There is no doubt that the fashion industry is one of the
fastest moving industries in today’s time. Also, it cannot be denied that the
Indian clothing has evolved tremendously over the past decade.
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Traditional Indian Clothes
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The traditional Indian clothes for a women included Saree,
Salwar-Kameez , Ghagra Choli(Lehenga).Jewellery was an integral part of a
traditional Indian woman’s attire. It depicted ones status. The traditional Indian men’s attire included Dhoti,
Kurta, Sherwani and Turban. Even back then colour played an important role in
the Indian fashion. Rich Indian fabrics with intricate hand woven embroidery
were a beauty to look at.
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Cine Blitz magazine (1970)
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Dimple Kapadia in the Film Bobby
(1973)
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Indian Movies played a major part back then to influence the
Indian audience regarding the fashion trends. In the 1960’s, the Bollywood
actresses pretended to play shy and modest roles so were their clothes. 1970 -80’s was one of the most influential years,
a turning point of the Indian clothes industry. The 70’s started trending bold
designs. Bollywood actresses were spotted in bikinis and skimpy outfits on
screen. For instance : Bobby (Bollywood Movie) The fashion trending in the 70’s era was
transparent synthetic material like georgette and chiffon saree’s with small
pallu ,different type of blouse designs like halter , low neck-line and noodle
strip blouses etc . For instance : Sholay (Bollywood Movie) The Indian clothes
for men were cotton printed shirts, cloth and leather jackets, trousers with
flare, shirts with butterfly collar and big sunglasses, etc. Three piece suits
also gained a lot of popularity during the retro era.
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| Amitabh Bachan in film Agneepath |
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| StarDust Annual (1980) |
In the 80’s disco era, the attire got bolder as women
started strutting in strappy sandals, fitted denim/pants and the traditional
saree’s were plain and simple. The change in the Indian clothes industry was
caused of the influence of western fashion. The men were seen in complete head
–to-toe white attire. The evolution was huge not only for the Fashion industry
but also for the Bollywood industry in India.
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| Isqh (1997) |
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| Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995) |
The 90’s was the old school style ,where the men’s wardrobe
included baggy pants, oversize shirts
with t-shirt underneath them, waistcoats, printed ties , coloured denim
pants and dungarees. On the other hand, the women were spotted in colourful
bandani outfits, chunky jewellery, shoulder pads, hair bands, high waist
skirts, long dresses, shorts etc. Their make-up included matt lipsticks.
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| Kaho na… pyaar hai (2000) |
In the 20th century, the Indian audience was
introduced to the concept of Indian designer wear with contemporary clothing.
Indian men were spotted wearing tight fitted jeans/pants, shirt and t-shirt. Women’s fashion in India had become classy
and sophisticated by this time. Women started wearing short dresses, designer
clothes and grooming themselves.
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| Dhoom 2 (2006) |
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| Aisha (2010) |
Ever since then the Indian designer wear in India has been
booming. Today, people have become so brand conscious and fashion alert. The
urban crowd is very well aware of the latest trends in fashion. The fashion
industry in India has also created its own unique space in the international
market: thus even Western people started to wear Indian dresses. The Indian fashion industry is an amalgamation of ancient Indian
craftsmanship along with contemporary designs.
See also the history of Indian floral patterns!
Read more about Indian
fabrics :
