Chandelier Earrings

Chandelier earring are beautiful and attractive drop earrings that hang from the ears. Chandelier earring are the latest fashion which is very attractive and famous among youth specially. These earring are find in Middle-East and in India and now gaining popularity allover the world. It is mainly popular among youth and celebrities you will find on red carpet where celebrities has worn beautiful delicate chandelier earrings.



There is a wide range in the market of different price, you can get in Kudan, Precious & Semi Gemstone, diamonds, silver, gold and many more. Chandelier are the best gift you can give to you dear one on any occasions, anniversary, marriages etc. These hanging danglers look beautiful on western as well on Indian dress also. If you will not wear necklace or any other ornament Chandelier earrings looks awesome.

The diamond-cut with floppy heart are attractive look or with crystals of different colours add a shine into an outfit. There are different cuts of earring like round cut, oval etc chandelier earrings are extremely trendy and admirable.

There are different types of Chandelier earrings-

Carolee Austrian Crystals Chandelier Black Jet Austrian Crystals Chandelier Granite and Silver Chandelier Pearl Chandelier and lots more....

Sherwanis-Classic and Fashinable

Sherwani is a long coat-like attire usually worn in India, which is very similar to an Achkan . It is worn over the Kurta and Churidar or sometimes with salwaar. Although Sherwani and achkan are similiar in many ways,they can be differentiated from achkan in the way that Sherwaniis made from heavier fabrics and it has linings.




The history of Sherwani dates back to the British Era in the 18th century, when the English incorporated British Frock Coat with Salwaar Kameez.It was later taken in by the indian Aristocrats,mostly the Mughals as their daily attire and consequently by the general public.The Sherwani is frquently associated with our first Prime Minister,Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru who sported the attire on a regular basis.

Today Sherwani is worn mainly by people descending from the Northern India but is catching up rapidly, not only throughout the country but also across the globe with top designers incorporating Indian elements,the latest of which is the Sherwani.



The latest in Sherwani fashion was seen when Ranbir Kapoor walked the ramp for fashion designer Rohit Bal at the Wills India Fashion Week Finale.The actor sported an ivory Sherwani with churidar which was a scene to watch.Ranbir Kapoor looked stunningly handsome.

Intricately designed Sherwani epitomises opulence and grandeur in every way.However avoid looking clumsy by finding a good tailor and getting yourself a well fitted sherwani.You will be then sure of catching glimpses of people looking at you twice !

Fashionable Tie-Up - Hidesign with Rohit Bal & Braccialini

Louis Vuitton and the Future Group had a fashionable tie-up with premium leather goods company Hidesign, and is in talks with Indian fashion designer Rohit Bal and Italian luxury brand Braccialini now for creating a product line of bags.




The brand is looking at partnerships for sustained growth. While refusing to divulge details, the company officials informed that serious talks are on with both.

"Braccialini as a brand has a strong India influence in their designs. We wanted to bring something which had a specific India strategy in place and also which suited the market in terms of the pricing," he said.

The Italian luxury brand is known for its handbags and fashion accessories.

The tie up with designer Rohit Bal is also in the pipeline.

Incube Fashion, headed by Sumeet Nair, is working in collaboration with the Rs 100 crore Hidesign to develop an association with Rohit Bal for a new product line.

Hidesign has a presence in 19 international markets and in 48 stores in India. It will be adding a dozen more stores in the Indian market this year as well as opening one in Hanoi in Vietnam.

The brand had a growth rate of 30% in the Indian market the previous year but it faced recession related problems in other countries. The brand has made a niche in the leather accessories market for men and women.

Jack & Jones Store Launch in Banglore

Anushka Sharma might have not made the best of the dream debut opposite SRK in ‘Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi’, the gal meets her first love again and walks the ramp for a dazzles on ramp for Jack and Jones, an International clothing brand, which held a fashion show for launch of its store in Bangalore, she certainly rocked.




She is just one film old in the tinsel town, but before she stepped into the Bollywood zone she was and is still a well-known name in the world of modeling and ramps.

Sharing the show and the ramp was the rising star Neil Nitin Mukesh. Where Anoushka looks like an angel in very short white dress, Neil Nitin Mukesh, who is still elated with the success of ‘New York’, looked perfect with his cool dude look.

