Festive Saree - Drape Over India’s Pride

Saree is one of the most sensuous as well as comfortable attire of Indian women. India being a country of diverse geography, culture and religion has varied adaptations of this nine yard wonder.

Every state and region has its own style of saree which is not only popular in India but also across the globe as people are becoming increasingly interested in India’s this ethnic wear due to its style and comfort. Saree is indispensable part of any Indian woman’s wardrobe. 

It suits every body shape and age. Saree is the most preferred garment worn by Indian women on religious as well as festive occasions. So, without further ado, let’s have a look at variety of festive sarees of India.

Banarasi Saree
Banarasi saree is the first love of any Indian woman. The holy city of Banaras which is now known as Varanasi is the home of these gorgeous sarees. The city produces the finest quality of Banarasi sarees with intricate embroideries, weave, zari and brocade work. These traditional and age-old sarees can be worn on both religious as well as festive occasions.

Banarasi saree has the signature fringe like pattern along the inner and outer border called Jhhalar and elaborate engravings of figures, floral patterns, animals and other architectural ornamentation. Such patterns display craftsmanship of Mughal era and has let the tradition keep alive. Banarasi saree is the perfect blend of premium silk and rich embroidery. This piece of art is a must-have for every saree enthusiast.

Silk Saree
The silk fabric is considered as the best for sarees. There is huge variety of silk sarees ranging from region to region. Silk saree looks glamorous and rich as silk fabric has inbuilt luster in it. Commonly known as Resham, silk thread is extracted from the silk worms and is woven to make the fabric.

Silk saree is known for its texture, color variety, print and designs. Famous silk sarees include Bhagalpur silk, Mysore silk, Kanchipuram silk saree, raw silk, pure silk etc.

Kanchipuram Saree
This saree needs no introduction. This silk saree grace every Indian woman’s closet irrespective of the region. The saree is named after the small town Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu which is its place of origin.

The main characteristic of this saree is its gold dipped silver thread woven over best quality of silk. It’s traditional and classic and never goes out of vogue. It is highly expensive due to its durability, premium quality of thick silk base and of-course its beautiful adornments. It’s a popular wear for weddings in South India.

Jamavar and Organza saree
Both these sarees are originated in Uttar Pradesh. Jamavar has a typical zari thread work and jacquard weave. Generally, the weave is done in bright colors like green, orange and red. Jamavar looks extremely stylish if draped properly.

Another popular festive sari of this region is Organza saree. This is also called as Organdy. Organza sarees are made of light weight and transparent cotton and is adorned with chicken and Lukhnavi embroideries.

Chanderi Saree
Chanderi saree is the blend of silk and cotton fabric. Originated in Madhya Pradesh, it’s very ideal as its light weight, translucence, airy and easy to carry. The weave and designs on chanderi saree is subtle and minimalistic and is usually made in pastel colours.

Chanderi saree has a signature striped border and small butties all over the saree. Perfect for summers, chanderi sarees has two variants like cotton chanderi and silk chanderi and both are equally popular. With its graceful texture, chanderi saree makes a good option for festivities.

Tant Saree
Another famous festive saree includes Tant saree which was originated in West Bengal. Tant means, ’Made on the Loom’ and is hand-woven. These are not only beautiful but also a source of income for many underprivileged people living in districts of West Bengal.

The best part about having a Tant saree is that it serves both the purposes and can be worn on casual as well as formal occasions. Available in large colour palate, this light, fluffy, transparent and crisp muslin saree with silk thread border is preferred by women not only in West Bengal but pan India. If you love cotton sarees, this one is for you.

Sambalpuri Saree
Known as ‘Pride of Orissa’, Sambalpuri saree speaks volume about its grace and beauty. This is pure joy to wear as it is made of silk and cotton and is a handloom saree. This saree needs five weeks just to dye its fibres that too with natural colours.

Imagine how long it will take to be a finished product. It is the oldest form of textile decoration in the world. Also, known as ‘Ikat’, this saree has a traditional strip of an unstitched cloth from 5 to 9 meter in length. The purpose of this fabric is that it can be wrapped around the body in as many styles as you want. Ikat weave generally has geometric patterns of threadwork pallus and borders.

Chiffon Saree
Chiffon saree is the most elite saree among the lot. Chiffon fabric is a blend of synthetic fibre along with silk and cotton.

Chiffon sarees come in myriad designs, colours and embroideries and are apt for parties and other formal functions. Its flowy drape makes it the first choice of young girls.

