The Sari is both concealing and revealing. Sari is alluring and practical, demure and tantalizing. Sari is unstitched, yet a perfect fit for every woman's body. Sari has its place in history, yet is surrounded by fantasy and legend. The Sari is the most popular and longest worn style in the history of women's fashion. Sari can be made with various materials and worn in a variety of ways, but it is nonetheless enduring and practical. In southern India, Sarees are nine yards long. Sarees are draped between the legs to form a type of full, flowing pant. Further north, the Coorgi's wear the Sari like a full-length gown and, sometimes, is used to cover a topless woman. Traditionally, Sarees are six yards long and are draped around the body and over the shoulder. Wearing a Saree in this fashion makes a very classic, elegant statement. Fabrics range from silk to cotton, pastel solids to flowery prints. Saree can be embroidered, tasseled, free-flowing or gathered. This article of clothing becomes an instant fashion statement in the hands of the wearer. All over the world, women have found an appreciation for the simple beauty and elegance of the Saree. Even air flight hostesses on AIR INDIA have replaced their conventional uniforms with Sarees. The Saree is traced back as far as 3000 BC, in Hindu literature and paintings. It is said that the Sari was born on the loom of a fanciful weaver. |
They say necessity is the mother of invention. It was indeed necessity that birthed the Lehnga. Before 1000 AD, the Sari was the national dress of choice for Indian women. Then, India faced invasions from maNy different directions and it became necessary for the women to have more of a covering than what the Sari provided. The Lehenga, a large piece of cloth worn around the waist as a skirt, provided a more appropriate dress when worn with a head covering, called Odhani, and bodice cloth, called Choli. Initially, the Lehnga was narrow, tied around the waist and held in place with a metal girdle. As popularity increased, lehenga choli went through many transitions to make it more convenient for the wearer. In wedding bridal lehenga are preferred by younger generation.
The loose ends of the cloth were stitched. Its narrow width was increased to make walking easier. The metal girdle was replaced with a piece of cloth, called Nepha, that had tape running through it, called Nara. The Lehnga reached its peak of development under the Mughal kings, becoming a counterpart of the rich dress styles of the Muslim royal women. Today, the ensemble still consists of the traditional long skirt, the Choli and the Dupatta (the Hindu name for the Orhini). The fabrics used are silk, brocade, linen or chiffon. The popularity of the Lehngha has steadily increased. In northern India, it has replaced the Saree as a wedding dress, being made in shades of red, orange or pink. The real beauty lies in the embroidery, or Zari. This art form is mostly passed on from father to son with utmost secrecy. First, the fabric is mounted on a wooden frame. Then, a pattern is traced on to the fabric with neel (chalk) powder. Finally, the actual embroidery is done, using many different types and colors of threads. The Lehnega may even be decorated with stones, pearls, gold and silver cords. The result is one very beautiful part of history which still lives on.
|