Check out Neil and Anoushka Sharma as they set the ramp afire for Jack & Jones in Bangalore.

Chandigarh - Indian Fashion Hub

Chandigarh has emerged as an important fashion destination from market as well as promising designers' perspective.Fashion has taken center stage in the region following the setting up of several fashion technology institutes like NIIFT, IIFT and IIFD in and around Chandigarh. These institutes provide talented young designers an opportunity to make their mark in the rapidly growing industry.



Apparel industry leaders, renowned fashion designers and marketing gurus were all there to pick best out the best designer. There is great enthusiasm in the industry despite the global meltdown.
Punjabis are becoming more fashion conscious. And, the NRI influence has played a major part in triggering this off.

Budding designers are now keep in mind the desires and aspirations of their well-heeled customers in Punjab and across India. From ethnic to contemporary, there is tremendous scope to explore.
Chandigarh has improved a lot in terms of fashion. The young designers who are coming from Chandigarh are simply amazing, the kind of collection that they have got.

They are becoming better year after year, so talent in Chandigarh is growing and its world class. I feel that its high time that Chandigarh's designers should be a part of India Fashion Week.A Chandigarh Fashion Week showcasing the collection only by Chandigarh and Punjab designers," said Kaushik Ghosh, Fashion Choreographer.

The upcoming Fashion Technology Park in Mohali displays the rapidly expanding global fashion market.The boom necessitates a streamlined and synergized organization of talent and resources in the Fashion and Lifestyle sectors. The Indian fashion industry is in the process of building future brands. And Punjab's contribution in this direction is creditable.

Pashmina Shawls - Royal Indian Fibre

Elegant is the word for Pashmina - The Royal Indian Fibre. It was once upon a time only the prerogative of the royal family. The appreciative value of Pashmina shawls had spread so widely that even the roman
emperor Caesar was said to have this type of a shawl. So was it the precious possesion of Napolean Bonaparte.




It is said that in 1776 Abdullah Khan, the Afghan Governor of Kashmir gifted an exquisite Pashmina shawl to Sayyid Yahya, a visitor from Baghdad. Yahya presented the shawl to the Khedive in Egypt who in turn, presented it to Napoleon Bonaparte. Napoleon found the shawl fit to adorn the shoulders of the future Empress, Josephine.




Apparently, Pashmina is prized by kings and nobles and is the pride of bride’s trousseau in the past can be often referred to as the 'diamond' of all fibres. Perhaps, nothing epitomizes the glorious history of Himalayan craftsmanship, as warmly and beautifully, as does the Pashmina, the Tibetan name for Cashmere, the softest and most luxurious wool in the world.

Pashmina is harvested from the Himalayan region spread in India andits Northern neighbours. It is known for its warmth and long life.

The uniquely soft fleece is hand combed every spring from the soft wool from the neck and chest of the “Chyangra” (Capra Hircus), the Himalayan mountain goat. The goat lives at altitude of 12,000 to

14,000 feet. At such heights, where temperature goes down to -10 Centigrades, the goat survives as it is bestowed by nature with a unique, very thin, short inner coat of hair, which is the best insulation in the world. This inner coat of hair is Pashmina.

The word "pashm" means "inside". The fibre is less than 15 microns in thickness (whereas a human hair is 75 microns thick). Each goat produces 3-8 ounces of Pashmina per year.

As called the "fibre for kings", Pashimina achieved a zenith when it cast its spell over the European royalty during the legacy of the Great Mughals.

In India, Pashmina Shawls are a real fashion statement and have remained as evergreen fashionable item.

Pashmina Shawl is the most treasured material made from the fibre and is well known as the cashmere shawl after the name of the place it originated – Kashmir. It is made from the cashmere yarns and have silk
threads imbibed in them. That’s how it gets its lustre. As the material comes from animal furs that survive the thickest of cold weathers these shawls keep you warm no matter how sore the cold weather is. So while complementing your dress these shawls also protect you.


In comparison to other materials that keep you warm these shawls are much lighter but do that thick blankets job. No doubt it is a world wonder. Now imagine this gorgeous material emblazoned with stones. Or
with mild embroidery. The ultimate look is luscious and exciting. The colours that they are available, give the shawl an even enchanting look. Mostly pink, white and black are heavily in demand.

With the availability of a large variety of shawls, a blend of pashmina and silk in 70:30 ratio respectively. The silk gives classic Pashmina a more slender silhouette, great drape and an elegant sheen, lightweight and softer feel. This you would wear for the ultimate luxury and warmth.

High quality synthetic dyes from international corporations which gives high wash and light fastness and tested for being non hazardous are used to give different shades to Pashmina items. The shades
produced are warm, subtle and eye soothing. The Pashmina shawls are woven by traditional weavers who have been in this occupation for generations.

Whatever the cost, people not only in India but the world over are known to spend through their nose to own one Pashmina shawl.

Paithani Sarees-Maharashtrian Speciality

The art of fine weaving and the complex processes of bleaching and dyeing and the arts of hand and loom embroidery were perfected by the people of India long before conditions in the textile industry were modernized. These crafts were mostly hereditary and the qualities required of a true artisan were apprenticeship, devotion to duty and co-operation. The knowledge of the arts and crafts was imparted from one generation to the next.

History of Paithanis-
References in ancient history indicate that an amazing variety of costumes made of cotton and silk fabrics were used in India. The Rig Veda mentions a golden woven fabric and the Greek records talk of gorgeous Paithani fabrics from the great ancient trading and industrial centres, Pratishan or Paithan in Maharashtra. In old times, the zari used in making Paithanis was drawn from pure gold. But today silver is substituted for gold thus making the Paithanis more affordable to many people. Every six months Naina creates at least 2-3 new designs and at any given time there are about 10 different designs available (four styles per colour). Fourteen weavers are exclusively working for Naina and she has nearly forty colours for her customers to choose from.

Origin of Paithanis-
Even today Maharashtra is the home of the most celebrated textile—the paithani, gold embroidered zari sari with its wonderful designs and woven borders. Even during the medieval period, the interaction between the Hindu and Muslim rulers gave rise to new styles. The Marathas extended their patronage to textile activities. Some centres became renowned for their textiles and the fabric frequently derived its name from the place of origin. For example, paithani came from Paithan, shahagadi from Shagad etc. The Peshwas in the 18th century had a special love for paithani textiles and it is believed that Madhavrao Peshwa even asked for the supply of asavali dupattas in red, green, saffron, pomegranate and pink colours.Human skills may have been replaced by machines. However, no machine-made fabric can compare with the hand-made beauty of the paithani sari by the master craftsmen of Maharashtra.

Naina Jhaveri of Swayam Siddha, Bombay, is one of the best known designers and an authority on paithani saris in Maharashtra.

USP of Paithanis-
The speciality of the paithani is its border and pallau. Earlier, just 2-3 colours were popular which were integrated in the sari in the dhup chaon pattern which, when translated, means light and shade. In 1990, Naina’s interest in the paithani sari turned into an obsession prompting her to do directly to the weavers in Paithan to create her own exclusive designs. Today Naina has nearly 200 designs, the largest selection of Paithani in Maharashtra.
Expense of Paithani-
The price tag ranges from Rs. 4,000 and can move up to Rs. 1,50,000. The paithani sari is an entirely handwoven item. Depending on the intricacy of the design, it takes anything from one month to a year to weave. The traditional paithani used to be a plain sari with a heavy zari border and ornamental pallav. But today paithanis with motifs are in vogue: stars, circles, peacocks, flowers and paisleys. The paithani borders and pallavs are heavily adorned with these motifs and the sari is given the name after the design on it. Tota-maina (parrot), bangdi-mor (peacock with round design), asavali (flower and vine), narli (coconut), are all descriptive of paithanis. For inspiration, the weavers turn to the myriad birds and flowers around them.
Credibility of Paithanis At least three generations can wear once a Paithani Saree if it is
preserved properly.

Naina’s innovations for a Paithani Sari include enlarging an 18 inch to 25 inch pallu into a 39 inch one and in heavier saris she provides 2-3 matching blouse pieces so that more than one member of the family can wear the sari.

