As is the case with a number of things, Westernization hashad its impact on Indian clothing as well. A significant part of the Indianpopulation has turned to Western garments such as jeans, trousers, skirts,T-shirts, suits and shirts, and prefer them over traditional clothing such assarees and dhotis. There is, however, a certain section of the population that prefers to stick to traditional Indian clothing. Interestingly in the last decade, a beautifulamalgamation of Indian and Western clothing has become popular, which has cometo be known as 'Indo-Western' garments or 'Indo-Western fusion' garments.
Indo-Western fusion garments are being largely preferred by Indian consumers males, females and children alike and have now become 'the inthing'. These garments are gaining acceptance in the Indian mindset, and arebecoming the choice of apparel at formal and informal events, as well as forwork wear. There are several designers who have taken to the designing of Indo-Westernfusion garments. Consequently, there are several such pieces of apparelavailable in the market.
Indo-Western fusion garments are usually a combination ofWestern-style patterns and Indian designs. Usually, in Indo-Western stylesalwar kameez, decorative stoles are used as an accessory for added effect. Anotherway of fusion commonly found in today's times is the use of ethnic embroiderystyles from different parts of India - such as Phulkari from Punjab and mirrorwork from Rajasthan - on dresses with Westernised patterns. Sometimes, moreelaborate embroidery styles such as Meenakari, Kundan, Resham and Zardozi work arealso used. Denim jackets and pants with Indian-style embroidery and otherembellishments on them are all the rage in India today. A shorter version ofthe kurta, called 'kurti', paired with denim pants or trousers is also quitepopular, both among males and females. Another piece of Indo-Western fashionwear that is highly preferred in India is a kurti paired with a straight-cutpant-style salwar and a dupatta. With the passage of time, newer fusion stylesare being developed such as short dupattas, pants with slits and sphagetti-styletops in case of salwar kameez. Patiala-style salwars worn with short shirts isyet another example of Indo-Western fusion wear largely preferred by youngstersin India.
This trend of Indo-Western fusion wear has also gradually spread to bridal wear. Sarees are being draped in the Grecian style, and saree blouses arebecoming more and more Westernised in pattern. Lehengas worn with halter topsis another example of Indo-Western fusion fashion that is being accepted aswedding wear.
This amalgamation of elements from the Indian and Westerncultures is found in accessories as well, especially in case of jewellery. Usually,a light Western touch is added to Indian traditional jewellery, so as to makeit suitable for wearing with fusion wear. Apart from this, large, danglingearrings, beads, and fancy bracelets are also in vogue with fusion garments.
Coming to the reasons as to why Indo-Western fusion fashionhas become so popular in India, several can be cited. Indo-Western garmentshave an elegant and trendy appearance, without losing the touch of Indianculture, making them suitable for wearing at all kinds of occasions. They arethe perfect blend of elements from both Indian and Western cultures, balancingboth, i.e. neither too Americanised nor too ethnically Indian. It is, thus,suitable for wear by almost all age groups, and is all the rage among theyoungsters in India today. Indo-Western fusion garments are available indifferent styles, from daring ones to modest ones. They suit the Indian bodytype rather well. Fusion wear is more comfortable to wear, as against thecumbersome traditional Indian dresses, which is why it is being largely preferred by the working class.
So, the next time you are out shopping for something trendybut comfortable to wear, don't forget to stop for a few pieces of Indo-Westernfusion wear!!
Comments