Silk fabrics in the ancient times were meant for the powerful and rich. From the mythology tales and ancient texts we get to know that the silk fabrics were developed and cultured for the Royals. Now with the change of times anybody can buy silk products and use them without reservation. However, silk is still the most expensive and sought after fabric.
The saree is worn over a petticoat along with a blouse.The Tussar Silk is produced from the wild variety of silkworms, Antheraea mylitta or Antheraca proylei species. The fabric varies from a medium to heavy in weight. The silk is produced from a special type silkworm, which instead of mulberry feeds mostly on oak leaves. Tussar silk is spun by the worm in an oval, single-shelled cocoon, with hard, non-flossy, fine-grained shell. The cocoons are mostly grey or yellow and are compact and hard. Apart from these saris, the artisans from Bengal were adept in designing the traditional Baluchari silk sarees that are hugely popular and sough after among the women of the entire country.
Tussar silk or Kosa silk is valued for its texture and purity as it is naturally available in shades of honey, tawny, gold-pale, cream, dark beige, etc. Tussar silk saris are considered to be auspicious. The fabric comes in a range of colors and is designed with a variety of natural motifs. The tussar silk is also produced in the state of Bihar. It has been found that tussar silk fabric is of five different types, and usually with a tussar warp and mixed tussar-cotton weft, they were all tussar-cotton mixes, and four types were exported out of state.
Mixed tussar-cotton and plain tussar are the two types of tussar sari that are woven today. Plain tussar saris are popular throughout India and are made from reeled (not spun) threads. Tussar silk has some varieties that are used for various purposes by the women of India. The tussar saris like `mukta` and `sania` are famous among the Jains and the hindus respectively. Local saris are still created from mixed tussar-cotton fabric.
The Tussar Silk is back in fashion with a distinctive light weight loft and golden haze. The latest fashion statement is the Pashmina sari, which is a blend of tussar silk and wool. These Sarees are being produced in Madhya Pradesh, are a combinations of bagh printing and threadwork.
Even the Tangail Jamdani has a huge demand in all over and are also made in tussar silk. The women of Bengal normally during the pujas wear `garod` sarees with a variety of designer blouses. ‘Garod’ meaning white refers to the silk which has not been dyed. According to history, the local ‘Raja’ usually draped in these Garod saris during the important part of the festival. Silk is graded in deniers, unlike cotton, which is graded in counts. In cotton the material is thicker when the count is less. However in silk the opposite is true, lesser the denier the finer is the silk and heavier the silk when the denier is thicker. The most expensive Silk Sarees have handcrafted intricate embroidery done using golden threads and are called Zardosi. The chief varieties of silk saris are – Tussar / Kosa, Sambhalpuri, Paithani, Muga, Banarasi, Patola, Baluchori, Chanderi, and Maheshwari.
The entire weaver’s villages nestling in rural Bengal, punctuated by pukurs (ponds), among the lush green paddy fields, are engaged in creating the equivalent beauty of poetry in fabric. These weavers have made it possible to keep alive a priceless heritage of highly stylized weaving techniques. The eastern handloom industry has had its share of bumpy rides, but the Bengal handlooms have survived the ups and downs and become a household name. The exquisite brocade sarees woven from the special tussar silk are something West Bengal is renowned for. The fibers used are of fine in nature, dyed in colors made from natural materials. These saris are comfortable and light. The fabric has wrinkled and creased surface and also has a matte finish.
The brocade tussar saris have heavy ornamental designs. The ‘pallu,’ the free edge of the sari features jacquard designs. The classic Bengali motif with a Mughal touch is used in the sari is the classic.
Today sari is not the only thing silk is resgtricted to. A variety of men’s and ladies’ like dhoties, dupattas, scarfs, turbans, garments, fabrics, caps, handkerchiefs, shawls, ghagras or lehengas, and even bedcover, cushions, curtains and quilts are being made of silk.
Tussar Silk Sarees – pride of Bengal December 14, 2009
Satin Lehnga Choli: a silken touch to traditional attire December 9, 2009
Indian Lehenga choli has traveled an extensive way from the royal courts of Mughal Empire to a preferential dress of Indian women for all kinds of formal occasions. It is fascinating to know about lehenga history, which says that it is worn by women since Mughal era. At that time it was considered as a dress that had the ability to decorate Indian beauty in the most self-effacing way. Even today, the quintessence of Mughal culture is very much intact and is portrayed in conventional Mughal designs.