Pattern of Weaving Paithani -
The basic weave of the Paithani Sari is simple. It is a tabby weave but more recently even the modern jacquard has been incorporated by Naina. The speciality lies in the design which is woven without the assistance of a mechanical contriance like a jala. Multiple spindles are used to produce the linear design. The border as well as the pallav carry creeper and floral motifs on a background of gold. Such saris are worn by brides. “A paithani is a must in a bride’s trousseau
today and the red-white version called the panetar is the wedding sari for the Gujarati community.”

The Paithani became very popular during the Maratha period. At that time the favourite motif was the asavali, a kind of flower and hence the saris were also known as asavali paithanis.
Way to weave Paithani Srees
Before weaving the sari the raw silk which is obtained from Bangalore is cleaned with caustic soda. Then it is dyed into the different colours as required. Sik threads are then separated by the women and then they are ready to be woven. The whole family is involved in the weaving of the sari.

Popularity of Paithanis has spread far and wide- Although the paithani sari is costly it has become a popular item in the marriage ceremonies of the rich and the not-so-rich. Besides
Paithan, the saris are woven in Yeola, known for the mango motif pallavs and in Pune, Nashik, and Malegaon in Maharashtra. Thus the paithani sari has played a significant role in weaving together the cultural fabric of Maharashtra.
Taking Care of Paithani Saree-
The paithani demands that utmost care be taken to preserve the fabric and its luster. The sari should not be kept in a cardboard box or plastic bags. Also, if possible, it should not be hung on a hanger. The best way is to keep it is wrapped in a soft muslin cloth. No perfume should be applied directly onto the sari, neither should menthol balls be packed with the paithani sari. The sari should be roll pressed and dry cleaned. There is no need to polish the zari often since it will weaken the sari.http://www.myindiaguide.com/

Zardosi - Royal & Immortal Embroidery Form

"Old is Gold". This adage is the most appropriate for the Indian gold and silver embroidery- Zardosi zari work.

The use of gold and silver threads, beads, stones, and imaginative designs has made it one of the most sought after glittering art to decorate fabric.

The word "zardosi" is made up of two Persian terms, 'Zar' meaning gold and 'Dozi' meaning embroidery.

The history of Zardosi embroidery in India dates back to Vedic times. Zardosi is an art which creates magic on the fabric. It reflects royalty and was known to adorn the attire of Gods and thus holds a distinguished place among all crafts. The common mango motif of
Zardosi has found a place in the wardrobe of Kings and Queens of various eras.

A Persian embroidery form, zardosi attained its summit in the 17th century under the patronage of Mughal emperor Akbar. But in 18th & 19th century the craft suffered a setback due to rising
industrialization. It was only after receiving independence in the year 1947 that the Indian government undertook steps to promote zari embroidery. Now, in the last 5 decades, it has seen a phenomenal progress in terms of revival of this golden art. In fact, now Zari constitutes an important part of handicrafts export basket, its export increasing to 16.83% in 2007.

The materials used to do the embroidery has also been commercialized to meet the demands of the consumer over the period of time and to reduce the cost, so as to make available to all. The fabric to be embroidered is first sewn on an embroidery frame called karchobi and is stretched uniformly, the design to be embroidered is then transferred on to the stretched fabric. The materials used in this form of embroidery are as varied as the stitches.

Metallic wires, kora, saadi, kinari, salma, badla, sequins, stones and other such materials are used today to add to the glitz and glamour of the embroidery.

Also items like shells, wooden beads, and plastic beads are being used today to enhance this kind of embroidery.

India has always been in the limelight of the global market for its varied and rich traditional fabric decoration techniques. Decoration can be introduced on garments through 3 techniques-painting, printing and embroidery. India excels in all these three techniques.

Indeed, the Indian traditional embroidery has withstood the ravages of time, impact of foreign influences and globalization of embroidery techniques to outshine many of its counterparts in today's market scenario.

India Fashion Rich & Creative

India and its rich heritage is known all over the world. Modern India is home alike to the tribal with his anachronistic lifestyle and to the sophisticated urban jet setter.

In light of its rich tradition and culture, now India has made a mark in the field of designer clothing. Highlights of different Indian states can be visualized in its piece of arts, artifacts and the clothes. Different textures as well as different embroideries like zardosi, chicken, resham work, sequence work, Gujrari work are used to enhance the beauty of the clothes and hence give it a new ethnic look. Now, India has become one of the leading names in fashion.

Indian clothes and fashion come with a difference in its work having a great combination of zardosi, resham, stone, katha, gurjari, cutdaana and many more.

We all know saris speak for itself and its a kind of attire which suits on everybody and anybody. A thin as well as a fat women anyone can carry this beautifully and can be a part of Indian fashion. Sarees come in a wide range with different work on it like embroidered sari, aari work sari, chikan-kaari from Lucknow will definitely steal your heart .

Image by Travel Aficionado via Flickr

They come in variety of works like sitara work, shibori from Rajasthan, traditional kundan work, sequins work, resham embroidery, mirror work from Gujrat, gota patti kaam, zardosi work, Neemzari work, booti work, kasab embroidery, hand embroidery, Kashmiri work,dori embroidery and many many more varities.

Salwaar kameez is a very common clothing of Indian women. Its basically a Punjabi attire but now it has more wide scope as it comes in lots of colours and combination which gives you wide range to select from. Best Salwar kameez from India with lots of colours and different embroideries on it like kundan work, sequins work, resham embroidery, mirror work from Gujrat, gota patti kaam, zardosi work, Neemzari work, booti work, kasab embroidery, hand embroidery, Kashmiri work, dori embroidery and many many more varieties are available these
days.

Traditional saris have a lot of variation in embroideries as well as the weaves so the Indian stuff gives you variety in context to fabric also and the different beautiful weaves including Handloom saris will surely be one of your choice.

Kurta-Pyjama "Old & Fashionable"

Kurta-Pajama a two piece garments adorned by Indian men is a traditional attire, one of the basic clothing of the Indian men.

The first garment is a kurta that is like a loose long shirt almost reaching the knees, whereas the second one is the pajama or pyjama, which is a lightweight drawstring trouser.

Though mostly worn on formal occasions these days, kurta pyjama can also be worn casually. Infact, there are many Indian men who wear this dress as their sleepwear.

Normally, they are loose and comfortable drawstring pants, made of light fabrics. However, in places like Britain and United States, they apply to sleeping suits, and consist of a loose front-buttoned jacket and a trouser. These days, pajamas or pj’s signify anything, from flamboyant beach trousers to airy boxers. More often than not, any item of male sleepwear today is synonymous to a pajama. Even though, everyone loves to move around in them, few know of their history and origin.

Only soft material fabrics are used for making kurta pajama as it is supposed to be a comfortable loose fitting dress. Though good quality cotton is the most common material used for making kurta pajama, other fabrics like silk and satin are also used. Normally adults prefer wearing the kurta and pajama in neutral shades, as they give a very dignified look. Children, on the other hand, wear this dress in varied hues and patterns. Kolhapuri chappals are the most preferred footwear for this type of attire.

The word ‘pyjama’ traces its etymological origin to the Persian word ‘payjama’ meaning ‘leg garment’. However, it was first incorporated into English from the Hindustani language.

In British ruled India, British men during the seventeenth century wore pyjamas as casual attires while relaxing. However, they soon gained ground in the west during the colonial era, and became popular as sleepwear, with designs inspired from similar traditional Indian
and Persian garments. In India, pyjamas from important clothing items of women and Sikh men. In addition, with the adoption of wearing pajamas by Englishmen, their popularity soon perforated all across the globe.


Today, pyjamas not only serve the function of sleepwear, but also considered as fashion garments by many. People harbor no inhibitions to flaunt themselves in their favorite pairs of pj’s in public. We all know how popular and happening a ‘pajama party’ turns out to be these days. Don’t we? That is just one way of indicating the popularity of pajamas.

These days pyjama comes in different fabrics, from comfortable cottons to luxuriant silks or satins. They are also available in a variety of details and patterns. Besides, in places like North America, wearing pajama pants are considered more modish than legging around in hot
pants.

Mona-Pali taking Indian Fashion Ahead

In the world of Indian fashion, the designer duo of MonaPali, Mona Lamba and Pali Sachdev, hardly need an introduction. After making a modest beginning in 1985 at the request of their friends, this creative duo has come a long way to establish itself as one of the
most sought after ace line designers in both national and international fashion circuits.

