This gallery contains 2 photos.
The Victorian influenced blouse teamed with a nine-yard aka the Tamil Madisar saree.
Perhaps more than anyone else Indira Devi’s daughter, the much photographed Gayatri Devi, consolidated the “Princess style” in India. Chiffons (often draped over the head), a single strand of pearls and simple little blouses spelt elegance and style for very many years. In … Continue reading
Suniti Devi’s daughter-in-law, Indira Devi. Suniti Devi’s autobiography describes her as clever, pretty, well travelled and fluent in several languages. The autobiography also notes that the seemingly impossible union had come about because Indira gave up caste and riches to be … Continue reading
Noor Inayat Khan in the 1920s on the harp. That sari is very much of the decade but more than the fashion it’s Noor’s story that is inspiring. She died in a concentration camp in 1944 and is one of the … Continue reading
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
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)
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
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
Vivan Sundaram, Retake of Amrita – Sisters, 2001 Amrita Sher-gil’s parallels with Frida Kahlo are oft commented on – self portraits, the incorporation of indigenous elements, the bisexuality, the early death, even the odd photograph with a lady moustache. … Continue reading
Vintage Indian Clothing 