Through history, the lehenga has undergone very modest alterations. In fact even today leading manufacturers do not fail to lift traditional patterns form the golden Mughal era. The ensemble still comprises a conventional long skirt, the choli and the dupatta. The fabrics used to make the lehenga are in fact the same as those used under the grand Mughal King, Akbar i.e. silks, satins and brocades.
Satin has a lush, rich and silken feel. Usually used as a lining material, satin fabric is also used to make Indian dresses. Indian satin lehenga cholis have become very trendy since satin is versatile and can carry substantial embroidery weight. Satin lehenga choli is fundamentally worn by muslim ladies. Satin ghagra cholis are generally of brilliant colours, especially red and maroon, which are very common.
Satin Fabric
Satin is a cloth that characteristically has a glossy surface and a dull back. A satin is a warp dominated weaving technique that forms a minimum number of interlacing in a fabric. If a fabric is formed with a satin weave using filament fibers such as silk, nylon, or polyester, the corresponding fabric is termed a “satin.”
Design
Various designs available on satin ghagras are as follows:
- Satin ghagra with golden hand embroidery on choli.
- Satin ghagra with golden zardozi, stones and beads embroidery all over choli and skirt.
- Satin ghagra with beautiful resham embroidery.
- Satin ghagra with zardozi embroidery on Choli and so on.
Whatever the design or colour of such ghagra cholis may be, the very rich and glossy feel of the fabric make satin lehenga cholis very attractive and gorgeous.
Satin lehenga is the most preferred dress during Navratri and weddings/parties as well. Due to its luster it glitters as light falls on it. Mirror work is not required on this outfit as it exudes its own sheen. This type of dress is famous all over India.. Being made up of satin fabric it is of high significance. Satin Lehanga cholis offers an incredible variety of embellishments and craftsmanship. The Satin lehanga cholis set can be worn either with or without a ‘dupatta’ which is a long thin shawl draped over the shoulders. Some of them come with weighty embroidery and loaded designs which are usually worn on special occasions. All these qualities have indeed made the Satin lehenga choli as one of the most preferential items in the women wardrobe.
Churidar Salwar Kameez – Your Wardrobe Beautification December 2, 2009
Churidar salwar kameez has been quite a rage among Indian women since a long time. The young and the old prefer this chic and graceful outfit even in the fast moving modern world of today. It has become the desired outfit of fashion designers for flaunting their cultural originality all around the world.
Indian ethnicity is getting global day by day in regards to Saree and Salwar Kameez. Globalization is happening all around the world in languages, in clothes and in lifestyles and is being acknowledged by the entire human race. Majority of the Indian garments are worn by people all over the world. Even foreigners are now seen draped in sarees, ghagras, suits and other such Indian dresses.
In the near future, the Churidar shalwar kameez is most likely to become the preferred choice of designers, because of its perfect blend of tradition and ethnicity. Experimentation and work on the Indian salwar kameez, the advent of which dates back to the 12th century, has widely been done in the past and is going on till today.
Earlier, wearing a shalwar kameez symbolized the humble lower middle class background of the average Indian girl. Urban Indian females didn’t find this garment as a fitting entry into their cool city lives. However, with the changing times, there has also come an alteration in the approach and outlook towards the attire. As a result of Fashions weeks and the advent of designer suits, the latest-fashion-trend tabbing youngsters are keenly wearing the Indian salwar kameez without having to be coaxed into wearing them.
Churidar salwar kameez has seen a new dawn after their rampant use by serial and film actresses of today. Women are now eagerly waiting for the newest trend in salwar kameezes being showcased and flaunted by their favorite actresses or designers. A traditional wear like the shalwar kameez is getting named after actresses of popular daily soaps, like: Prerna suits and sarees, Kumkum suits and sarees, Sadhna suits and sarees, Akshara suits and sarees, Bebo salwar kameez and so on.
