Flavours of modernity in
“tradishion”

• - Shreya Kannan -

Fashion, as the term refers, is often defined as a form of self expression; at times as a form of art or the way of dressing. Fashion has the ability to shape our lives through our style, comfort, personality, background and why not? Tradition of course! The growth of fashion industry always holds the roots of our country’s tradition and culture in its snazzy silhouettes. Indian outfits being vibrant and colourful undergo a creative transformation where traditionality and fashion join hands to create a contemporary appeal to the garments. Age old art forms that were being practiced for years are used as motifs and prints in the attire. Here we have a bucket list of tradition inspired modern outfits that the fashion industry holds for its trend of the year.

Fashion comes out with its collection by fusion of Tibetan art and Indian textiles. Sheer and floral printed maxi dresses are designed in the hues that are likely to be inspired from Buddhist thanka paintings. On the other track Archana Rao designer who takes inspiration from art, expresses her creative side by infusing introspection and spiritual growth that features flirty and fun tulle ruffle skirt, edgy and kakki trench coats, elegant tea length dresses, boiler suits and dainty sarees that are up cycled and recycled. Metallic hues, polka dots play its role in its work wear outfits. War time inspired pencil dresses, wrap dresses with polka dots rule their space in fashion. Outfits with a mixture of pop and metallic hues come out with its unusual designs especially for modern women.

The season’s bridal collection on the other hand, fills the trunk with outfits imbibing rich cultural heritage. The bridal lehengas that are rich in embroidery and hand painted as well. Inspired from the meenakari work and pairing blouses, the lehenga is all set for the bride on her special day. Ancient handloom techniques of Mashru cover outfits like jackets, jumpsuits, skirts. The ensembles are further adorned with kutchi mirror work and include prints inspired from Ravi Varma paintings. Added on to more collection, we have sherwani and kurtas designed from the handloom techniques of Banaras with its thread embroidery. Silk jackets and dhoti pants are designed with block printing techniques.

Indian style is portrayed with a contemporary twist where lehengas are given peplums and kickflares, sarees are styled with sharp blazers and classic white shirts, whereas Kurtas are worn with jeans as India creates its unique national style. Ethnic motifs are transformed into modern patterns through the skill and expertise of erudite fashion designers giving a modern look to the traditional costume.

Fashion trends flow out in the market in sheer and translucent fabrics providing a snazzy look. Fabrics such as chiffon, georgette, satin brasso, net and many more play choicest role for being cozy and elegant. Traditional tie and dye fabrics in graduating shades of hues provides a surreal look. Sarees in vibrant shades with a touch of modernity rule the runways. Traditional dhotis as well with its dose of modern finish to it, creates a persona for every charismatic man with its novel colour innovations. The attire is further embellished with stones, sequins, beads and threadworks of contrasting shades. The wholesome attire makes the look perfect for the groom to go picture perfect with his dream bride. All these attires with fusion in its elements however don’t lose their touch of traditionality. The culture lives though the style change. In changing spheres of modern world today, fusion wear outfits find a shelf space in the millennial and gen next lives. Fashion thus derives its identity with its varied combos of adorning ourselves where style and comfort beats up in an equal space.

 

Journeying with nature - the Forest way