Category Archives: Indian Women

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 , , , , , , , , | 2 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

On Uski Roti (1969)

Posted on 28/01/2022 by Anu M

Uski Roti (1969) and Gaman (see my previous post) have a vehicle driver and a lonely wife in common and there the comparison ends. But this post is a companion piece to the Gaman post because like Gaman it’s limited … Continue reading →

Posted in 1960s, Costumes in Cinema, dupatta, film costumes, Film Costuming, Indian Cinema, Indian Costume, Indian Dress, Indian Textiles, Indian Women, Punjab | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Strange Weather in Mumbai

Posted on 15/01/2022 by Anu M

Nearly a year has elapsed since I blogged here. Even for someone like me, used to a quiet life, pandemic anxiety and fatigue set in by mid 2021. If our immediate family made it through the year covid-less, this was … Continue reading →

Posted in Indian Women, Personal, Vintage | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Knits in Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!

Posted on 28/02/2021 by Anu M

I must confess I was a little lukewarm towards DBB when it released but meant to do a review of its vintage vibe all the same. A second viewing awhile ago made me appreciate the film, its attention to detail … Continue reading →

Posted in 1940s, Actor, Bengal, Bengali, Bollywood, Cinema, costume design, Costumes in Cinema, film costumes, Film Costuming, Indian Actors, Indian Aesthetics, Indian Cinema, Indian Dress, Indian men, indian style, Indian Women, Period Drama, retro fashion, Sari, Vintage, Vintage Dress, winterwear | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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

Seasons Greetings

Posted on 26/12/2018 by Anu M

The annual post on Christmas themed art from India. First up the Margam Kali from Kerala.  The dance is not Christmas specific though many schools do seem to hold competitions including the dance around December. The costume is the traditional … Continue reading →

Posted in 20th century, Art, Christianity, clothing, Costume, costumes in art, Culture, Dance, indian art, Indian Costume, Indian Women, Kerala, Sari, South India, vintage art, Women | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Dyeing a saree with parijat

Posted on 05/11/2018 by Anu M

The parijat or coral jasmine (also known as prajakta, harsingar, shiuli, shefali, xewali etc) is ubiquitous to Indian landscapes and especially in the autumn the flowers are strewn everywhere in the early morning. Sarala Devi’s diary (late 19th/early 20th century) … Continue reading →

Posted in dye, Indian Textiles, Indian Women, natural dye, parijat, Personal, Sari, shiuli | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

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