For centuries, Indian fashion was defined by the royal courts and their extravagant tastes. Lavish silks, exquisite embroidery, and decadent jewels were the norm. The whims of maharajas and maharanis dictated the style. Today, Indian fashion has democratized and diversified. Elegant and luxurious styles are no longer reserved for royalty. Designers are fusing traditional techniques with modern silhouettes to create clothing that is global yet distinctly Indian.
The sari, once the staple of a woman’s wardrobe, now competes with contemporary cuts of salwar kameez and fusion wear. For men, bandhgalas and Nehru jackets are paired with fitted trousers for a regal yet fashionable look. This fusion of old and new, this blend of royal inspiration with runway chic, has given rise to a flourishing Indian fashion industry gaining recognition on the global stage. The journey of Indian fashion from royal courts to runways has been lavish and colorful, filled with a richness of heritage yet always looking ahead to the next trend.
Traditional Indian Attire Through the Ages
India’s elegant and opulent traditional attire has a rich history spanning centuries.
The Mauryan Empire
The Mauryan Empire (322–185 BCE) saw the rise of trade with the West, bringing cotton, linen, silk, and embroidery to royal dress. People then wore unstitched garments like Antalya, muraja, and uttariya. Gold thread, gemstones, and feathers adorned royalty.
The Gupta Empire
The Gupta Empire (320-550 CE) was India’s Golden Age. Trade with the Roman Empire brought new textiles. Royalty wore silk and cotton robes, saris, and turbans with gold and silver thread. Dancers performed in diaphanous silk saris.
Mughal Era
During the Mughal rule from 1526 to 1858, extravagant outfits were popular among aristocratic men and women. Delicate silk kurtas, churidar pajamas, and dupattas richly embroidered with gold and silver threads were common. The peacock motif and paisley prints became iconic.
British Raj
The British Raj from 1858 to 1947 saw Indian fashion influenced by Victorian styles. Western cuts and collars were incorporated into traditional Indian outfits. Bright colors gave way to pastels, and minimal embroidery was favored. The saree underwent a transformation, with shorter and lighter blouses replacing cholis.
Post-Independence
After independence, Indian fashion broke free from Western influences. It saw a revival of traditional textiles and crafts. Floral prints, bandhani patterns, and Gotta Patti embroidery became popular. In the 60s, Bollywood made saris, lehengas, and sherwanis fashionable. In the 21st century, Indian attire has gained global popularity, with designers like Manish Malhotra and Sabyasachi leading the way.
From royal courts to today, Indian fashion has come a long way. Yet, at its heart, it remains an expression of vibrant culture, rich heritage, and timeless elegance. Traditional outfits have endured for centuries and continue to inspire modern interpretations – a beautiful amalgamation of the old and new.
Modernizing Indian Style – The Influence of Globalization
As mentioned, the Indian fashion industry has modernized in recent decades, influenced by globalization and cultural exchange. Designers are reimagining traditional Indian styles and techniques with a modern, global sensibility.
Fusion of Eastern and Western Styles
Many Indian designers are blending traditional Indian textiles, cuts, and embellishments with contemporary Western styles. They create garments like kurtas with asymmetric hemlines, saris with bohemian prints, and lehengas with corset tops. These innovative fusions allow people to celebrate Indian culture while also embracing modernity.
Appeal to Global Markets
With greater cultural exchange, Indian fashion is gaining more mainstream international appeal. Designers are dressing Bollywood stars and selling collections around the world. Their glamorous yet culturally rooted designs have been featured in Vogue, Elle, and on New York and Paris catwalks. This global spotlight has inspired more people to appreciate the beauty of traditional Indian textiles, cuts, and craftsmanship.
Social Media and E-Commerce
Also, social media and e-commerce have allowed Indian fashion to spread beyond the Indian subcontinent. Designers and brands can now easily promote their collections on Instagram and sell garments on their own websites or massive e-retailers like Myntra and Ajio. People anywhere in the world can discover and purchase high-quality, authentic Indian fashion with the click of a button.
While globalization has introduced Western styles into Indian fashion, it has also allowed uniquely Indian styles to flourish and spread around the globe. Modern Indian fashion continues to honor cultural traditions while embracing new technologies and esthetics.
Contemporary Indian Fashion Designers Making Their Mark
When it comes to Indian fashion, fashion designers are taking the elegant styles of the past and reinterpretting them for the modern era. Young, talented designers across India are making their mark on the global fashion scene nowadays.
- Manish Malhotra is one of India’s most successful designers, dressing Bollywood stars and brides in opulent, glamorous designs across the country. His elaborate lehengas, saris, and anarkalis, featuring intricate embroidery, mirror work, and gemstones, epitomize the glitz and glamor of modern Indian fashion.
- Anita Dongre, the creative mind behind the House of Anita Dongre, is known for her eco-friendly, sustainable designs inspired by Indian craft traditions. Her elegant lehengas, tunics, and dresses incorporate handloom textiles, natural dyes, and artisanal embroidery by craftspeople across India. Her designs are perfect for the fashionable woman who wants to make an ethical and stylish statement.
- Ritu Kumar, one of India’s most respected designers, is known as the ‘czarina of Indian fashion’ for helping bring Indian design to the global stage. Her luxurious collections blend rich textiles, prints, and surface ornamentation from across India with Western silhouettes. Her opulent lehengas and saris are a favorite with both Bollywood celebrities and royalty.
So, thanks to the vision and hard work of designers like Malhotra, Dongre, and Kumar, Indian fashion is now celebrated globally. The future of Indian fashion is bright, with young designers across the country ready to make their mark on runways worldwide.
Conclusion
After thousands of years of royalty and tradition, Indian fashion continues to dazzle audiences worldwide. Once confined to royal courts and special occasions, elegant Indian style has found its way onto runways and into mainstream culture. While still paying homage to its rich history, Indian fashion is evolving to match modern tastes. Although Indian fashion was once reserved only for the elite classes, today, people from all walks of life embrace its beauty during weddings, festivals, and other events. Whether donning a sari, lehenga, or Nehru jacket, wearing elegant Indian fashion allows people to honor a proud history while looking glamorous. With a nod to its royal past and an eye on the future, elegant Indian fashion continues to inspire and connect Indians everywhere.