Wednesday 10 September 2014

A look at Global Influence on Sari

Though it is an Indian garment, we cannot deny the fact that with the inset of time it has been influenced by various Global factors. A lot of factors have played an important role in revamping the 9 yards and giving it the modern avatar. A lot of designers both Indian and International have understood the fact that it is a versatile garment, which if draped properly can make women look well dressed, sensuous and elegant all in one. Also, being a flowing garment it can be draped in various ways to make the women look stylish and fashionable.

 
 
Designers Contribution

Wendell Rodricks in the 2012 Lakme Fashion Week launched his collection of saree that were draped like a western gown. It was a huge craze amongst the younger lot of women who preferred this no hassle ready to wear version of the famous traditional attire. It was like instant attire that could be zipped up and one was ready in seconds.

Gaurav Gupta in the same fashion week had launched Victorian design inspired sarees. His collection was over shadowed by the Victorian Era and its glamorous looks. A lot of pastels were used to replicate that look and add the British touch to it. He also showcased his French influence with Tushar sarees with delicate French lace that just changed the whole look and made it look different from the rest.



Another designer Dou Kavita Malik and Meenu also offered a twist amongst the usual 9 yards. They came up with a brilliant collection of gowns made from this long cloth that were adorned with beautiful crystals, lace, nets, lycra and so on. These are embellishments that are generally associated with the Western wear and not seen much in Indian Wear. However, they mixed and matched both worlds and came up with brilliant results. They used French inspired Tulle, Chantilly laces to make it stand apart from the others. Gown inspired saris, or saree being teamed up with dhoti pants, or made with Western fabrics and so on. Many Indian Actresses like Katrina Kaif, Aishwarya Rai and Sonam Kapoor is known to have scorched the ramp with their western inspired saris. In fact Aishwarya Rai wore a gown inspired version at the Cannes. Shilpa Shetty also wore a version of it inspired by gown on her reception. Not only the Indians, many international stars like Jennifer Lopez and Paris Hilton also seem to be in love with this look and are experimenting with it.

The new crop of women, are majorly influenced by these Global influences on the traditional Indian attire.  They are opting for the attire in a large number. They are getting into this fusion form of dressing and are experimenting with various cuts, designs and fabrics to put their most fashionable foot forward. They are opting for various designer wears that are ready to wear and easy to wear. They like the non hassle aspect associated with their sari and prefer to keep it the no hassle way itself.