Category Archives: Indian fashion

The 90s Post – Aaina

Posted on 03/11/2022 by Anu M

During the lockdown I decided to watch my aunt’s favourite film, Aaina (1993). Normally I don’t review classic Bollywood because it doesn’t aim for authenticity as much as novelty and visual spectacle. With the caveat of course that often “filmi” … Continue reading →

Posted in 1990s, 20th century, Accessories, Actor, bindi, churidar kameez, churidar kurta, Cinema, clothing, colour, costume design, Costumes in Cinema, dupatta, fashion, film costumes, Film Costuming, Hindi cinema, Indian Cinema, Indian fashion, Indian Women, late 20th century, retro, retro cinema, retro fashion, Salwar Kameez, Sari, Sari Blouse | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

A Net of Pearls

Posted on 13/09/2022 by Anu M

At the time of Rhea Kapoor’s August 2021 wedding, I was struck by her pearl net veil, surely the standout feature of the ensemble. Back then I also did a mini poll on the veil with a few folk and … Continue reading →

Posted in 1900s, 19th century, Accessories, Ancient India, Costume, Early 20th Century, fashion, gems, Indian Aesthetics, Indian Bride, Indian fashion, Indian Women, Jewellery, Late 19th century, Vintage | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments

The Polka Dot Post

Posted on 21/09/2020 by Anu M

Today let’s look at Rekha’s commitment to the polka dot – with a side serving of leheria (diagonal stripes or literally waves)! As with Vijeta, the look is very consistent, bar a “dream sequence” and a wedding. The movie: 1982’s … Continue reading →

Posted in 1980s, 20th century, Accessories, Actor, Cinema, clothing, colour, costume design, Costumes in Cinema, fashion, film costumes, Film Costuming, Hindi cinema, Indian Actors, Indian Cinema, Indian Costume, Indian fashion, indian style, Indian Women, late 20th century, retro cinema, retro fashion, Sari, Sari Blouse, Vintage, Vintage Blouse, vintage fashion, vintage sari, Working Women | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Film Post (1980s)

Posted on 29/07/2020 by Anu M

Everything 1980s can be found in one Rekha movie or the other. From indie style to gharelu chic to plain old Bollywood glamour, she showcased it all in her 1980s films. Each movie often had a signature look with the … Continue reading →

Posted in 1980s, 20th century, Actor, bindi, Bollywood, Cinema, Costumes in Cinema, film costumes, Film Costuming, handlooms, Indian Actors, Indian Aesthetics, Indian Cinema, Indian Dress, Indian fashion, indian style, Indian Textiles, Indian Women, Movies, retro cinema, retro fashion, Sari, Sari Blouse, Vintage, Vintage Blouse, vintage sari | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The 1910 saree

Posted on 02/11/2018 by Anu M

Details of a studio portrait of the youngest daughter of the Maharaja of Cooch Behar, Princess Sudhira. Taken in 1910. Though Gayatri Devi is the most well known, Cooch Behar royalty that preceded her had a distinctive style and you … Continue reading →

Posted in 1910s, 20th century, Accessories, Bengal, British Raj, Dress Reform, Early 20th Century, fashion, Hairstyles, Indian Aesthetics, Indian Dress, Indian fashion, Indian royalty, Indian Women, Photography, Royalty, Sari, Sari Blouse, sari drape, sari history, Studio Portraits, Vintage, Vintage Blouse, vintage sari, vintage women | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Sparsh (1980) deconstructed

Posted on 22/10/2017 by Anu M

Just 4 years separate Kadambari and Sparsh but the former is firmly rooted in 70s styles while Sparsh gives a glimpse of the styles of the early 80s with barely a hint of the 70s.  So let’s look at what … Continue reading →

Posted in 1980s, 2017 posts, Actor, arthouse, Cinema, Costumes in Cinema, fashion, film costumes, Film Costuming, Hairstyles, handlooms, Indian Actors, Indian Aesthetics, Indian Cinema, Indian fashion, Indian Textiles, Indian Women, late 20th century, Men, retro cinema, retro fashion, Salwar Kameez, Sari, Sari Blouse, sari history, Sets, Vintage, vintage cinema, vintage costume, vintage sari, vintage style, winterwear, Working Women | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

The Brahmika drape

Posted on 13/09/2017 by Anu M

I had an anon question on tumblr as an earlier question on wordpress that I will answer here together as they are kind of related. 1. I saw an early 19th century painting which showed women in a blouse and … Continue reading →

Posted in 1870s, 19th century, 2017 posts, Bengal, British Raj, Colonial, costumes in art, Dress Reform, Early 19th century, fashion, historical costume, Indian Aesthetics, Indian Costume, Indian fashion, Indian Women, Late 19th century, regional styles, Sari, Sari Blouse, sari drape, sari history, Women | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Indians in Sweden

Posted on 18/08/2017 by Anu M

The images below are from IMSPIX.  The initial images I downloaded a few weeks ago were not watermarked , subsequently they have watermarks. Merely posted for illustration and educational, especially given the pictures cover several decades.  Obviously no copyright infringement … Continue reading →

Posted in 1930s, 1950s, 1960s, 2017 posts, 20th century, India, Indian Aesthetics, Indian Costume, Indian Dress, Indian fashion, indian style, Indian Women, retro, retro fashion, Sari, Sari Blouse, sari drape, sari history, Vintage, Vintage Blouse, vintage fashion, vintage photography, vintage sari, Women | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Karachi and Bombay, 30s/40s

Posted on 14/07/2017 by Anu M

The six yard sari must have been extremely on trend in the 30s and 40s (and of course it was also the peak years of the freedom struggle which might have added to it) since it cuts across communities and … Continue reading →

Posted in 1930s, 1940s, 2017 posts, 20th century, Culture, fashion, Indian fashion, Indian Jews, Indian Women, mid century, Pakistan, Photography, Sari, Sari Blouse, sari drape, Studio Portraits, subcontinent, Vintage, Vintage Blouse, vintage photography, vintage sari | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

In the 70s

Posted on 26/06/2017 by Anu M

The relaxed fashion of the 70s. Lungis, Maxis, Prints and more. Worn with a short kurta. Accesorised with a choker, bindi and watch. In the 70s : Kaftans, Halters, Maxis and Pant suits. Via  : X, X and X. Rehana … Continue reading →

Posted in 1970s, 2017 posts, Indian Aesthetics, Indian Costume, Indian Dress, Indian fashion, indian style, Indian Textiles, Indian Women, late 20th century, retro, retro fashion, Salwar Kameez, Sari, Sari Blouse, Vintage, vintage fashion, vintage sari, vintage style, Women | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments