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Ancient Indian fashion garments

Varied styles and textiles add immense diversity to Indian fashion and hence India is considered the perfect spot for fabric shopping. Ancient Indian fashion garments generally used no stitching although Indians knew about sewing. The traditional Indian Dhoti, the Scarf or Uttariya, and the popular Turban are still visible India and continue to be part of Indian fashion. Likewise, for women, the Dhoti or the Sari as the lower garments, combined with a Stanapatta forms the basic ensemble, and once again consists of garments that do not have to be stitched, the stanapatta being simply fastened in a knot at the back. And the Dhoti or the Sari worn covering both legs at the same time or, in the alternative, with one end of it passed between the legs and tucked at the back in the fashion that is still prevalent in large area of India. Indian men and women wear these garments in the usually hot Indian climate. – dhoti when he speaks of ‘turbans used for trousers’, and a kaupina when he is speaking of ‘a rag of two fingers’ breadth bound over the loins.

Bhagalpur is an ancient Indian centre for the manufacture of a unique cotton/silk blend of the same name. The ancient Indian fashion did not really have garments that were sewed together! Indian sari remains the traditional clothing of Indian women. Worn in varied styles, it is a long piece of flat cotton, silk or other fabric woven in different textures with different patterns. The sari has a lasting charm since it is not cut or tailored for a particular size. This graceful feminine attire can also be worn in several ways and its manner of wearing as well as its color and texture are indicative of the status, age, occupation, region and religion of a woman.

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Indian saree

The word saree is said to have originated from the Sanskrit word Chira that means cloth. It is learnt that, it is more than 5000 years old! Saree is still the most preferred garment for the women in India. The variety of colors, patterns, weaves and draping styles make the sari one of the world’s most fascinating costumes. However I feel the new upcoming generation, specially in metro cities is slowly putting this piece of marvel at the back burner. Apart from Saree, women in India prefer to wear Salwar Kameez and westers like trousers and shirts or jeans and T-shirts.

Saris are woven with one plain end (the end that is concealed inside the wrap), two long decorative borders running the length of the sari, and a one to three foot section at the other end which continues and elaborates the length-wise decoration. This end is called the pallu; it is the part thrown over the shoulder in the Nivi style of draping. The saree is draped in different variations, in keeping with the region. From the nine-yard saree worn in the days of yore to the present day 6-yard saree, the saree can be worn in flattering styles to adorn a woman’s body. Sarees come plain or with printed floral designs or geometric prints. The pallu is that part of the saree that comes over the shoulder. The saree blouse has also underdone a metamorphosis. It has become a fashion statement in its own right. Elaborate embroidery, flattering sleeves and necklines can be selected.

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Shantanu And Nikhil – Indian fashion designers

Two names who have taken Indian fashion industry to great heights are Shantanu and Nikhil. They are labeled, both on the young global and trendy Indian markets of garments. Shantanu has done his MBA from University of Toledo, Ohio, USA and Nikhil has passed from FIDM (Fashion Institute of Fashion & Merchandise) Los Angeles. The two brothers are in the business of manufacturing Indian ethnic garments of high quality. They founded their new brand label in 1998 which is called ‘Shantanu and Nikhil’. This business of designing and entrepreneurship are not new for their family. Shantanu had the feeling that Indian fashion industry had no professionalism thought it has all the ingredients of like creativity, fabrics of huge variety, a treasure of ‘kashidkari’, which can prosper in this industry.
Shantanu easily understood the market and it wants and the various elaborations involved in their effective product marketing due to his degree in management. Nikhil has always been creative and his fashion design program in Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Los Angeles, California has helped him to hone his skills. Nikhil has been awarded with many prestigious awards and scholarships. Nikhil was even invited to design a collection for “Georgio Beverly Hills” in Los Angeles”. The designer brothers are focused on simple yet sophisticated designs. Their superb and unique designs have attracted many bollywood stars and famous sports personalities .They have their two signature stores in the prime locations of New Delhi and their label is also internationally famous. They have also taken parts in many Lakme Fashion Shows