‘India’ lies at the heart of MonaPali creations that incorporates an eclectic mix of Indian culture – an unconventional treatment of textures, mediums, embroidery and prints. MonaPali have revived long-established Indian art forms such as tribal motifs, Kantha, Worli, Madhubani and Pattachitra along with the fascinating use of block prints embellished with terra cotta, ceramic, mouli, ropes and gauze to name a few.

MonaPali has featured umpteen shows in both India and abroad and they are rightly referred to as the ‘Silent Contributors’ in Indian fashion scene. With India being their creative inspiration, MonaPali once again recreated their magic in the first ever Kolkata Fashion Week
2009.

Their ensemble reflects the cultural and ethnic roots of India – almost an eclectic mix of traditional Indian art and craft – would you like to elucidate a bit?

With MonaPali doing overseas fashion shows nearly 7-8 years back, Indian fashion has been a familiar face in the international circuit and with increasing number of designers, it leads to greater display of novelty and creativity.

With global slowdown hitting Indian shores, is Indian fashion industry facing the burnt of recession, fashion per se, in case of bridal wear,for example, if there is a wedding in any family then its budget may vary regarding the bridal ensemble, nevertheless, wedding will
take place. People will not stop buying good clothes.

MonaPali at the Kolkata Fashion Week were inspired from the roots i.e. India. Their creation concentrated on traditional Bengal – where saree was worn without blouses. We showcased traditional sarees worn without blouse but with belts.

A Book on Indian Saris

Image by youngrobv (Rob & Ale) via Flickr

The book 'Design for India: Indian Saris' is celebrating the meaningful engagement of contemporary Indian design in saris with the
traditional handloom industry of India.

It is penned by author Vijai Singh Katiyar, Senior Faculty, National
Institute of Designs, Ahmedabad. He researched for two decades on the
visually delightful book which rediscovers the handwoven sari, an
iconic traditional product of India for its conceptual strengths that
are relevant to the contemporary scenario.

Katiyar informed that sari exports account for 7 to 8 per cent annual
growth, adding, the garment has registered a growth mostly in the UK
and USA where there is a sizable NRI population.

Baroness Shreela Flather formally inaugurated the book at the Nehru
Centre yesterday describing it as a "real feast". The book launch
coincides with the 'London Book Fair' where India is the theme country
this year.

The book is co-published by NID and the Wisdom Tree, New Delhi.

Kanjivaram Silk Sarees-Truly Fashionable

Image by Zahid H Javali via Flickr

Among all kind of Indian saris that come in variety of textures,
colors and designs, silk saris form an integral part of Indian Fashion
Trends.The Kanjivaram silk sarees are woven from pure mulberry silk.
They are of enviable texture, luster and durability and finish. The
sarees come in an array of dazzling colors and are available in every
imaginable design and variety.The rich weave and feel of kanjivaram
silk saris hold everyone's attention. Be it simple contrast border
silk sarees or those with gold zari dots and patterns, the kanjivaram
silk sari continues to hold place of pride among the various silk
sari-varieties of the country.

Kanjivaram silk is preferred as bridal sarees for its durability and
grandeur in Southern India.

History of Kanjivaram Silk Sarees

Historical records reveal that it was during the reign of Krishnadeva
Raya that silk weaving rose to eminence in Kancheepuram. During this
time, the Devanga and Saligar weavers, who were reputed for their
weaving skills in silk transmigrated from Andhra Pradesh and settled
in Kancheepuram in Tamil Nadu.The rich kanchipuram silk sarees date
back nearly 400 years when they were woven in the temples. Probably
the most superior and famous of silk in the world is the ‘Kancheepuram
silk’ of Tamil Nadu. The town is also known as ‘Silk city’ because the
main profession of the people living in and around Kancheepuram is
weaving silk sarees. In fact, more than 5000 families are engaged in
the silk industry.

The temple city of Kanchipuram is renowned from antiquity for its
distinctive weaving style.

