I love really intricate blouses for which the sari is the accessory like the one here with its elaborate cutwork. With much thanks to memsaab for letting me borrow this.
Extract from Marriage and Modernity, Family Values in Colonial Bengal (Rochona Majumdar) indicating that the anchal was eventually draped on the left for the Brahmika saree.
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The blouses in the 40s – apart from the ubiquitous choli – reflect wartime fashions in the West and have touches like scalloped neck lines, trims, collars and the like. Though most omit the strong shoulders. Nargis – whose … 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
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
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)
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
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
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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
Vintage Indian Clothing 