Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Fashion in India

India has a rich and varied textile heritage, where each region of India has its own unique native costume and traditional attire. While traditional clothes are still worn in most of rural India, urban India is changing rapidly, with international fashion trends reflected by the young and glamorous, in the cosmopolitan metros of India. Fashion in India is a vibrant scene, a nascent industry and a colorful and glamorous world where designers and models start new trends every day.

While previously a master weaver was recognized for his skill, today a fashion designer is celebrated for his or her creativity. Young urban Indians can choose from the best of East and West as Indian fashion designers are inspired by both Indian and western styles. This fusion of fashion can be seen on the streets and ramps of the fashionable cities of India. Fashion in India is also beginning to make its mark on the international scene as accessories such as bindis (red dots worn on the forehead), mehendi (designs made by applying henna to the palms of the hands and other parts of the body) and bangles, have gained international popularity, after being worn by fashion icons like the pop singers Madonna and Gwen Stephani.



Fashion in India has become a growing industry with international events such as the India Fashion Week and annual shows by fashion designers in the major cities of India. The victories of a number of Indian beauty queens in International events such as the Miss World and Miss Universe contests have also made Indian models recognized worldwide. Fashion designers such as Ritu Kumar, Ritu Beri, Rohit Bal, Rina Dhaka, Muzaffar Ali, Satya Paul, Abraham and Thakore, Tarun Tahiliani, JJ Valaya and Manish Malhotra are some of the well known fashion designers in India.

Fashion in India covers a whole range of clothing from ornate clothes designed for wedding ceremonies to prĂȘt lines, sports wear and casual wear. Traditional Indian techniques of embroidery such as chikhan, crewel and zardosi, and traditional weaves and fabrics have been used by Indian designers to create Indo-western clothing in a fusion of the best of East and West.

Traditional costumes in India vary widely depending on the climate and natural fibres grown in a region. In the cold northern state of Jammu and Kashmir, people wear a thick loose shirt called a phiran to keep them warm. In the tropical warmth of south India men wear a sarong like garment called the mundu, while women drape 5 meters of cloth around their bodies in the graceful folds of the saree. Sarees are woven in silk, cotton and artificial fibres. Kanjivaram, Mysore, Paithani, Pochampalli, Jamdani, Balucheri, Benarasi, Sambalpuri, Bandhini are some varieties of beautiful sarees from different regions of India. In the dry regions of Rajasthan and Gujarat men wrap and twist a length of cloth in the form of a dhoti around their lower limbs and a shirt-like kurta above. Colorful turbans complete the picture. In the northeastern regions the tribal communities such as Khasis, Nagas, Mizos, Manipuris and Arunachalis wear colorful woven sarong-like clothing and woven shawls that represent the identity of each tribal group. In urban India the salwar kameez and the churidar kameez, are commonly work by women and the saree is worn on formal occasions. Men wear kurtas and pajamas, or a sherwani for formal wear. Western wear such as shirts and trousers are commonly worn by men across India. Jeans, T-shirts, capris, bermudas and various kinds of casual clothing are worn by the young and the young at heart, who are the trendsetters of fashion in India.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Women Fashion Trends 2010

While the last decade saw the fashion circuit being dominated by tight jeans, the women fashion wear trends in 2010 has seen the emergence of loose pants. So go for a baggy jeans and throw on a loose kurti or tunic this year. Wearing sporting attire is also a trend in 2010. So you can see in the fashion stores, designer jogging suits and fashionable sweat pants. These two trends have clearly shown that fashion 2010 is more focused on comfort, rather than looks.

Hot ladies shorts in bright and vibrant colors have made their way in 2010. Colorful chunky jewelry and accessories and big glasses play a major role in adding glamour to your ensemble. Do not wear too short shorts so as to make yourself a fashion disaster. A sultry and sexy high dress is in for those who do not prefer to wear shorts. This particularly looks good on those who have well toned legs and skin.

Full skirts are out in 2010 and this trend has been replaced bandage skirts. In fact, the fashion designers have concluded that the bandage skirt is the "it" piece of fashionable clothing for women for work or a night out. A fitted top gives the perfect slim figure look, accentuating the waistline. Mini skirts in neutral tones are also in this year.

Women fashion trend 2010 has also seen the casual fitted t-shirts paired with denim jeans looking good on women for that cool look. Denim jeans will never be going out of fashion. There is a comeback of torn jeans teamed with white t-shirt.

Business suits in the form of blazers and formal trousers are still in, giving importance to masculine gender dresses. This has now been extended to long length blazers with leggings or shorts, with beads and bangles for that feminine look. The knee length capri, showing off a toned calf, is also seen among the younger lot in 2010. It is decent, cool and still looks hot.

Another fashion trend that is seen in 2010 is to be bold and beautiful with some revealing styles. Long, floor length dresses are gone. In fact women are willing to go sleeveless with strong lines to look sexy just by displaying enough cleavage, and a cut at the waist defining the curves rather than being covered by wearing a long dress.  The revealing fabric is in fashion.

What to Buy Now: Skinny Black Pants

Although I love skinny jeans, leggings and dressier black pants, I really wanted another option. So I was thrilled to find Gap's Really Skinny black pants (Buy Direct) which blends the qualities I love of all three types of bottoms. These black pants are cut slim so they go with everything skinny jeans will go with (I like wearing mine with chunky wedges and boots), they have tons of stretch (5% Spandex) so they are as comfy as leggings and they're black so they are dressy enough for work (I wore mine one day to Fashion Week.) Lots of sizes and lengths, so there's something for almost everyone.

Fashion Trends Fall 2010

Minimalism is one of the hot new fashion trends appearing this fall. For this look "Less is more". It is effortless, clean and classic. The key is to use simplistic pieces in demure colors. Unpretentious, understated and simple, it gives an air of confidence and low maintenance. There is something oh so refreshing about this style, after endless amounts of sequins, studs, zippers, rivets, and frills. Although you might have previously dismissed this look for being too "plain jane", give it a try this fall. It looks great on almost anyone and besides you probably have everything you need already in your closet!

Things not to do when trying to achieve this look. DO NOT use bright tacky colors or items that are either too baggy or too tight. Try to stick to neutrals such as black, white, gray, tans, and earthy shades. With this look do not use makeup that is too bright use natural looking makeup. With this look play up your hair by straightening it and finishing with a shine spray. Wear shoes that are plain and in shades of either black or brown. Things that you can use for this look: Plain skirts that are just above the knew. Plain solid colored t-shirts. Slip dresses, etc. Do not accessorize with chunky or bright jewelry but instead opt for subtle pearls or or simple gold or silver necklaces. Remember that you are trying to look as simple as possible! Do not have bright nails either. Go for a nude, clear, or light pink polish.

My first fashion blog..

Welcome to my blog...