Shaded Coral Chiffon Saree

Net Saree
Net sarees are a rage among young women. This is far beyond traditional saree and has a modern appeal to it. Net fabric comes in both soft and hard material and is dyed in different colours.

The embroidery on net saree looks amazing. It’s classy and glamorous and that is why net saree is loved by young girls and ladies.

Golden Net Saree

Georgette Saree
Georgette saree is affordable and beautiful at the same time. It’s evergreen in terms of season and occasion and can be worn on formal events.

The best part about having a georgette saree is that is easy to maintain and can be washed at home. It comes in variations like semi-georgette and pure georgette with different types of embroideries, borders and stylish pallus.

Neon Pink Georgette Saree

Bandhani Saree
From the heart of royal state of Rajasthan, Bandhani or Bandhej saree is one of the most loved festive saree. This saree is known for its tie and dye designing.

There is huge variety of colors and patterns in tie and dye are available and it is a pocket-friendly saree. Jaipur is the hub of Lehariya, Bandhani and Garchola sarees.

I’m sure you are well aware now about the different types of festive sarees of India. So, what are you waiting for? Get a fabulous saree of your choice and soak your soul in festivities!
Image Sources: www.shop.tamilnadu.com, www.craftsvilla.com, www.chanderisarees.in

Indian Fashion Style: Sarees V's Gowns

We are recently seeing a lot of photographs on  social media with the specific tag #100sareepact. It is two innovative women who have started this new buzz, as they want to encourage the fact that wearing saree in the workplace is a great and stylish option.

This new virtual platform created by these two women is a space where people can celebrate their memories of sarees. All participants in this pact are attempting to wear a 100 saris before the end of this year. Since the creation of this website, there has already been 4000 visits and 1400 women who have participated. The concept is really simple, the person has to post a picture and explain how they feel when wearing a saree into the workplace.

But obviously, the pair want to go further with this, and not just wear sarees in the office, but begin to bring the saree back on the red carpet, instead of seeing the same thing over and over again: gowns. We used to see a lot of sarees on the red carpet with the previous generation of Bollywood actors such as Hema and Rekha Malini, who always showed up for ceremonies in stunning Kanjeevarams or subtle chiffons.

Before, Bollywood celebrities wore what they liked and looked good, based on their tastes instead of following all trends, what people wore was not so important. Nowadays, it’s different as everyone tends to follow trends of the moment to look stylish.

At Cannes 2015, we saw the Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor make an outstanding appearance with her voluminous gown. After this appearance, she then attended a press conference wearing a extremely unique fluffy outfit, although this choice of outfit was not such a success. The look was more suited for a teenager going to prom night!

The idea of bringing back more traditional clothes on the red carpet is for Bollywood celebrities to generate further attention from the international press. For this kind of big event such as Cannes 2015, every look is perfectly planned and thought out. Obviously, with all the paparazzi around celebrities, the stable black gown will be the safe choice, however, it will miss the brilliance and condition of making someone stand out. But, for the first time it will be difficult to convince Bollywood divas to be different and not follow the trends, because it will also mean taking the risk of stirring the fashion police, as all celebrities hate this kind of “bad” judgment.

When we look at Aishwarya Rai and Sonam Kapoor looking perfect in Elie Saabs and Oscar De la Rentas during Cannes 2015 Festival, we know that it was to stand out from the crowd. These two Bollywood divas ultimately looked extremely glamorous, and are obviously outstandingly beautiful,   but maybe the looks were slightly too much.

It’s always better for everyone to have fun with their fashion and not stress about what they will look like. For example, we saw the actress Nandita Das, in a simple black and red saree, she looked very natural and it had a greater impact. 

It’s the right time for the designers to rethink about the approach to red carpet dressing. It will might be better to make people look comfortable, natural and fun loving with their outfits and not superficial.

Indian Designer Top Picks: Sougat Paul

Indian Designer Sougat Paul’s stint in fashion started with studying at the prestigious N.I.F.T Kolkata. After completion of his degree he gained experience in working as a stylist in Mumbai. From there he swiftly moved on to working with various brands before venturing out to his own label in 2010. His Label then debuted in Lakme Fashion Week and quickly received a lot of accolades worldwide as a New Indian designer, his label has now showcased at Lakme Fashion week four times!

