Indian fashion – Modern Influences
India offers unrivalled views, attractions and fashion incomparable to anywhere in the world. Mark Twain once said “India is the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history, the grandmother of legend, and the great grandmother of tradition. Our most valuable and most instructive materials in the history of man are treasured up in India only.” Indian fashion has had many influential components including:
• Cinema
It’s a well-known fact that the public consciously imitate the styles worn by their favourite celebrities or iconic fashion seen in popular films. Artemis Yagou said “The process of imitation and adaptation are central to our understanding of creativity”. Fashion is huge in the movie world and for most films an integral element that can attract a wider audience. In Indian cinema, the actors and actresses are remembered more for the clothes they wore in the movie rather than the movies themselves. Indian fashion is one of the main reasons the Bollywood scene has flourished, the clothes Indian celebs wear in the films have been an inspiration to many designers and a prime sartorial trend for tailors to reproduce. Bollywood has in no doubt influenced daily life and culture in India for decades; you will see women attending weddings or formal events, dressed in the finest materials based solely upon Bollywood fashion. Fashion designers and brands use the film industry to launch their latest clothes or jewellery and the actors or actresses are seen to endorse such fashion products. Bollywood films that have influenced Indian fashion can be seen at erosnow.com.
• Vintage Fashion
India’s fashion scene is like no other. Fashion designers take inspiration from a variety of things, from India’s vibrant love for colour to the retro 1950-1990 era that you see Bollywood stars, fashionistas and sports people wear from time to time.
India’s vintage fashion is the foundation and inspiration for the innovative tweaks we see designers make now every year. The retro fashion seen ubiquitously in the 1970’s is now prevalent in several celeb outfits – from umbrella sleeves to elegant flares – it had elements of both hippy and Bohemian style. The usual 70’s outfit would encompass a very simple sari, coupled with flared trousers, platform heels and chunky jewellery and was mostly seen worn by celebrities and Bollywood actresses. One modern trend that has derived from the 1970’s, is that of the maxi dress. Cleverly coupled with vibrant colours and ostentatious accessories, it is a prime example of how retro trends can be reinvigorated through shrewd changes. Vintage Indian dressing is colourful, chic and diverse and has been the inspiration for several distinctive styles of fashion of the years. Satin scarves, leggings, headbands and bags are all reminiscent of the iconic retro era. The fabrics used were mostly chiffon, satin and organza; these materials are all used still today to create new fashion trends.
Tip: When attempting to dress ‘retro’ don’t over complicate things. One thing retro is in itself a tad overwhelming; therefore keep other items of clothing simple yet chic.
• Western Influence
Britain entered India as traders, and came to rule the country for just under 200 years influencing the country much more than introducing them to cricket. Indian fashion in the early twentieth century was thought to be a clear reflection of the British Raj, mirroring the sentiments of a modern society, trying to gain independence from Britain. Indian fashion was influenced by westernisation and it has paved the way for a difference in style. Tattoos, body piercing, nail art are now a common sight in Indian fashion and Bollywood. This is predominantly due to the greater spending power of the Indian middle class and an influence from western culture.
