Both Maitreyi and Na Hanyate (books I referred to in my post on Mircea Elaide and Maitreyi Devi) refer to Indian flowers and scents. So I thought I would do a post on advertisements for Indian/Ceylonese scents. Though not all of them feature saris … Continue reading
Though the Tagores had been at the forefront of dress reform in Bengal and in devising a new form of saree and blouse suitable for appearing in public, by the time Shesher Kabita came to be written in 1928, you can sense … Continue reading
Cissie and Katie in a new film adaptation of Shesher Kabita. The few pictures around don’t seem entirely authentic but its hard to tell at this stage.
This gallery contains 2 photos.
The Victorian influenced blouse teamed with a nine-yard aka the Tamil Madisar saree.
Suniti Devi’s daughter-in-law, Indira Devi. Suniti Devi’s autobiography describes her as clever, pretty, well travelled and fluent in several languages. The autobiography also notes that the seemingly impossible union had come about because Indira gave up caste and riches to be … Continue reading
Noor Inayat Khan in the 1920s on the harp. That sari is very much of the decade but more than the fashion it’s Noor’s story that is inspiring. She died in a concentration camp in 1944 and is one of the … Continue reading
Vivan Sundaram, Retake of Amrita – Sisters, 2001 Amrita Sher-gil’s parallels with Frida Kahlo are oft commented on – self portraits, the incorporation of indigenous elements, the bisexuality, the early death, even the odd photograph with a lady moustache. … Continue reading
Lady Abbas Ali Baig by Lafayette (Lafayette Ltd), half-plate film negative, 14 May 1929. Love all the elements here – the cacophonous sari and a rather magnificent cape-shawl.
Vintage Indian Clothing 