Reinventing Charisma of the Kashmiri Attire | Demand for Pheran | Kashmiri Pherans

Kashmir is a state rich incultural heritage, with abundant wealth of religion, arts, crafts, attire andmusic. The rich and deep rooted traditions of the state can be glimpsed intheir clothing, food, culture, and many other ways. The clothing culture of Kashmir is the manifestation of unique socio-cultural ethos of the state. 'Pheran' is oneof the most enduring symbols of Kashmiri culture. It is a customary clothing ofthe state that speaks the tradition and craftsmanship of the local artisans.

For many generations, allpeople, young and old, men and women have worn this long robe to protect themfrom the harsh winter winds. A combination of gown and overcoat, Pheran is agreat leveler. It is a loose fitting gown worn for protection against the cold weather.It is generally made in wool and after tailoring, it is embroidered with floralmotifs and craft traditions of the centuries. It is usually worn in pain, andthe robe hangs down below the knees. The under layer is called 'potsh', and isnormally in light white cotton. Kashmiri women wear pherans with wide sleevesand exclusive embroidery work, while men wear it plain, narrow sleeves, andwith chest open collar. The loose sleeves of the garment are decorated withbrocade. Initially the dress was long, now during the span of time; the lengthof the robe shortened gradually, and is in much fitting. Decorated pherans arean integral part of a Kashmiri bride's trousseau.

Demandfor Pheran:

With the onset of chilly winters,and dense fog, pherans normally see a high demand. It adorns the wardrobes ofthe well heeled, who wear it for occasions to suit their personal tastes. Thistraditional apparel retains its charm not only among the people of Kashmir, but also among the visiting tourists who shop around for this exclusive Kashmiri masterpiece.It easily scores over the current day's winter costumes due to its warmth, andease. Due to its evergreen popularity, pheran has become synonymous with aKashmiri's identity.

ReinventingCharisma of the Kashmiri attire:

The dress consists of mostintricate patterns, which are embroidered by a combination of vibrant colorsand hues. Though many alluring outfits are introduced in the market every now andthen, people prefer the good old phrean to tackle the chilled season in Kashmir. Over the years, changes in the patterns and embroidery have made the pheransappear trendier and appealing. Ivory pherans adorned with aari embroidery,black Kashmiri pherans with needle embroidery, and moss green garment with aariwork are a few modern versions of this age old outfit. This traditionalKashmiri attire has cast its alluring spell over the tourists who prefer totake this dress as an ideal souvenir. Embellished pherans are considered as anexclusive 'work of art', and are seen in the markets of Kashmir as a touristattraction.

Embroidered, designer pehrans indelicate pashmina is never a target for the swiftly changing fads. Indianfashion designers are inspired by pheran. Many of their designer wears have thelook of a pheran. They are frequently seen even in the fashion galleries of Paris. From fashion's purview, this outfit is loose fitting, paving way for more fittedsilhouettes and short lengths.

This lovely attire gives thebeautiful Kashmiri women a more graceful charm. During the passage of time,many appreciable changes have taken place in the dressing style of theKashmiri's. Despite, the transformations in the fashion world, pheran continuesto be a part of the rich Kashmiri tradition and culture. This unique garmentgives warmth to the people, and no dress has come to replace the good oldpheran.

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Fibre2Fashion

Published: Jan 2009

Pheran: Magnum opus of Kashmir Retains its Glory

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Pheran: Magnum opus of Kashmir Retains its Glory

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