In order to strengthen the beauty of the Indian salwar kameez, fashion designers are putting in loads of efforts in creating that ideal Embroidered Indian Churidar Kameez. One can view the true splendor of salwar suits in chiffon sleeves or silk kameez’s. A complimenting dupatta with beautiful tie ups gives an astonishing look to the girl of today.
The Indian Churidar kameez with traditional embroidery flaunts our Indian ingenuity. Chickan work in needlework is all the rage across India. Keeping this chic and graceful attire in the wardrobe proves the elegant fashion taste of a young India. Designers are using embellishments and graceful detailing by sequins works at the sleeves and necklines of a salwar kameez with an intention of giving a cultural look apart from adding a special elegance in them. They are working really hard to make a Churidar salwar kameez appealing and eye-catching according to the choice of young women of today.
The Complete Resource Book for Famous Indian Attire December 1, 2009
If you are a person passionate to know more about Indian Saris and its ways of preparation methods like weaving styles and its importance, then you must refer the book “‘Indian Saris: Traditions – Perspective – Design” written and compiled by Vijay Singh Katiyar.The book was written over four and half years focusing on the Indian Sari as a product fulfilling all the aspects of people’s needs like psychological, physical and social and its unexplored relation ship with the people.
The book mainly based on old and famous attire Indian Sari was released in New Delhi on Wednesday, November 11.The goal of the writer was not only to describe the complex traditional significance art of the Indian Saree and throw light on the modernity of the Indian Saree prevailing from ages but also pay a tribute to the hardwork and genious of Master weavers of Indian.
This prestigious book on Indian Saree was released in India by Wisdom tree and the National Institute of Design at an event hosted mutually by Craft House and Chivas.The book was presented by the country known Lok Sabha member Maharani Chandresh Kumari, the volume showcase images and stunning visuals of the wide range of Indian Sari and visuals are well arranged starting from past to the modern contemporary designs acting as a complete resource to visualize the famous Indian Saree attire and know it closely then ever.
The book has already received international status because it was launched in London in the United Kingdom this year in April and this will help this famous attire of India to have a presence across the globe.
The book is available in a hardback edition and prices at 3495 INR only. The readers can also find more information on Indian Sari like design jargon and different style of draping this attire.
On this auspicious occasion, Mr Vijay Singh Katiyar conveyed his association with handloom industry as a designer and his past experiences encourage him to write this book to present the Indian Sarees to the users from a designer’s perspective and mind and showcase its nuances, benefits and added that traditional sarees design can be a key point in growth of the creative industries.
He explains further that study of the traditions has been done more from a social culture boundary but one must also understand that design and comprehensiveness are also important and play a key role in the growth of the handloom sector and paves way for its development.
The writer has already completed a book on similar theme in the past known as of ‘Design Education: Tradition and Modernity’ and has begin his work on writing a book for different draping styles of Indian Sari from its Culture, History and association point of view.
Indian Embroidered Sarees, A Style That Lingers November 25, 2009
One of the most beautiful attire that enhances and brings out the essence of womanliness is the Indian Saree. An Indian Sari or Saree have always contributed largely to an Indian woman’s wardrobe. Indian Sarees traces its origin back to the Indus Valley Civilization. It was born in both South and North India and has now become a symbol for the whole of Indian Culture. Indian Embroidered Sarees are another art worth to be admired in the nation.
An Indian Saree is worn over a petticoat along with a blouse or a choli. It is a strip of unstitched cloth varying in its length from four to nine metres and is draped over the body in different styles. The most common style of wearing an Indian Sari is to wrap it around the waist and drape it over the shoulder with the midriff laid bare.
Embroidery is an art of decorating a fabric with a variety of color combinations and embellishments; embroidery in India was known from prehistoric times but it was in the 16th century that the embroidery flourished and encouraged by the Mughal emperors. Even today, Muslim craftsmanship and karigars takes it forward and turn it into a Work of Art. Thus with the emerging trends and fashion Indian Embroidered Sarees are much more beautiful than ever before.
