Category Archives: Indian Dress

À La Mode in Lahore – Khazanchi (1941)

Khazanchi (Cashier) is a 1941 movie which is significant for several reasons (for the full movie X). First, it was amongst a clutch of popular movies made in Lahore that brought in new modes of movie making, until then the … Continue reading

Posted in 1940s, Asia, Cinema, Culture, cycling, Dress Reform, Early 20th Century, fashion, India, Indian Cinema, Indian Dress, Indian fashion, Islamic Dress, Movies, Pakistan, Salwar Kameez, Vintage Dress, vintage fashion | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

The 1960s churidar kameez

In the 60s, churidars and short tunics [X]. This is likely silk. And a close up of the kameez. And you can see the footwear in the first pic. The women: Persis Khambatta and Meher Mistry.

Posted in 1960s, churidar kameez, fashion, Indian Dress, Indian fashion, Indian Women, Islamic Dress, vintage fashion | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The salwar/chudidar/kameez post-2

Though the Mughal-e-Azam characters have become a part of Indian cinema folklore, the film was anything but historically accurate in the matter of textual details, costumes, sets and music.  For instance, thumri, a 19th century musical form, is used along … Continue reading

Posted in 1950s, 19th century, churidar kameez, Costume, Courtesan, Culture, historical costume, Indian Dress, Indian fashion, Indian History, Indian men, Indian Women, Islamic Dress, Mughal, Women | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Salwar/Churidar/Kameez Post – 1

A SHORT AND INCOMPLETE HISTORY OF THE CHUDIDAR, SALWAR, KAMEEZ ETC. India’s links with West Asia date back to antiquity.  It’s significant influence on attire, particularly in North West India, is probably best documented during Mughal rule, especially from the … Continue reading

Posted in 18th century, 1940s, 1960s, 1980s, 19th century, churidar kameez, Contemporary, Culture, Early 20th Century, fashion, Girls, historical costume, Indian Dress, Indian fashion, Islamic Dress, Late 19th century, Mughal, Paintings, Pakistani Artists, Salwar Kameez, vintage fashion | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

How to dress like a 1937 heroine

This post on ruffled blouses refers to Mukti (1937)* [X] [X].  The movie was a bit of a fashion influencer with Kanan’s crown braid and  Barua’s beret worn backwards apparently all the rage. It turns out the movie is on … Continue reading

Posted in 1930s, Actor, Bengal, Cinema, Colonial, Culture, Early 20th Century, fashion, Hair, Indian Cinema, Indian Dress, Indian fashion, Indian men, Indian Singers, Indian Women, Movies, Sari, Sari Blouse, Singer, Vintage, Vintage Blouse, Vintage Dress, vintage fashion | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

The Spiritual Post

The word spiritual is a rather loose rubric for this post which encompasses women philosophers, traditions of mysticism and wandering minstrels. None of these is entirely exclusive of the other yet they are different ways of pursuing knowledge or the … Continue reading

Posted in 17th century, 18th century, 19th century, 20th century, Ancient India, Culture, Early 20th Century, Hinduism, History, Indian Cinema, Indian Dress, Indian Singers, Indian Women, Late 19th century, Medieval India, miniature paintings, Paintings, vintage art | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Hairstyles: 1951: Tamil Nadu

Hairstyles of the 1950s. 1951 to be precise, this is from a Diwali Special edition of Ananda Vikatan. Almost all styles you will note use flowers or jewels for ornamentation. Click to view full size. The translations of the captions … Continue reading

Posted in 1950s, fashion, Flowers, Hair, Indian Dress, Indian fashion, Magazine, Tamil, vintage fashion | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Christmas Post

Miniature paintings of the 18th century and early nineteenth century sometimes contain Christian themes.  Often these were commissioned by Europeans, the palette and figures are reflective of prevalent Indian styles with some modifications. Oudh offers some examples of paintings of The … Continue reading

Posted in 18th century, 19th century, Christianity, Colonial, Culture, Early 20th Century, Indian Dress, Paintings, Sari, Sari Blouse, vintage art, Vintage Dress | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments

The Veil Post

VEIL: avagunthana, niririgi, nirangika, mukhapata, sirovastra, yavanika. Veiling is mentioned in Ancient Indian texts by any of the above names, a primary source being Kalidas who mentions the avagunthana in several places.  However, the practice does not appear to be … Continue reading

Posted in Ancient India, Asia, Costume, Culture, historical costume, History, Indian Dress, Indian fashion, Indian History, Indian Women, Islamic Dress | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Diaspora Post

The heavy silver jewellery and skirts of Indian communities from Central and Western India are reflected in early photographs of immigrants to the West Indies. Early immigrants were often indentured labour from the then United Provinces and Eastern India. [X] … Continue reading

Posted in 1880s, 1890s, 1900s, 1910s, 19th century, British Raj, Colonial, Costume, Culture, Diaspora, fashion, History, Immigration, India, Indian Dress, Indian fashion, Indian History, Late 19th century, Vintage, Vintage Dress, Women | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment