tones. Fancy sarees can be paired with these to make a styles statement.

Low back or deep neck blouses

Flaunt your back with these lower back or deep neck blouses. They can be pretty simple or even have very heavy work being done. They can be paired for party wear or even wedding wear heavy kanjeevaram sarees. A saree tassle added makes it more interesting.

Fancy back detailing blouses

Blouse designs mostly are concentrated either on neckline, sleeve or the back. Back neck designing take a lot of creative thinking, you can either opt for cut outs, sheer with embroidery or go for a heavy stone work. They add more depth to your saree dressing game.

Boat neck blouse

This has been on trend for long and will continue to be a head Turner. The sleeve can be half or full sleeved. A wardrobe staple so you better have one of these in yours.

Short sleeve or cap sleeve

A simple blouse that has short sleeves is always your fairy Godmother for your sudden saree days. Can be worn for work or even party wear. Make sure you have these in standard shades.

Halter neck blouses

Apt for party wear and for those flowy chiffons. All you need is halter neck pattern blouses in bold bright colours to make heads turn. Pastel shades work too.

Maggam work Blouses

Heavy maggam work blouses are must have. If they’re part of your wedding trousseau your sorted for life. The rich finish and look they add to kanjeevaram sarees cannot be described in words. Red, green and gold blouses with maggam work pair well with most sarees.

So ladies, I’ve given you some wardrobe gyaan for the blouses if you still don’t have some of these make them part of your must buys next time you shop. But an important point to note here is that no matter what blouse you choose, make sure you have a supportive innerwear. Based on your choice they can either elevate the blouse or even lead to wardrobe malfunction. I will cover that in a separate post about how to choose the right innerwear.

This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.’