Embroidered Sarees in India brings in a huge selection of intricately crafted different types of workmanship. Indian Embroidered sarees incorporates several techniques and materials like pearls, metals, beads, sequins and many more. To name a few types of embroidery in India there are Aari, Chikankari, Resham, Gotta Patti, Zari and Parsi embroidery along with Stone, Cutdana and Beadwork. The fabric range also varies from Silks to treated silks like Georgette, Crepe, Chiffon to Tussars and Nets.
Today innumerable young talent with tremendous potential and professionalism has delved in this field and provides one with a pool of varied designs. The team of Indian Designers creates exaggerated styles with sensual patterns. They are also collectively responsible for contributing to the Indian Fashion. And with more infra-structural facilities along with well-equipped production unit Indian Designer Sarees have carved out a niche of its own in the International Fashion scenario.
Today one can easily access the vast array of quality sarees with just a click. There are a number of companies that have launched their websites to exhibit unmatched orbit of Indian Designer Sarees. These companies have smothered the art of Selling Embroidered Sarees in India Online at an affordable price range. Even a non-Indian can enjoy the fun of bringing in a bit of India to her wardrobe through online shopping.
In a nutshell Indian Sarees have an appeal worldwide. They have been manufactured dexterously be a team of adept professionals and are perfect to be worn at several occasions like weddings, festivals and other ceremonies. Indian Embroidered Sarees are treat to the eye with the charm and warmth of the wearer’s personality engulfing all the others around her.
Jacquard Lehnga Choli; The specialized look November 24, 2009
Lehenga and ghagra choli are in great fashion now-a-days. Jacquard lehnga choli and ghagras are some of the best available designer outfits highly suited for wedding occasions. These stylized lehenga and ghagra choli, made from high quality Jacquard fabric is one of the best in the market. The fabrics include, satin silk, cotton, chiffon, georgette, crape and many more.
These Jacquard handloom manufactured fabrics, cater to the needs and specifications of different clients and customers. The wide variety of Jacquard garments is woven on specialized auto looms and the fabrics are made from guaranteed natural fibers. The lehenga and ghagra choli are available in a wide range of patterns and have a very soft texture. These ghagra and Jacquard lehenga cholis are also shrink-free and resistant to color fades and tear. Each single choli and ghagra is creatively designed to suit different occasions. They have a unique color combination which is greatly appreciated by a wide range of customers around the world.
The exclusive range of Jacquard ghagra choli and lehenga choli come in various designs and colors, leaving all fashion enthusiasts spellbound. The lehenga which is a formal dress for occasions like marriage parties and weddings is one of the oldest ethnic Indian wear. This attire is not only gorgeous looking but also has a unique style of its own. Jacquard designs have a flamboyant appeal and make the look ravishing.
And this is what the brides look for now-a-days. The cholis may differ from short length to long ones. The ghagras and lehengas are mostly embroidered with elaborated designs. You will also find stones studded ghagras but that would cost you a little more. The satin and silk based ghagras have an exotic look and are best suited for wedding occasions. For such occasions, you can choose from a variety of designs that include bead works, sequins, embroidery, crystal work etc. You will also find Jacquard lehenga and ghagra with zardozi work, mirror work, pearl, gold thread work, and antique works. Besides there are also crinkles tissue work, ari work and tussar work.
Ghagra choli and lehenga reflect a blend of modern and the traditional. Each Jacquard designer ghagra and choli piece has a unique design and gorgeous embellishment. Jacquard designs are tantalizing and have an artistic texture. The Jacquard ghagras made from silk fabrics, satin and georgette are much in demand by customers. The fabric colors vary from vibrant to light shades while designs include both heavy and lightly stitched motifs. Jacquard ghagra sets are also available in uncommon shades like olive green, turquoise, wheat, salmon so on. The price range varies according to designs and embroidery work.
The brilliantly crafted Jacquard designs, patterns and colors are not only eye catching, but also inspire feminism to a great extent. Wearing Jacquard outfits is worth its price. Jacquard choli and lehenga is popular not only in India but also abroad. Customers can choose from the huge collections and innovative designs available in the market. You can shop these items from garment shop or buy them online on the internet.
South Indian Silk Sarees-Here Tradition Meets Beauty November 9, 2009
Silk for Silk Sarees must have rich, vibrant and brilliant hues.Silk Sarees from Kancheepuram are the best in the world. Indian Silk Sarees are admired all over the world – for its pure variety of designs, weaving and superiority. This is principally due to the fact that India has the distinctive characteristic of producing diverse varieties of silk.
