Category Archives: Vintage

The Ballet Post

Posted on 19/09/2012 by Anu M

  Tamara Karsavina, one of Diaghilev’s ballerinas, in the part of Nirilya/Nerilya in The Talisman. The sari doesn’t appear to have pleats and Karsavina has a body stocking underneath. And although the blouse is loose and prettily edged, its the lovely print … Continue reading →

Posted in Ballet, Dance, Dancer, Vintage, Vintage Dress, Women | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Modern Dance Post

Posted on 18/09/2012 by Anu M

Dance forms in the early 20th century in the west often incorporated oriental elements, be it a tawdry interpretation or a more serious minded approach.  There are probably many ways to look at Ruth St. Denis’ body of work that … Continue reading →

Posted in 1910s, Dance, Dancer, Hinduism, Sari, Sari Blouse, Vintage | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Sari Styles

Posted on 17/09/2012 by Anu M

The Parsi Style (First Pic) The Brahmika Sari (2nd pic, Suniti Devi of Cooch Behar with an additional stole/veil over the sari pinned with a brooch) and 3rd picture Rokeya Begum in a simpler version) The Nivi/Madrasi style (Last Pic)

Posted in Sari, Sari Blouse, Vintage, Vintage Blouse, Women | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

The Brahmika Sari

Posted on 16/09/2012 by Anu M

Jnanadanandini Debi was deeply influenced by the newly-introduced Parsi gara, the kind worn by Lady Bachoobai Nowroji Vakil. By the latter part of the 19th century, Parsi garas or garos—saris with Chinese embroidery in white or variegated silk threads—were introduced … Continue reading →

Posted in 1890s, 1900s, 1910s, Vintage, Vintage Blouse, Vintage Dress | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Cycling Post

Posted on 16/09/2012 by Anu M

Continuing the cycle theme, this was probably a college student on her daily commute. On a “ladies” cycle with a very low central bar. Her attire suggests pre-Independence Bengal – probably the teens/20s. They did have a lot of blouse … Continue reading →

Posted in 20th century, Bengal, Colonial, cycling, Victorian, Vintage, Vintage Dress, Women | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Bicycle-2

Posted on 16/09/2012 by Anu M

A Bombay Scorcher. Is that the bicycle or the bicycle?! This was of course a saucy postcard as opposed to being taken on the streets of Bombay while this barefoot lass was going about her day’s business. Her smile is … Continue reading →

Posted in Early 20th Century, Sari, Sari Blouse, Vintage, Vintage Blouse, Women | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

The 1930s Actress Post

Posted on 04/09/2012 by Anu M

Miss Kajjan. On chair as helpfully indicated. Also elegant shoes!

Posted in 1930s, Actor, Old Bollywood, Sari, Sari Blouse, Vintage, Vintage Blouse | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The 1930s Actress Post

Posted on 04/09/2012 by Anu M

I love Miss Kajjan’s dress here from that little cutwork/embroidered blouse to the casual pinning of the saree with those long pins that seem to have been around at the time. The waved hair is so common in the 20s/30s … Continue reading →

Posted in 1930s, fashion, Old Bollywood, Sari, Sari Blouse, Studio Portraits, Vintage | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

The Adaptation Post

Posted on 01/09/2012 by Anu M

  Not many period dramas in India get their period details right.  I am not sure a leg of mutton sleeve blouse was the way to go in 1942 but its the evoked emotion rather than authenticity that matters in … Continue reading →

Posted in 1940s, Indian Cinema, Period Drama, Sari, Sari Blouse, Vintage | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Taking your Fashion Cues from a Man

Posted on 24/08/2012 by Anu M

He would choose saris from Benares and Indore – centres of fashion – and wear embroidered georgettes and silks from Bombay, fabrics and designs which became fashionable with middle class Maharashtrian women in the period between the two world wars. … Continue reading →

Posted in 1920s, Actor, Indian Cinema, Sari, Sari Blouse, Vintage | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment