74 years after India got its independence, let’s take a closer look at how the pre-independence period boasted of a diverse array of Indian fashion and trends infused with European influences and how the fashion trends changed over the years. Then there came the push from major events that paved the way for our independence and had a serious impact on the fashion timeline. And now Indian fashion is at par with the rest of the globe, with Indian fashionistas taking the world by storm.
Image source: www,thequint.com
Fashion for the Royals
Before India became free, it already had the potential to boast of fashion epitomes, one of which was created by Maharani Gayatri Devi. The royal palette consisted of dark glasses and French chiffon sarees in pastel hues such as Ivory, Light Pink and Dutch Blue, and jewellery pieces such as pearls and satin blouses. The men of the royal family were adorned with heavily embroidered coats and tunics, layered necklaces of pearls and gems, and turbans encrusted with jewels. Later, the men adapted to the European style of suits, pants, and ties.
Image source: www.thehindu.com
Fashion for the Commons
The common men and women were far from any kind of Western-influenced clothing as they neither had the money nor the status to do so. The men could be found wearing a piece of cloth knotted at the waist known as a dhoti or lungi, a vest-like top and a piece of cloth wrapped around the head. On the other hand, the women wore sarees and blouses or lehenga cholis, i.e. skirt and blouse pairs depending upon which Indian area are we talking about. Also, metal jewellery such as bracelets or earrings was found to be worn by both men and women.
Image source: www.outlookindia.com
The Khadi Spin on the Fashion Tale
When the fight for independence was at its peak, movements of freedom fighters changed the fashion to some extent – one of which was the khadi-swaraj movement led by Mahatma Gandhi. The movement called for the abolishment of European clothes of both style and fabric and urged Indians to wear clothes made in India, using a self-woven fabric known as Khadi. Gandhiji not only impacted the common people of India to wear khadi kurtas but also eminent leaders like Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru took to wearing homespun khadi in the trio-form of dhoti, kurta and the famous vest-like Nehru jacket.
Fashion of Today
Today, 74 years after independence, fashion has no specific origin as Indians wear clothes and styles from around the world and keep their own traditional trend flag flying high. Traditional Indian clothing is appreciated all around the world that speaks of a rich past and culture. Indian women can be seen flaunting a crop top & shorts with as much élan as she sports a saree or kurta! Men have options ranging from trousers and shirts to sherwanis and churidars, and Indian men also rock all of these ensembles with swag.
You can celebrate this special day by indulging in the best 3 days of shopping – flat 50% off (T&C apply) during the Independence Day Sale between August 13th to 15th. Shop at your nearest Lifestyle Store or online at lifestylestores.com! SBI credit cardholders get an additional 5% off. (T&C Apply)
So let’s wish a happy 75th Independence Day to all of us proud Indians and our equally amazing sense of fashion.