Silk is a protein fiber, formed by silkworms for spinning around its cocoon. This fiber (filament) is unwound to obtain the silk. The yarn is produced by twisting the fiber, which is then dyed, wrapped and lastly woven to make the fabric. There are four major varieties of silk produced by each distinct variety of silkworm feeding on a definite host plant. The varieties are Kancheepuram, Bandhni, Ikkat and Patola and Thanchoi.
Silk Sarees are an important part of the South Indian tradition. Now that the world has become a global village, Kanchipuram and other such South Indian Silks are available all around the world. However, the chief manufacture of these beautiful Sarees is still centred in Kanchipuram and other small towns in South India.
The origin of the Indian Silk Saree dates back to centuries ago, when these Sarees used to be woven in temples. The sarees, woven from unadulterated mulberry silk, are found in innumerable colours. These Sarees have borders and ‘pallu’ in contrast colour combinations with weighty gold weaving. Kanchipuram sarees conventionally had designs representing simple gold lines or gold dots. The designs in these south Indian Sarees were motivated by the designs in South Indian temples or natural elements like birds, leaves, etc. Some of the finest known patterns in Kanchipuram saree borders are ‘Rudraksham’ (representing Rudraksha beads), ‘Gopuram’ (representing temples), ‘Mayilkan’ (Peacock eye) and ‘Kuyilkan’ (Nightingale eye). Keeping in view the changing trends, south indian silk sarees have undergone a makeover. Now, even designer silk sarees are obtainable, with embroidery or crystal work done on the traditional silk. One of the newest trends in these sarees is using antique paintings and the images of gods and goddesses in the ‘pallu’.
In an authentic south Indian Silk Saree, the body of the saree and the ‘pallu’ are woven separately and then stitched jointly. The unique weaving technique of a Kanchipuram silk saree or any such South Indian sarees,is by using three single threads of silk yarn alongside a ‘zari’, that is silk threads dipped in liquid gold and silver. The mulberry silk comes from south India itself and the gold ‘zari’ comes from Surat.
The famous towns for the manufacture of such sarees like Kanchipuram are known as the “Silk City” because almost ¾ of its population is dependent upon the silk industry. Trained and expert weavers from neighboring towns like Salem, Arani, Coimbatore and Kumbakonam are also involved in the production of silk sarees.
Three weavers roughly take 7 to 10 days to weave one saree (46″ X 168″), making the manufacture of south Indian silk sarees quite expensive. However,we all know, that beauty always come with a good price tag.
Wearing Indian Saree in Tamil Style November 3, 2009
A charming folktale explains…
The Saree, it is said, was born on the loom of a whimsical weaver. He dreamt of a Woman. The sparkle of her tears, the drape of her tumbling hair, the colors of her numerous moods, the smoothness of her touch. All these he wove together. He couldn’t discontinue. He wove for several yards. And when he was done, the story goes; he sat back and smiled and smiled and smiled.”
In India, the majority of women wear a saree. The saree is an extensive piece of cloth about a meter wide and 5 to 5 1/2 meters long. The saree is draped over a long skirt. A tight fitting blouse called a choli is worn on the upper part of the body. The saree draping style is aboriginal for different parts of the country. Wearing the Indian saree in Tamil style can be done in two ways:
Dravidian style: The classic Dravidian sari is the “veshti-mundanai”, which is draped in two parts: The veshti wraps the lower body, while the mundanai, or mundu, is an add-on to the veshti. The draping of the veshti is rather easy as it draped like a towel about the waist and is usually 4 yards in length. This is then folded in half along the length. The mundunai is typically one yard in width and two yards in length. Some of these sarees are markedly characterized by a pleated rosette also called pinkosu at the waist.
