Cotton Khadi

Each region in India has its own unique textile associated with weddings. Here are some of the finest wedding textiles in India. Banarsi sari: Originating from Varanasi, also known as Banaras, in Uttar Pradesh, it is undoubtedly one of the most exquisite and rich saris that are woven in India. Known for its elaborately ornate with heavy gold and silver brocade or zari, fine silk and opulent embroidery, the Banarasi sari is a popular choice for bridal trousseaus. They were introduced in India by the Mughals, and hence, Mughal inspired designs such as intricate intertwining floral motifs, net like patterns, architectural designs along with figures of animals in gold or silver are common. Depending on the intricacy of its designs and patterns, a sari can take from 15 days to a month and sometimes up to six months to complete. The price range of Banarasi saris depends on the intricacy of work. The pure Banarasi silk sarees start from INR 4,500 and can go up to lakhs because of

With the festive season setting in, it’s a great time to bring out the sarees and dress them up in the best way possible. There is no doubt that the saree is the most versatile garment that can lend grace to its wearer. Over the years, the Nivi style has become an extremely popular saree drape. The Nivi drape is pleated and tucked in at the waist and the loose end, or pallav, of the saree is draped over the left shoulder, baring the midriff. But there are over a hundred other saree draping methods in India, each belonging to a different state, adopted by a different culture depending on the occupational, social and environmental status of the wearer. There was a time when the saree was worn by women of all ages and social standings, no matter what the occasion. Over time, this has changed due to lifestyle changes. There is no hard and fast rule to wearing a saree. Most traditional drapes are extremely comfortable. To add to it, most drapes do not require an underskirt or p

We live in a country that is rich in its arts and crafts that have been inherited from a diverse history and varied culture. India is the only country that still produces traditional hand-woven textiles along with all the natural and organic processes involved. We can boast of embroideries, dyeing, printing and weaving processes that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Each and every region of India contributes in creating a myriad of textile tradition. The hilly region of the country produces a rich variety of woollen textiles. The pashmina and shahtoosh shawls of Kashmir, shawls and woollen garments of Himachal Pradesh and other North Eastern states provide excellent examples of world famous woollen Indian textiles. Let’s take a look at some of the most famous woollen textiles produced in India that are sought after the world over. Pashmina: A fine type of Kashmiri wool, textiles made from it were first woven in Kashmir; which is probably the source of the wo

With its shimmering appearance and smooth texture, silk has been enticing Indians for the longest time. In fact, India ranks as the world’s largest consumer of silk and the second largest producer of silk in the world after China. Known as Resham in eastern and north India, and Pattu in the southern parts of India, Silk has a long history in the subcontinent dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization. Silk is considered to be a symbol of royalty, and historically, silk was used primarily by the upper classes. The tradition of wearing silk sarees for marriages and other auspicious ceremonies is a custom in the north eastern state of Assam. In Assam, three different types of silk are produced, collectively called ‘Assam Silk’. These are Muga, Eri and Pat silk. Muga, the golden silk, and Eri are produced by silkworms that are native only to Assam. Muga Silk: Muga silk or the golden silk is not only nature’s gift to Assam, but also a symbol of rich Assamese culture. It

If there is one piece of clothing that unifies our country from North to South, it is the saree. The significance of sarees is perfectly timeless and unmatched. Its design is universal and limitless, referenced around the world for its drape, textile and history. It is versatile and adaptable to context, environment and culture, with its making directly tied to the livelihoods of millions of craftspeople. The existence of the saree can be traced back to the Indus Valley Civilization, which flourished during 2800-1800 BC, and is still worn by Indian women on a regular basis. A six or nine yards long unstitched fabric that can make any woman look elegant and graceful, it is the most versatile piece of fashion a woman can own. The Nivi drape is the most popular style of draping the saree, wherein it is pleated and tucked in at the waist and the loose end, or pallav, of the saree is draped over the left shoulder, baring the midriff. But did you know that there are over a hu

India will be observing National Handloom Day on August 7 th , which commemorates the celebration of aesthetics and indigenous art. India is the only country that still produces traditional hand-woven textiles created by weavers, whereas the rest of the world has lost the art of hand-weaving and loom process, along with all natural and organic processes involved in creating textiles. There is no other country that still has an indigenous fashion like India. Our country is the home to many crafts and textiles that have been sought after by the western world from times immemorial. Even today, Indian weaves constantly make their way onto the international fashion runways. However, in recent times, the production of handloom fabrics has been dwindling. There could be a number of reasons for this decline such as low income to weavers, rising costs of raw material, lack of local demand and cheap knock-offs to name a few. Mill made fabrics and synthetics largely dominate fashion

After an overwhelming response to my last article on how to remove stains, I thought of mentioning a few more stains that are not as common, but as onerous nonetheless. It turns out that I’m not the only person who broods over stained clothes. A stain on your favourite shirt can be quite disconcerting. Before I begin, I would like to stress on how each fabric reacts to certain products differently. Hence it’s of upmost importance that you test your stain removal solution on a discreet area of your garment to make sure it won’t damage the fabric. It is also important to read the manufacturer’s wash care instructions on the garment. If it is a ‘dry clean only’ product, you are left with no choice but to send your garment to the dry cleaners. Also, the sooner you treat a stain, the easier it is for it to come off. Usually, old stains which are dried and set are next to impossible to get rid of. Red wine: Cover the stain with a handful of salt. The salt should begin to absor

With the arrival of the monsoons, our wardrobe undergoes some reshuffling, wherein thicker clothing gets swapped for light weight garments. Putting clothes in storage keeps them safe until you're ready to wear them again. What you need to keep in mind is that the high levels of humidity during these four months of monsoons can be detrimental to our clothes if not stored properly. Mould, mildew, humidity, insects and pests are some of our main concerns. Follow these few useful tips to preserve your clothes and keep them looking fresh season after season. Always clean clothes before storing. Lingering oils from deodorants and perfumes, and perspiration can discolour fabric over time. Food stains will attract moths. Do not iron with starch; bugs love it. Make sure to check the wash care label of the garment you intend to store whether it is meant to be dry cleaned, hand washed or machine washed. Never machine wash a garment that is meant to be dry cleaned. Washing and

When I think of monsoons in Goa, I get a warm and fuzzy feeling as I reminisce about the smell of wet earth during the first rains, the pitter-patter of raindrops against the tiled rooftops, the cleansing of the dusty leaves on the trees and a general feeling of rejuvenation. Rain can be fun in so many ways- splashing around in puddles, going for a hike in the backwoods, movie marathons or devouring hot pakodas with chai while watching the rain fall from a warm cosy place. However, it can be a nightmare when it comes to getting from one place to another during a heavy downpour while you are required to look chic and dry when you reach your destination. Here are a few tips on what to wear during the rainy season so you stay comfortable and stylish at the same time. Colours: A dark and cloudy day can make one feel gloomy. Beat the dull and grey weather with bright colours such as reds, yellows, oranges, blues and greens. Avoid wearing whites at all cost since no matter ho

The first thought that newly engaged brides-to-be have is starting their search for their “perfect” wedding dress. Most women have dreamed of their big day all their lives, and the pressure to find the wedding dress that matches those dreams is unreal. Although planning the wedding and finalizing the design of the dress is a fun process, for many it can be extremely stressful and confusing. Relax! De-stress and enjoy the experience. The trick is to start planning very early so that you don’t have to run around at the very last minute. Decide on your budget for the dress and whether it will be a readymade one or customized to your taste. Your dress should suit the activities and style of your wedding. Ask yourself questions like, “Do I feel beautiful in this dress?”, “Can I dance and move around all night?”, or “Can I sit down?” Dresses with beautiful trains, and detailing across the hem are great, but don’t forget about the top of your dress as well as, as that part of

I see extraordinary women around me every day. Amazing, captivating, inspiring! Most of them don’t even realize how extraordinary they are. They just go about doing their everyday chores, multitasking and being the best they can. Lovers, learners, healers, nurturers and carers. Women are everything and more. I could go on and on about so many women who have inspired me all through my life, but I would like to particularly reminisce about the three women who have shaped me and made me who I am today. These three women are my grandmother, my mother and my nanny. THE DISCIPLINARIAN: My mother was a teacher. That would probably explain why she was so strict with us. But there’s more to her than what meets the eye. My mother raised me and my sister single-handedly since my father worked abroad. It is not easy playing the role of both parents to a child, but my mother did it and I will always admire her for it. My mother has always been meticulous, hardworking, organized, punc

April 24 th is observed as “Fashion Revolution Day”, while “Fashion Revolution Week” takes place during the week of 24 th April every year. Fashion Revolution is a global movement calling for greater ethics, sustainability and transparency in the fashion industry. Fashion Revolution Day commemorates the anniversary of the 2013 Rana Plaza building collapse in Bangladesh, when nearly 1133 people died and over 2500 were injured. These were the victims of an industry dominated by large global corporate groups and their sponsored media who encourage a dream lifestyle of selfishness, apathy, superficiality and greed to a growing worldwide audience of billions. Fast fashion is an industry which provides the latest fashion at low prices. It is an industry that thrives on planned obsolescence, ignorance and waste. It promotes the increase in consumer’s demand for buying more and more by creating a culture of fast changing trends. To keep up with the insatiable need for buying more a

On the 31 st of October, many countries around the world will observe “Halloween”. It is a Western Christian feast and a prelude to the three-day observance in the liturgical year dedicated to remembering the dead, including saints (hallows), martyrs and all the faithful departed. While it has never been a major festival in India, in recent times, due to the awareness created by the media, Halloween has gained popularity even among the non-Christians. Most of the youth are aware of this festival and celebrate by attending Halloween costume parties. Many a clubs, pubs and other businesses try to capitalize on the concept. Halloween costumes are mostly considered to be scary or outlandish. Here are a few ideas for stylish costumes without the need to look bizarre, overtly provocative or outright creepy. Morticia Addams: I have always been fascinated by this character from the Addams Family. I feel she is mysterious, graceful and elegant. To achieve this look, you w

Summer can be quite a challenging season to dress for many women considering you reveal more of yourself and your body and have fewer layering options at your disposal. What you wear in the summer can also determine how you feel all day long. Inappropriate summer clothing can really wear you down and exhaust all your energy. Although less is more in summer, it does not have to be boring and dull. The trick is to find the right balance between fresh, cool and flattering. Wear natural fibres: Cottons are your best friend in the summer. Cotton fabrics are breathable, absorb sweat and dry faster. Opt for pure cottons. Linen is even better, although more expensive, it is highly absorbent and a good conductor of heat. Linen fabrics are cool to touch and one of the strongest fibres available. Silks are also a good option and can keep you cool. However, they are high maintenance, especially in the summer, and you might want to reserve your silks for the evening or on special occa

May 13 th is mother’s day and every mother is special. Everyone has their own way of showing their mother they care and there’s no better day to tell your mama that you love her than mother’s day. No matter what your age or gender is, there is always something you can do for her to make her feel special. Let her have the day off, make her breakfast in bed, cook for her or take her out to lunch or dinner, present her with flowers or take her shopping. Speaking of shopping, while there are a variety of things in the market that you can buy her, you can never go wrong with fashion. Every woman wants to look her best and fashion is the sure way to go. The trick is to buy her something according to her personal style and that will definitely bring a smile to her face. To make things simpler, I’ve categorized moms into different groups. Each mom fits into one or more groups. All you have to do is figure out which group your mother would fit into and get her something that she’

A wedding day is very special; a day one remembers for the rest of their lives. It is all the more special for a bride because she dreams of spending that day in the most exquisite, extravagant dress. Every bride remembers what she wore on her wedding day and how that dress made her feel. But along with the beauty of the dress also comes the price tag. Wedding dresses are expensive, and often a huge chunk of the wedding budget is spent on the bridal dress itself. This can be quite a waste if the dress is worn just once and then stored away for decades. When making bridal dresses, I often advise the bride to make something she can reuse. After all, why should your gorgeous wedding dress be worn just once! Give it a new life. Here are a few ideas on how to reclaim the dress. Cut it! Cut off the length of your dress to make it a day wear outfit, or even a cocktail dress. You can probably cut off elements from the dress, like sleeves or a train, to give it a whole new l

We’re in February, the month of love. The romantics are gearing up for St. Valentine’s Day which is just around the corner. For those of you who have been single for some time and are looking forward to your first date, there is no reason to panic. We have a few tips on what to wear so your first date is less stressful. The rest is up to you to work your charm. Being well dressed on a first date is extremely important as it is like personal branding. What you wear says a lot about you, and will attract the kind of person you want. Follow these pointers for him and for her and you’re sure to achieve the results you’re looking for. For HER: Dress up to look and feel confident; and to do that you need to be comfortable in what you wear. How you feel will dictate how your date goes. If you are comfortable, most likely that your date will feel comfortable as well. Avoid clothes that require constant adjustment. A good fit will boost your confidence. Avoid oversized