Detailing is a key part of Sougat Pauls designs, he can take inspiration from the most specific things such a basket weave to a paper cutout. His collection has been described as ‘an amalgamation of day to day thought knitted together’. Detailing has been the mainstay for his labels with a special impetus on the quality and finishing of each individual garment. 
                                                     

Sougat’s collection titled ‘Decoding Zellige’ is a personal favourite of ours and is heavily inspired by Moroccan architecture, and unlike other collections inspired by Morocco, this one comes across as more subtle & thankfully not loud. The colours consist of a stunning blend of pastels with black, purple and orchard yellow. The detail-work & embellishments are kept limited to the bodice & hemlines while grand neck pieces completed the look with an elegance.

The collection also consists of more daring and unique styles such as sheer jumpsuits and structured mini dresses. Unsurprisingly Sougat Paul’s cocktail and Gala dresses are created with the same contemporary and unique flare, but teamed with subtle traditional touches, and are loved not only in India but internationally too.

                                                 
                                                 


We personally love Indian designer Sougat’s latest works for the simplicity and contemporary take on traditional style. The new age sarees are particularly interesting and successful; the edgy and laid back approach to the simple saree designs work uniquely well with the bright use of colours.

View also Insight on Indian Designers!

New Collection of Beautiful Sarees by Indian Designer Reuben

We love the new collection of traditional indian sarees by the designer label Reuben. These handwoven sarees will make you feel comfortable for every type of situation: traditional events, casuals occasions, or simply, going to work.

You want to be sober or more colourful ? This collection has been made for you to be elegant in either case !

                                                                        Black Handwoven Saree

       Vibrant Grey Saree

                                                                                                
      Purple Handwoven Saree











Reuben is an Indian women's designer label by Indian Fashion Designer Priti Mukherjee which is an ode to versatile facets of womanhood and celebrating life.

You want to see more Indian Fashion? Click here

Searching for the Perfect Accessories for Your Indian Wedding Dresses Online

So you chose the perfect Indian wedding dress and need to accessories it properly? While an Indian bridal dress might glamorous enough to wear on its own, you do need the proper accessories to set it off. If you are looking for wedding accessories but are having no success, it’s time to head to the Internet. Shopping for your Indian wedding dress online might be a difficult decision, but buying accessories should not be!

Saree Pins

Not everyone picks a saree for their Indian wedding dress but if you choose to go with one then look for saree pins. Saree pins are delicate pieces of jewelry that add a nice elegant touch to the whole saree. Much like brooches, saree pins are found in a large variety of designs. While some saree pins are more traditional in design, some are also rather modern. Take a look at the large collection available online and see which one goes best with your saree.

Anklets and Toe Rings

While the feet of the bride are usually adorned with henna, an anklet can really make sure that you are perfectly accessorized from your head to your toes. Online stores often feature anklets and toe rings that will match your wedding dress perfectly. The large array of designs ensures that you can easily find any kind of anklet or toe ring that you might be looking for.

Bridal Head Gear

‘Bindis’ and ‘mang tikkas’ are the norm for an Indian bridal dress and if you are opting for one, make sure that it complements the overall outfit. Another thing to keep in mind is that it should not be too big for your forehead size. You don’t want it to look like a large pinpoint on your head. Bindis and ‘mang tikkas’ are also easily found online in a number of designs and at various prices. Whether you are looking for something ornamental and intricate or simple and delicate, searching online is the best bet.

Purses

Indian wedding dresses are incomplete without a little bejeweled purse with them. These can also be easily found online but they are usually offered from designers. A perfect Indian wedding purse should match the color of the dress, be small enough to carry in your hand yet large enough to carry some tissue wipes, some emergency makeup for touch ups and your phone. Many purses mention dimensions online too so make sure you pay attention to those figures and pick one that is petite yet roomy.

Shoes           

Often the most overlooked item on the list of accessories, do not opt for a pair of stilettos from your own collection. Shop online and pick one which goes with your dress and is comfortable to boot. If you want to wear heels, go for one which is not higher than 2 inches. Since Indian weddings are long affairs and you might be on your feet a lot, wearing stilettos will be a pain in your feet.

You can easily find all these accessories and more for your Indian wedding dresses, online. Just make sure that you order them in accordance to your wedding schedule and allow a few days for delivery purposes.

Indian Clothing over the decade!

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.

Traditional Indian Clothes

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.

Cine Blitz magazine (1970)

Dimple Kapadia in the Film Bobby (1973)

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.