Madisaara Style: This saree draping style is common among the Brahmin ladies of Tamil Nadu and other parts of south India. This style of sari is worn on celebratory occasions or ceremonies and since the style of draping this sari is unlike the other styles; nine-yard sari is essential to wear this style. The Madisar sari is draped in the following way: The sari is precisely wrapped around the waist, with the one end of sari on the right side, while the rest of the saree on the left. A knot is tied at the left waist tightly. The remaining sari is gathered near the waist. Then a bit of the fabric is tidily slipped into the right side of the waist. The end of the sari is then pleated into folds and tucked into the waist. The rest of the fabric then folded into 4 to 5 fold, with every fold measuring roughly three fourth of the hand. The pleated sari is then brought at the backside with the folded saree between the legs. After carefully gathering the folds, it is trimly tucked at the back side of waist. The sari is then gathered to the right side in front and wrapped over the left shoulder. The end or pallu of the sari is then assembled around the waist and efficiently tucked into the left side of the waist.
Wearing the Indian saree in Tamil style gives atypical traditional look. A feminine prerogative is added to the woman’s beauty. With only tucks and folds, it is worn in such a manner that it sheaths the body almost entirely. The diffident Indian woman covered from head to toe, presents an image of humility.
Indian Saree Motifs and Designs October 31, 2009
Saree motifs and designs in India are crafted in bright and classy colours. These are designed according to the trends of different regions of India. The motifs and designs are available in georgette sarees, sequin sarees, casual sarees and several other sarees. Saree motifs and designs are famous in India as well as in the international market. These Indian designer saris are beautifully crafted from different fabrics in variable patterns and bright color combinations. Motifs objects like conch, elephant, horse, peacocks, parrots, fish, hunting scenes, scenes from the epics are elementary designs in today’s designer Indian saris.
Saree motifs and designs in Indian sarees provide the specific needs, tastes and a traditional looks to Indian women. Women residing in India or abroad prefer designer sarees rather than other dresses for wedding and different other functions and are considered more cultural women. Indian designer sarees are in high demand around the world due to its quality material and look that are time taking and are made with great efforts. You can get these designer saris in variable shades and in an eye-catching appeal. Sarees in their every form typifies the eternal beauty of the female form. The motifs in Indian sarees indeed play an important role as to a large extent the fame and elaboration of this magical cloth depends largely on these.
Saree motifs and designs are knitted on the whole fabric and in the border of the saree. These motifs and designs woven on the Indian sarees are generally symbols of birds, floral design, animals, ornamental designs and several other intricate figures and designs. Some of the saree motifs and designs in Indian designer sarees are hand woven which are knitted with heavy gold silk threads in a three-dimensional effect. You can find out saree motifs and designs with stones, beads, sequins, and silk threads embroidered in different patterns. These Indian designer sarees are made attractive with variable designs and motifs along with embroidered floral works. They have gorgeous blouse pieces and pallu with bandhini dyed leaf design work.
Lehngas and Ghagras October 28, 2009
There is not much difference in a Lehnga and a Ghagra. Lehngas cover the full length below the waist and touch the floors, but, comparatively Ghagras are slightly shorter. The lehngas come in two varieties – sharara and gharara. The sharara style is sleeker. It runs close to the body till the knees and then broadens in full flare at the falls and borders. It is like the ground-kissing gowns of the Western world. It renders a mermaid look. The gharara is split like a divided skirt. Both are worn with a kurti and a full odhni.
Complimenting the loose-fit ghagras and lehngas, the choli snugly fits the bust of the woman to define the curvaceous female form. The choli usually has heavy embroidery-work over thick fabric. Ghagra-choli, or lehnga- choli can also make a thin figure gain a few virtual inches or a plump figure look slimmer. A choli that has the same color as of the lehenga, made of the same fabric and with vertical stripes, de-emphasizes bulk. In addition to these, an exaggerated shoulder gives a taller appearance to a shorter woman. Flouncy ghagras should be avoided by those who are not so tall and shapely. Appliqué work suits a slimmer woman especially when poised with multiple patch work or horizontal stripes suit thins and narrow-shouldered women well.
Ghagra-cholis have come out of the label of wedding-wear and bridals and came out into competition with party attires. Woman still believe in a slight modification of traditional looks and churning out great fusions. Fusions have always struck a balance between tradition and western trends. Once this was understood, there was no looking back for lehngas and ghagras with sleek cholis. It came out afresh with a challenge to party wears like spaghettis or tank tops and gowns.
