Maharashtra, an integral part of the country where Mumbai the financial capital is situated. It is also one of the largest and most populous states of India. It demonstrates an assortment of costumes to suit the purpose of any occasion and the weather conditions of that state. The climate here is moderately tropical and dry. Hence, cotton is the most preferred textile types as the same gives a feeling of comfort to any native of Maharashtra throughout the year.
A nine-yard long sari, called as ‘Nauvari’ is the traditional costume of women in Maharashtra. It is so draped that it does not require a petticoat or a slip to be worn beneath, as required in other style of saris.
The nine-yard sari has a historical attachment to it. It is said that during the Maratha rule, women were assigned with the vital responsibility of helping their male partners, during wars. Nauvari was then innovated by them to facilitate easy movement.
The fabric is usually cotton, as aforesaid to suit the climate of the state. However, for special occasion, silk tops the choice list. Paithani saris is the treasured creation of Maharashtra’s textile industry. It seems these Paithani saris were the imperial choice. The Peshwas in the 18th century, harbored fascination for this priced garment.
The bright colored Paithani saris are very popular as the bridal costume in Maharashtra. The body of the royal Paithani saris is woven in silk. Pure jari made of gold and silver threads are interwoven to give this rich silk textured sari the ornamented get-up.
Dhoti either with a shirt or kurta is the traditional wear of men in Maharashtra.
However the scene in urban / metro cities of Maharashtra is totally different. Here the costumes exhibit themselves in their variety best.
Attire liked by one and all for obvious reasons – be it a male or a female, young or old. Very commonly used across the globe. It looks cool and is very rugged and at the same time comfortable yet very stylish.
Normally Jeans is not considered as office attire though the trend is slowly changing. In many offices Jeans is allowed to be worn on Saturday’s.
In the early 1990s, Baggy Pants / Jeans became a craze. Hip-Hop had become dominant then and long baggy shorts became a trend amongst the youngsters. They demanded Jeans be as baggy as possible, with large waists revealing the upper band of the underwear. Various stories and theories is attached to Baggy Jeans. Some claim that hip-hop community copied the pants that prisoners used to wear when they are imprisoned and adopted to that. Some say Baggy pants originated with black basketball stars who objected to the short shorts that was compulsorily being followed then for many years and began to wear longer baggie shorts. Yet others claim that baggy jeans took its shape or rather originated in the skateboarding and snowboarding communities where the participants requiring freedom of movement and at the same time wanted to look different from other people.
Though at present baggy jeans are not in vogue. These days form fitting and low-rise boot cut jeans (jeans that fit low on the waist and flare out at the ankle) is in fashion.
Amongst the female folk even the skin tight / stretchable jeans, to accentuate the body’s curves s very much in fashion. These are called designer jeans. Designer jeans are made with combinations of cotton, spandex and Lycra – allowing one to move and stretch with the body. They are also made of suede and leather. Designer jeans come in various colors unlike the traditional blue jeans. They are also featured with various fabric treatments liked bleached, acid washed etc. Designer jeans also come in various styles like too many zippers at various places, at times purposely ripped at different places.
Whatever the color or the style – Blue Jeans styles is going to be all time favorite and will always remain stylish.
Armani Suits – fashioned by the Italian designer Giorgio Armani, in the late 1970 and early 1980s. It became the craze for wealthy, fashion-conscious males, as it projected self-confidence and power status. Armani Suits are known for its simple but elegant design and more importantly their comfort.
Armani Suits are custom tailored and neatly / well cut to fit one’s persona. A typical Armani suit generally features – a fully-lined, three-button blazer with padded shoulders, a matching vest and single pleated trousers lined only in front, down to the knees. Generally seen in Black, Charcoal Grey or Navy Blue. However, these days the same is seen in some other colors too and the designs too are being altered according to one’s taste and style.
Jeans surely never goes out of fashion. They just are getting better and better. Today Jeans & Denims are not only worn at parties or while hanging out with friends. They are well accepted in the working & business environment. Some thanks toes to the socialist and bollywood celebrates who flaunt them at every occasions. Well, if Obama can wear it, so can we.