Amitabh Bachan in film Agneepath

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.

Isqh (1997) 

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.

Kaho na… pyaar hai (2000) 

In the 20^th 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.

Dhoom 2  (2006) 

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 :

http://www.squidoo.com/indian-fabrics-ancient-history-of-quality-and-tradition

Mandira Bedi's Indian Designer Sarees at Lakme Fashion Week 2014

Mandira Bedi showcased stunning Indian designer sarees at this year's Lakme Fashion Week. The sarees were made with silk in vibrant colours of orange, pink and light blues. Her sarees emphasised the model's curves through the use of gold borders and stripes that lined the fabric. They were elegant and bright, evoking the atmosphere of a beach summer.

For the latest fashion trends from Lakme Fashion Shows go to strandofsilk.com

Indian Designer Wear: Pictures from the Stars

Karishma Tanna recently attended a wedding wearing these beautiful saree. Are you into Indian designer wear as well?

Maybe you could find what you need on Strand of Silk.

Latest Indian Wedding Outfits from IBFW 2013

India Bridal Fashion Week is just over and below you can find our list about the latest trends in Indian Wedding Outfits.

1) Rarely seen on a bride, black this time was seen quite a lot in the catwalks especially in combination with gold.

2) White seems not to be a taboo anymore and Indian designers were using it for their modern brides.

3) The Sari Gowns was the real novelty of the fashion week, combining the Indian traditional draped saree shape with the "easy-to-wear" attribute of the more western bridal gowns.

Which out of this is new  Indian Wedding Outfits trends suits you the most?
See also Neeta Lulla!

Mix and Match Designer Sarees

Probably, we are not the only ones who are wondering how to face the string of our friends’ weddings which come up during the WeddingSeason. 

When you work full time it is not easy to find out the perfect look to attend the ceremony in just few minutes. You could wear the same designer sarees for each wedding, but we suggest you to give always to them a quirky twist. Perhaps, you could pair up your saree with a jacket, or a gown...click here to get more ideas!

Indian Bridal Wear by Neeta Lulla at IBFW Mumbai 2013

Neeta Lulla’s collection at the Aamby Valley India Bridal Fashion Week held in Mumbai focused on ‘The Bridal Goddess’. A gorgeous mix of Indian bridal wear, classic, contemporary or resort: her collection had distinctive styles - modern edgy, vintage elegant, fun & stylish. 

Bollywood actors Genelia D’Souza and Riteish Deshmukh walked the ramp as Lulla’s showstoppers. On the fashion catwalk we have seen a variety of beautiful Indian bridal wear ranging from saree drapes to structured skirts teamed with classic jackets, from sarees and cylindrical shapes with tubular tunics to light flowing skirts.

Which piece did you love the most?

Be the most glamorous in a designer sarees

You already know that holidays are coming soon and you want to be the most glamorous, chic and elegant for your events ! Christmas and New Year's Eve is coming, and they are good occasions to wear your best dresses like designer sarees.

Have a look at these designer sarees!

Indian Bridal Fashion Week: How Your Wedding Sarees Will Be?

Chances are that the Indian Bridal Fashion Week 2013 left us wondering which colour our wedding sarees will be.

In the meantime, whether the wedding date is planned or not, let’s take inspiration directly from the catwalk! 

Here is a colorful selection of the most beautiful bridal dresses showcased during the show.

  

If you are wondering for more wedding dresses, maybe you could find the right one for you on Strand Of Silk

Embroidered Designer Sarees from IBFW 2013

The event where the most famous Indian designers met to show their latest bridal collections, Indian Fashion Bridal Week, is just over and what we will all remember is the opulence and richness of Indian craftsmanship.

Here for you a selection of beautiful embroidered designer sarees directly chosen from the Indian Bridal Fashion Week catwalks. 

Take inspiration  for your special upcoming celebrations!

Other sarees click here!

Bridal Lehengas: From the Catwalk to your Wardrobe

From exotically traditional to contemporary western, the fourth day of ongoing wedding fashion extravaganza Indian Bridal Fashion Week has seen it all.

Designer couple Muzaffar and Meera Ali chose to showcase a very Indian style bridal wear collection, replete with bridal lehengas, shararas and sarees, based in shades of gold, cream and black.

Here is a beautiful bridal lehenga  from Strand of Silk, designed by Narendra Kumar:

Want more? Just take a look at strandofsilk.com