Fashion and Culture

Archive for December, 2009

What is the use of fashion? Fashion is the style of human behaviour, popular during usually short period of time. If during a certain period, people begin to put on bell-bottom trousers, wear spectacles with large, disc like glasses,or keep their hats tilted, they are doing so because it is the current craze.

Fashions originate in man’s age-old wish to look distinct and attractive. Naturally, they are more popular with women. It is said that the chameleon does not change its colour as quickly as a woman wears out a new fashion, but men too, can’t plead innocence.

Let us look at the popularity of fashion from another point of view. They are popular with the youth, because in young people the urge of showing themselves off is the strongest. Children are too small to be aware of it, while the aged are too old to pay any serious thought to it. The young, on the other hand, find life enjoyable and want to enjoy it more by adding to its colourfulness. They adopt all sorts of devices to look attractive.

Latest fashions are popular in big cities rather than small towns and villages. The reason is that most fashions are luxury. People of simple and poor backgrounds can’t afford to indulge in such luxuries. On the other hand, the rich, clever and advanced city-people can afford to follow fashion which have a glamour of their own.

Fashion can pertain to any aspect of human behaviour. But the most popular fashions are those in dress. Men’s trousers and shirts change in size and shape every six months. Women’s clothes change in design in every season or so. It is the west which is the home of fashion. In the east, although they have their own traditions and cultures, prefer to copy and follow the western fashion. Fashions reflect the character of a nation. Western fashions are a clear index of the western mode of thinking and feelings seen. Similarly fashions prevailing amongst various races or tribes gives a clear idea of their respective way of living.

An Indian wedding is known for its vibrancy and lavishness and hence its demands the most gorgeous dresses to be flaunted. Thanks to the innumerable other functions associated with the main wedding, one gets the opportunity to flaunt various exquisite dresses rather than just one traditional and gorgeous dress. It is absolutely imperative that a dress meant to be worn at a wedding must be gorgeous and strikingly beautiful as that marks the splendor of the entire magnificent occasion. Due to the diversity in the Indian culture, it provides one with a variety of options when it comes to choosing a dress for a wedding. Of all the dresses, the most popular ones for this occasion is the sari and the Lehenga Choli.

The southern part of India, which is known for being conservative and traditional, usually sticks to saree when talking about weddings. The signature heavy Kanchipuram silks are a must-have in the bridal trousseau! The brides of the northern part of India flaunt Lehenga Cholis to a large extent. These designers Lehnga Cholis show off exquisite workmanship usually done with zari, zardozi, pita, sequins, gota patti, beads, etc. As opposed to the sari, one has to pay attention to the cut, style and fittings, when considering a Lehenga Choli. Nevertheless, that should not pose a problem as fabulous designer bridal outfits are available in every size, including plus size. When attending a wedding, the most popular choice today is a designer Saree, Salwar Kameez or Lehnga choli that features sparkling and shimmering embellishments. The most popular fabrics for this magnificent occasion is silk, tissue, satin, crepe, chiffon and others that basically exude a rich look. Whatever might be the current or future fashion trends, nothing can challenge the classic Kanchipuram silk sari or the Benarasi silk saree. It has carved a niche of its own!

India is a land of warm and vibrant colors; hence narrowing down to a particular color could be quite confusing and would take some time. When it comes to bridal trousseau, red still rules! Many are skeptical of going down the well-trodden path and, therefore, experiment with colors. But it’s a good idea to follow a similar color palette and stick to maroon, burgundy, orange, pink, etc. As for accessories and jewellery, gorgeous is the keyword. Be it traditional gold jewellery or ethnic kundan jewellery, the more gorgeous they are, the better.