India with its vast culture and diversity remains versatile. The blending is well seen in the clothes we wear. The traditional Salwar Kameez, originally worn by Punjabis and Muslims is adapted by all. With the emphasis on presentability, men and women are exploring various trends in Indian clothing. Contemporary traditional works are blended with fusion. Maintaining the ethnicity, the Indian sari is experienced with design, embroidery and well tailored blouses.
Designers embellish the wears, and accessorize it, though the look remains Indian. The Indian village-wear which is basic is modernized and comes to the city. The 'hirkali' sari of Maharashtra or the 'Phulkari duppatta' of Punjab has traveled far to the south of India and abroad too. Indian fashion proves to be effecting seamless integration not restricted to geography. Trends in clothes are much affordable with a little imagination. The erstwhile tailor is now converted to a designer as he / she keeps up with the latest events in fashion. The embellishments like turbans encrusted with gems, crystals on a lehenga, kundan jewelry on a kameez-kurta makes a statement.
The fashion world though fickle, catches the fancy of all, as the kurta soon becomes a kurti, Krishna paintings on shirts, the fast changing length of jeans, the low-waist, fusion work with leggings beneath a batik Kurta is worn by all. Indians have done it proud by winning titles flaunting the sari.
The drying of the sari itself is an art and urban Indian women apply style and comfort in pinning it up. The 9 yard sari of the Maharashtrians and south Indians appears in Paithani, Kanjivaram and pure cottons. Calcutta is famous for its Organza and Orissa for its block prints in ikkat. Banarasi sarees are a must-have in an Indian girl's trousseau. The price of bridal sarees is astronomical but justified for the great day of your life time.
In India and overseas, festive season like Navratri marks the vibrant display of color, design and innovation. The combination of grace, comfort and ethnicity is what makes the Indian clothing appealing. Indian fashion is not restricted to women; the Kutras worn by men, eclectic sherwanis, and dhotis, shoes like mojris, topi and turbans are worn stylishly. The mediums of print, movies and celebrities also play a large role in influencing fashion and setting trends for the season. The latest mantra is to accessorize and team it with detailing. It's a proud feeling to see Indian fashion designers on an international platform showcasing their ensembles.