Jeans are the new formal when it comes to the working environment. A plain denim with solid colors look decent at work Match then with a nice format shirt and you are sure to catch eyeballs at work. Same goes for when you are traveling for business. Choose a slim fit jeans and you will feel the most comfortable. Hanging out with friends can be the perfect time to wear that eye-catching, metal chinned jeans. Top it up with a nice T-shirt and you are set for the day.
People of different region dress differently and it is more to do with the climate of that region. Many times one can tell by looking at the clothes, the region to which a person belongs.
Trousers and Shirts are the most common in cities throughout the country. Kurtas or shirts are common too. However they are worn in different combinations in different regions.
In Northern, Eastern and Central India Dhoti- Kurta, Kurta -Pajama and Kurta – Chooridar are popular. In Kashmir, to protect them from cold a long woolen kurta called Phiran is worn.
In the Southern part of India Lungi – Kurta or Lungi – Shirt is commonly worn. It is also known as Veshti or Mundu.
A dhoti / pajama is worn as lower garment and angharka as upper garment in Rajasthan. Similarly in Gujarat a short frilled white angharka is worn on top of white pajamas or dhotis and sometimes a jacket too is worn over the angharka.
One would also see in several regions of India, men wearing Turbans or Caps to cover their heads. Of course the type and styling of tying the turbans differ from region to region.
The clothes of women in India wear are very colorful thereby adding their beauty.
Sari is the most common – however the way it is draped differs state to state .One can identify the woman to the state she belongs to from the way the sari is draped or tied. The weave & the cloth design too various from one region to another. Few of the traditional clothes worn in different states of India are:
Kashmir – Salwar Phirar
Haryana – Ghapra Kurta
Gujarat – Lehenga Choli
Rajasthan – Ghaghra Katchli
Kerala – Mundu Blouse
Assam – Mekhla Chadar
India too is feeling the effects of outside influences, yet its distinctive costume traditions have and are being appreciated world-wide. Still styles of ancient years continue to influence Indian fashion till date.
India is a part of Asia and is the 7th largest country in the world. India is not the same everywhere. It has mountains, hills, plateaus and deserts.
Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world, is a part of the Himalayan Range. It is covered with snow throughout the year.
The Northern Plains (flat lands) also called as the Gangetic Plain is towards the south of the Himalaya. The lands here are very fertile- most suited for cultivation, since many rivers like the famous Ganga and Yamuna flow through these plains.
As one travels to the north western part of India there is a total change in the landscape. One can only see miles and miles of sand. This is called the Great Indian Desert or the Thar Desert.
The southern part of India is the Peninsula. To the east is the Bay of Bengal, Arabian sea is to the west and to its south is the Indian Ocean. The land in this part of India has a flat and uneven surface.
India has 28 states and 6 Union territories. Delhi is a Union Territory and is the National Capital.
A pleated rosette back with a beautiful pallu drape make for unique style that can be worn without a petticoat. A great way to drape that opens up new draping ideas.
This unique drape is found in the coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh. This graceful sari drape features pleats in the back and the pallu passed is twice around the body and arranged in lovely pleated arcs.
The ubiquitous sari and elegant drape worn with a petticoat and choli. Read how to step by step drape this style.
Gheras and flares is really big and in vogue this season.
A wool blazer - dress it up with a shirt and tie for a job interview or wedding, and dress it down with a shirt and jeans for a casual dinner. It is a timeless jacket that can give a man’s outfit that sophisticated and classic look.
Winter jackets in thin fabrics are very apt or cities like Mumbai where the winter is not too chilly. The styles range from colors to fabric material to length. To name a few – track jackets, biker jackets, blazer jackets, college jackets, biker jackets, blazer jackets, hooded jackets, leather jackets, distressed leather jackets, reversible jackets and toggle jackets.
Bomber jackets lined with faux fur can definitely keep one warm. Some jackets feature faux fur on the collar, while others include it on the trim of a hood.
Click on the image to enlarge
You can subscribe to FashDesigns by e-mail address to receive news and upates directly in your inbox. Simply enter your e-mail below and click Sign Up!
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| « Jan | ||||||
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
| 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 |
| 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 |
| 29 | 30 | 31 | ||||