Contemporary is the New Traditional

Fashion now goes back to its grassroots. Traditional wardrobe of the Indian culture gets a modern makeover and are under the fashion spotlight too in the upcoming festive season.

Several cultures around the world have traditional costumes that go back thousands of years. Contemporary fashion designers are often inspired by and proud of this legacy; however, they also want to reinvent and modernize the traditional attire. From hijabs to saris and more, many incredible designers honour Indian traditions while still doing things their way.

Indian costumes are well-known for their elegance and bright colours. Clothes for men are explicitly designed for suiting the weather and comfort, while that for women are made, bringing out the quintessence of feminism.

Though nowadays, there are countless outfits in each state based on its cultural heritage, there are a few standard outfits such as sari, dhoti, salwar kameez, lehnga-choli etc., which is used with some variation across the country. These apparel have undergone a drastic and creative transformation and are under the fashion spotlight. 

India the Festive Capital of the World

 There is a saying that “we should celebrate life, not just festivals”. Well, in a country as a culture rich as India, life is synonymous with festivals because there are more fiestas than one can count, and each of these mirrors our heritage and traditions. These festivals bring with them a wave of excitement and joy. Interestingly, almost every occasion in India calls for a celebration. 

Especially during the fall, as Navratri’s begin, the season’s festival has also emerged in full swing. Post Navratri, there is Dussehra, Eid, Karva-Chauth, Diwali, Bhai-Dooj. Experiencing the country’s festive spirit is akin to celebrating life, sprinkled with an ample dose of colourful attires, music, dance, folk songs, food, and friends, all gathered into a wholesome package offering absolute fulfilment.

Each festival in India has an essence and flavour of its own that you need to experience first-hand. 

Ethnic Indian Costumes Meet Contemporary Fashion Trends

In recent times, especially during the festivities, fashion designers from across the country have been very experimental with the way they have portrayed the traditional ensembles. They have used traditional fabrics and designs and turned them into contemporary outfits catering to today’s modern generation. Each garment has evolved with time and trying to fit in the modern-day demand. 

Sari

 Sari is synonymous with elegance; this has been the most favourite of Indian women for ages and especially for festivals. This traditional costume, combined with contemporary trends, creates a graceful and dreamy effect.

Ethnic motifs are transformed into modern patterns through elite fashion designers’ skill and expertise, giving a modern look to the traditional costume. 

Nowadays, Sari comes in different styles, like dhoti sari, readymade pleated sari, instead of regular blouse it can be styled with a crop top, shirts etc. It has and is doing its fair share of rounds in the runways of several fashion shows. 

This one costume will never go out of fashion, keeping the stores flooded with various designs all year round.

Salwar Kameez

Salwar -Kameez has the reputation of a national costume since it is available in a plethora of options. Innovation of the fashion designers has given this national attire a global platform, and celebrities are seen wearing this outfit on special occasions. 

Salwar-Kameez has evolved a lot over the years; designers put lots of effort into making various patterns. Salwar suits with embroidery, matching dupatta, patchwork, beadwork, and pretty laces give an appealing look to the wearer.

With a proper mixture of tradition, ethnicity, and fashion, this apparel is preferred by many women all across the globe. Furthermore, salwar is replaced with sharara, palazzo, trousers, half pants and has been the game-changer for festivals. 

Lehenga -Choli

This attire has been an integral part; lehnga history begins with the Mughal era. It flourished during that period, quickly becoming the most commonly worn garment amongst the rich and royals and the masses. 

Styles and trends have a tremendous influence on the lehenga choli, just like any other outfit. The seasonal and in-demand cuts and designs are bound to change.

The Hindi film industry has a huge role to play here in terms of restricting and defining the popularity of this outfit. For instance, you can find lehenga in different styles from straight, flair, mermaid, kali daar or the newest in trend slit lehenga.

India’s traditional clothing has come into prominence, and the contemporary fashion world has aped the style and design of the bygone eras.