Princess Victoria Gowramma’s story, the subject of a recent biography, is a somewhat sad one of a girl caught up in the politics of empire. There are a few parallels with the Pocahontas story – the conversion to Christianity, the inter-racial marriage, travel … Continue reading
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
No doubt sari dinners should come back in vogue:)
For more than half of the 20th century, Europe was a playground for Indian royalty. And its women were photographed by Cecil Beaton and Man Ray, snubbed Wallis Simpson, made it to the NYT’s society pages and of course set fashion trends. Of all the royals, … Continue reading
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.
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
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.
This gallery contains 4 photos.
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
Vintage Indian Clothing 