The neighboring regions viz. Arani, Kumbakonam and Thirubhavanam also
form an integral part of the silk weaving industry. The mulberry silk
comes from Karnataka while the gold zari comes from Surat.
Interestingly, since the maximum length on a traditional loom is
18-yard warp, it ensures that not more than 3 silk saris can look
alike. Nimble fingers weave yards of magic with color and design to
give you silk material that can also be fashioned into garments such
as lehengas, pavadais and salwar kameez.

The unique feature of Kanjivaram silk saris is its special weaving
technique - one that uses three single threads of silk yarn along with
zari. This accounts for its durability and lustre.

The Kanjivaram silk sarees is noted for its double warp and double
weft. In a genuine Kancheepuram silk saree, the border, body and the
pallu are woven separately and then interlocked together. This joint
is woven so strongly that even if the saree tears, the pallu or border
will not detach.

The gold in the motifs in Kanjivaram silk sarees is incorporated by
dipping the silk threads into liquid gold and silver. This enhances
the ethnic beauty and value of silk. Some of the traditional motifs
featured in the Kanjivaram silk sarees are ‘rudraksham’, ‘malli mogu’
and ‘gopuram’, ‘mayilkan’ (peacock’s eye), ‘kuyilkan’ (nightingale
eye) borders.

Contrast colors for pallav and borders are a hallmark with most
Kanjivaram silks. Earlier, designs for these Indian silk sarees were
restricted to conservative stripes or gold dots. Motifs represented
various elements of nature such as birds, leaves and flowers.

Today, the kanjivaram silk saree has undergone a metamorphosis. It has
kept pace with modern prints and its rich and magnificent grandeur
continues to lend a festive touch to any occasion. Today you can find
designer silk sarees with embroidery or even embellished with cystals.

The other popular silk saree varieties are the Benaras silk saris or
Patola silk sarees.

Be it wedding sarees or festive sarees, Indian silk sarees are a class
apart! They are truly fashionable.

Bandhini & Lehriya Sarees

The Indian Fashion shows glamorize on the exotic Indian work of art,
with exquisite handwork beadwork, and tie-dye fashions. Designers are
taking indian fashion and incorporating it into western culture. Yet,
the most traditional handwork sarees are the most sought for.

Every region of India has developed its own unique sari style, which
differs in terms of fabric and weaving style. The reservoir of sari is
simply superb encompassing variety.

Today we shall look at the sarees, belonging to region of Gujrat and
Rajasthan popularly known as Bandhani Sarees.

The word Bandhani comes from the Hindi word Bandhan which means tying.
Bandhini have been the most popular fashion wear in north-west India.



In fact, the Gujarati saris, the Panetar [white sari with a red
bandhini border and the Gharchola [traditional red bandhini sari
crisscrossed with woven gold squares enclosing bandhini motifs were
traditional wedding wear.

Now however, contemporary colours and designs interprets the
traditional bandhini saris in old rose, jade green, peach etc. with
zari borders. Single color sarees and odhnis with white spots are also common. The most famous of this type is the Gujarati sarees called Garchola. It is usually red, but occasionally green, and is divided into a network of squares created by rows of white tie - dyed spots or woven bands of zari.

Bandhani sari is classic style of Rajasthan and Gujarat. This sari is made by hand, that involves tying and dying of cloth. The sari is tied and died in such a manner that it produces elaborate patterns and designs on the fabric.

Red, black, pink, yellow and green are mostly used in Bandhani sarees. All the colors used are bright and contrasting with each other. After all, Rajasthan is famous for its vibrant colors. Nowadays, as pastel shades are growing popular, you will find even pastel shades on
Bandhani work. The trend has caught Bandhani in its grip too!

You can get various designs in Bandhani like squares, stripes, dots,waves, tear-shaped dots etc. Also, popular designs such as Lehriya, Ekdali, Shikari and Mothda are also made by the process of tie and dye. You can even find flowers, bells, plant shapes, mountain patterns in tie and dye.

These are various types of cloths on which Bandhani work is done like silk, cotton, muslin, handloom, voile etc. For dying the cloth, vegetables dyes or synthetic dyes are used. Embroidery work is further done on the Bandhani to give it a decorative look. You will also find zari work, gotta etc. For weddings, silver and gold embroidery is done on the Bandhani, giving it a rich look.

Leheriya (pattern of the waves) is another popular design of Rajasthan. In Leheriya, only two colors are used. These two colors are used alternatively. Wave like stripes are formed by using these two colors. Leheriya is worn throughout India, especially in Northern India.

Traditionally, only bright colors were used for Leheriya, but Leheriya is catching up with fashion. Now, you will find pastel and English shades in it too

Saree - Fashion Statement of Indian Women

Saree is an Indian Women’s statement to the world. This four to nine metre lengthy cloth-piece, called Saree is the core of Indian Fashion wear and is draped over the body in various styles.

The most common style is for the sari to be wrapped around the waist, with one end then draped over the shoulder baring the midriff. The sari is usually worn over a petticoat (pavava/pavadai in the south, and shaya in eastern India), with a blouse known as a choli forming the upper garment.

Saree is for all purpose - party wear, daily wear, bridal wear and has retained its beauty over centuries, by far the most elegant wear on planet.

It is versatile, multi-purpose and has retained its innocence through its original form but it has evolved in tremendous variety. A more feminine dress has never been seen anywhere.

They may be made in any textile and in many forms, most popular being Silk, Cotton, Crepe, Printed, Chiffon and Embroidered.

It is worn or draped in different styles in various regions of India. Like North Indian style is very different from South Indian style and Coogri style is daringly worn without a choli and with the pleats in front.

Indeed, saree stands out as most wonderful costume of Indian Women.

Fashion Trends in India

Fashion refers to glamour, beauty and style. Though the term may encompass a lot more, its general usage is for appearance of clothing and it varies constantly with time and culture.

Though fashion hubs have been western cities like Paris, Milan, London and New York. Now, India has also emerged powerful on fashion scene.

Since, India has a rich and varied textile heritage with each region of India having its own unique native costume and traditional attire, fashion in India becomes dyanamic and vibrant enough to assimilate international fashion trends too. It is reflected by the young and glamorous, in the cosmopolitan metros of India. As an industry it is nascent but its future is enormous and colorful.


Fashion in India has become a growing industry with international events, Indian beauty queens in International events such as the Miss World and Miss Universe contests and Indian Fashion designers cropping up in India.


Fashion in India covers a whole range of clothing from ornate clothes designed for wedding ceremonies to prêt lines, sports wear and casual wear. Traditional Indian techniques of embroidery such as chikhan, crewel and zardosi, and traditional weaves and fabrics have been used by Indian designers to create Indo-western clothing in a fusion of the best of East and West. The fusion of it and Indian Fashion accessories such as bindis (red dots worn on the forehead), mehendi (designs made by applying henna to the palms of the hands and other parts of the body) and bangles, have gained international popularity, after being worn by fashion icons like the pop singers Madonna and Gwen Stephani.

Regional Fashion Trends in India
Traditional costumes in India vary widely depending on the climate and natural fibres grown in a region.

In the cold northern state of Jammu and Kashmir, people wear a thick loose shirt called a phiran to keep them warm. In the tropical warmth of south India men wear a sarong like garment called the mundu, while women drape 5 meters of cloth around their bodies in the graceful folds of the saree. Sarees are woven in silk, cotton and artificial fibres. Kanjivaram, Mysore, Paithani, Pochampalli, Jamdani, Balucheri, Benarasi, Sambalpuri, Bandhini are some varieties of beautiful sarees from different regions of India.

In the dry regions of Rajasthan and Gujarat men wrap and twist a length of cloth in the form of a dhoti around their lower limbs and a shirt-like kurta above. Colorful turbans complete the picture.
In the northeastern regions the tribal communities such as Khasis, Nagas, Mizos, Manipuris and Arunachalis wear colorful woven sarong-like clothing and woven shawls that represent the identity of each tribal group.

In urban India the salwar kameez and the churidar kameez, are commonly work by women and the saree is worn on formal occasions. Men wear kurtas and pajamas, or a sherwani for formal wear.

Western wear such as shirts and trousers are commonly worn by men across India. Jeans, T-shirts, capris, bermudas and various kinds of casual clothing are worn by the young and the young at heart, who are the trendsetters of fashion in India.

Fashion in India continues to evolve and find new horizons.