India in its past had experienced waves of migration from several foreign forces like the Greeks, Persians, Portuguese, French, Mughals, and British Indian Ethnic Wear. These invaders either lost power to internal resistance from India or external superpowers. However, with the passage of time, they left their marks behind in India, which is still reflected in Indian culture and tradition. Since time immemorial, this country is known for its “Unity in Diversity”. There is much variation in the language, attire, beliefs, and other aspects in the country that is considered to be simply mind-blowing.
The cultural tradition of Indian is deeply rooted in the Indian lives – passed on from one generation to another – from Aarti done to welcome the guests home to touching the feet in obeisance and respect to the elders. The generation of Indians thus established the ethos of strong cultural bonding.
The fashion industry in India is another aspect of Indian tradition, which is older than Indian history. But unfortunately, the chronology is neither maintained nor remembered. And Indian fashion witnessed its first rise and growth in the 1980s, holding the hands of a handful of designers. However, the year 1990s experienced another huge rise in Indian fashion, as this was the result of exposure to global fashion and economic boom after the economic liberalization of the Indian economy in 1990. Thereafter, fashion as an industry fully developed itself strongly across India.
Indian fashion is now finally receiving a long-awaited notice in the global fashion circle. From the long flowy garments to bright patterns, these styles are bold, lovely, and changing with new trends, every season.
International fashion trends are confined to casual wear clothing. However, Indian fashion designers have made their mark in the industry with their huge choice of colors, fabric, and ethnic design, which make fashion statements in every celebration and wedding ceremony. The latest fashion trends bring news of Indian Couture weeks, which have all kinds of Indian ethnic wears displayed in their shows along with traditional sarees, bridal lehengas, Salwar Kameez, etc. designs.
Talking about fashion, everyone describes the Indian fashion industry as nascent in comparison to the circle of the global fashion industry.
No other fashion industry in the world designs clothes so vibrantly and colorfully as Indian designers do. Whether it is a saree, or a salwar kameez, or for that matter a dhoti or a sherwani worn by men, each piece of clothing reflects the rich heritage that India holds within. This clothing declares true Indianness and attracts people residing outside the subcontinent.
Today people in India and the Indians residing outside the subcontinent hope to look good by wearing Indian clothes to suit their occasions and moods. And, these days the internet has assisted in promoting ethnic wear amongst Indians and the like – minds across the globe. And, thus accessibility to these super–fashionable products with a combination of classic craftsmanship, textile, and colors are easily available amongst Indians in India and across the globe, thereby glorifying Indian culture, tradition, and festival in several ways.
Written by: Aditi Roy (Guest Blog)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Aditi has a wide knowledge of Indian fashion and tradition. Her academic background in Literature and Journalism has given her a broad base from which she has approached many topics on traditional and modern trends in Indian fashion. She has professionally described modern fashionable apparel, especially traditional saree through her blogs and articles.