Category Archives: Costume

Amrapali

Posted on 24/11/2012 by Anu M

Vyjayanthimala in the film on the life of Amrapali, the Licchavi courtesan who converted to Buddhism. Bhanu Athaiya (who also designed for Sahib, Bibi aur Ghulam and later won an Oscar for Gandhi) apparently based the costumes on Buddhist frescoes, though in the frescoes (as in the statues … Continue reading →

Posted in Ancient India, Buddhism, Costume, Indian Cinema, Old Bollywood, Period Drama, Sari Blouse | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Posted on 08/10/2012 by Anu M

  A saree break. The previous modifier of dress – especially in North India – was of course Islamic rule.  There is a great deal of variation within this from fitted tunics to serious trouser flares. These styles live on … Continue reading →

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The Movie Adaptation Post

Posted on 04/10/2012 by Anu M

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.

Posted in 1920s, Costume, Flapper, Indian Cinema, Vintage Blouse | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Corset Sari

Posted on 03/10/2012 by Anu M

  The corset is †a mutilation, undergone for the purpose of lowering the subject’s vitality and rendering her permanently and obviously unfit for work. British India at times seems like a marriage of opposites, the often uncomfortable melding of extreme corsetry … Continue reading →

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Mata Hari

Posted on 16/08/2012 by Anu M

“Javanese Hindu Princesses” seemed to have been all the go at some point and Mata Hari it appears lost little time in adopting the persona during her dancing days. And no doubt every Javanese princess had a bejewelled strap bodice.  

Posted in 1900s, Costume, Courtesan, Dancer, Early 20th Century, Sari Blouse | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment