Indian saree is one of the most magnificent and astounding piece of clothing there is! It has an immaculate amalgamation of aesthetics and elegance. As much as it is rooted in its cultural history, it is equally in line with the modern fashion wagon. There is so much grandiose and grace infused in it that it glides tangible fashion statements all the time! Saree is in fact the quintessence of India’s rich culture and the royal civilization.
Saree: Through the Illustrious Eras
The first recorded presence of saree dates way back to the Maury and Sunga periods in 300 BC. The earliest pictorial representation of saree is a rectangular piece of cloth draped around the body. Saree also finds a mention in mythological epics of Mahabharat and Ramayan.
The period overlapping the Indus Valley period which also witnessed the Aryan dynasty had the civilians wearing Neevi which was a piece of cloth tied around the waist.
Sarees were also the signature costumes of the women from royal and princely families.
It was during the early British invasion years that there is a documented evidence of the terms blouse and petticoat along with the saree. There was a fashion trend during the British rule where sarees were worn as half and were accessorized with long boots!
The years closely preceding the Independence period also saw the saree evolve and quickly creep in the comfort closets of the ordinary class. The Nivi style draping that has passed on from the royal families and is still an iconic statement was also popularized during this time. It was during this phase that the craze of pinning the saree to one side first came up, possibly from the broaches the Brits used.
The period just after independence witnessed the emergence of India’s cinema and theatre. And this period also marked the beginning of saree style statements short blouses were in which were in a stark contrast to the conservatively styled blouses of the British times.
Saree and Bollywood
With the Indian cinema booming and carving a nice for itself in the subsequent years to independence, saree too gained more and more prominence. With gorgeous starlets on screen defining their own saree draping styles, the fashion quickly began to find its way in the Indian households. The sarees got all the more stylish and the fashion conscious women were more than enthusiastic to incorporate the styles in their daily lives.
As the years passed on, the Bollywood revamped the sarees with more flamboyance and boldness. Sarees with a hint of sheerness came in and they became the next symbol of sensuousness on screen. Sarees were no longer related only with tradition, they were fast becoming the next modern wear.
Cut to today’s times, sarees are a global icon altogether. No Bollywood movie is complete without a new saree trend introduced. Sarees are swish, stylish, urbane and ultra chic. They exude confidence and are a sneek-peak into our heritage at the same time.
Fascinating Facts about Saree
Not only is it the oldest, the saree is the only unstitched piece of garment worn that has evolved more gracefully than the finest wine.
There are over a 100 known ways to drape the saree and trust us, even as we speak, there is a new draping trend being outlined!
The conventional saree length is 9 yards but there are various lengths available to accommodate different styles. One style goes on to demand 3.5 yards of this clothing!
This piece of attire can be worn by anyone, any body type, any age, any height and the amusing part is that it comes in one measurement size that fits all styles!
The saree as a dress doesn’t restrict to one cultural appropriation, it is an accepted costume in every Indian region and even abroad as a novelty.
There are various draping styles of saree that emerge from the tribal and interior regions of India that involve wearing saree elegantly without a blouse!
The saree industry which majorly includes the handloom and embroidery sectors in India provides substantial employment to Indians!
The saree is not just a daily wear or a festive garment, it has carved a niche for itself in celebrated fashion shows and a trendsetting ramp costume. Contemporary designers are constantly engaging themselves in coming up with new design iterations for this marvel called saree.
There is a saree type name starting from practically every letter of the English alphabet.
Sarees are possibly the only garment that find immense sentimental value and are passed down as heirlooms.
The Evergreen Saree
There’s an element of incredible elegance about the saree that it instinctively transudes an aura of panache. Sarees are swish and stylish, they are all about elegance and the best part, comfort glides in naturally with this attire. It is sensuous, it is glamorous, it is artful, it is traditional and it is modernistic – all facets captured in one garment!
Whether it is silk, cotton, georgette or any fabric for that matter, the saree makes the woman look resplendently beautiful. The saree always pulls together the most sublime look for you in a poised fashion.
Sarees are an epitome of royalty and impart a statuesque demeanour. The finely embroidered sarees or the detailed embellished ones, the regional gems like Kanjeevaram, Patola, Paithani, Chanderi, Banarasi, every saree speaks refinement and boasts finesse. Whatever be the occasion, you can never go wrong with the saree and its confluencing hues will perfectly intensify your look!
