spring fashion – 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.

March 2, 2023March 2, 2023

Outfit ideas for holi 2023

It’s almost time for us to hear ‘ holi hai’ from all around us. Along with sweets, colours the attire for men and women also plays an important role on the holi shopping list.

While you get ready to dance to the tunes of ‘Rang Barse Bheege Chunar wali Rang Barse“, make sure you don’t stay behind in your fashion game. If you still haven’t decided here are some holi outfit ideas that will help you ace the fashion game during holi. Let’s get ready to be drenched in the colours of spring and scream ‘holi hai ‘ .

Sustainable holi outfit ideas

Lohri outfit reuse

If your still not looking to invest in holi outfit, one good way would be to reuse your lohri outfit. If you’ve already spent considerable amount on lohri outfit why not reuse. This would be a great way to save some on your pocket.

The one that Kareena wore in ‘ Jab we met’ is still an inspired for many.

Denim and shirt

Forget the patiala pants, holi is a great time to restyle your denim pants. Pair it up with white shirt and scarf, voila you have a new outfit. Don’t forget to accessorize accordingly.

Image source : Olga de la Cruz Pinterest board.

New outfit ideas

Chikankari suit

The chikankari suit can never go out of trend, especially the one in white for holi paired with a bandhni Or a leheriya dupatta can never go wrong.

This outfit is elegant and classy at the same time.

Floral suit

If your still sceptical to use the white chikankari go for a floral suit. They’re simple but also serve the purpose.

They come in variety of price range and materials which you could choose accordingly.

Fusion wear

Now here comes my favorite picks. I love pairing my crop top with a lot of options like Palazzo, skorts. Here’s one

The open jacket over the crop top, Palazzo pairing elevates the look.

The beige jumpsuit is yet another favorite that I’m crushing on ever since I was on the lookout.

How can you leave skirts and top if your talking fusion wear and especially Indian prints.

Now that we have a list of Holi outfit ideas, let’s talk accessories.

Coolers, sunglasses, goggles

Your eyes need special care during holi, so that you keep them protected away from dry colours, water and dust. Choose one that’s stylish and serves the purpose.

Bandanas

Haircare is yet another important area to concentrate during holi. Make sure you cover it with cloth or bandanas.

Kolhapuris

Flip flops or open sandals are most comfortable especially with water play. You can also accessorize with kolhapuris. You could also make them grand with tassels.

Tips for safe holi

Moisturize well, apply sunscreen.
Oil hair with coconut+ castor oil, and tie it up.
Cover with cloth or bandana.
Post play, apply oil on skin before shower to remove colour. Use cleansing balm for face.
For hair use comb to remove dry colours.
Wash off with regular shampoo and conditioner.
Colour might still be there but will go off in subsequent washes.
Don’t forget to use a hair mask. The next day.
Don’t use heavy makeup for few days.

I’ve repurposed the list from 2022 because these styles still don’t go out of the spotlight. So get ready for the festival of colours in style with this list of Holi outfit ideas and share with your girl gang to rock the party.