Bollywood is the fashion trendsetter in India. Despite living in a modern age, the entertainment industry continues to shape the fashion sensibilities of millions of Indians residing in different countries of the world. You might say no, but we have proof of it.
Can we forget those short kurtis worn by Rani Mukherjee in the movie Bunty Aur Babli, Kareena Kapoor’s T-Shirt salwar combo in Jab We Met and the Anarkali borrowed from a grand period film Mughal-e-Azam? We wore them till we could wear them no more. Bollywood has also influenced and redefined India’s traditional wear – Sari.
A sari is a length of cloth measuring 6 or 9 yards. Although, also used by men in earlier centuries, today it is an exclusively feminine garment. It exudes elegance and grace. With over 300 draping styles, it is one of the oldest clothing trends. The traditional sari saw a few bad times in the 20th century as people started favoring western-styled clothing, but thanks to Bollywood and the small screen, it made its comeback with a bang. As hip Bollywood actresses Sushmita Sen (Main Hoon Naa) and Priyanka Chopra (Dostana) donned a sari on the silver screen, almost every household and working woman desired to put her best foot forward in a sari.
An Indian Bride’s Dream – Kanjivaram and Banarasi Silk
Bollywood is all about glitz and glamour in its style and in the fashion trends it sets, but at the same time, it has pioneered the trend of Kanjivaram Saris. Veteran actress Rekha has popularised this silk and gold weave. In fact, it is her signature style as she dons a rich-textured drape to all the wedding ceremonies, award functions and social gatherings she attends. And, each time she wears one, she carries it with élan. Kanjivaram saris are known for their resplendent designs. Hence, they are the best choice of bridal wear.
Spaghetti Strap Blouses – A Chic Ensemble
Probably the boldest alteration to a conservative style such as a sari was the spaghetti strap blouse. The style has been epitomized by none other than the sassy and petite Mandira Bedi at the time of the cricket World Cup way back in 2003. Spaghetti blouse saris are revealing but not indecent. It is this style that is the running style in Bollywood and a style lapped up by commoners at weddings and social occasions.
Pocket Saris – An Evolving Legend
If you love the ease that comes with having pockets on your clothing and hence prefer a pair of jeans to a sari, you’re mistaken. Indian designers are continuously experimenting with design to increase the comfort and practicality of a sari. A tiny pocket stitched to the side, just below the waist, allows a working woman to go hands free. It is wide enough to hold your phone or your iPod and thereby makes sure you’re not cut off from technology despite your traditional attire.
The 6-yard goes abroad
While the sari has made its place in every Indian closet, the Indian garment has also captivated the Westerners. The love for saris has gone global. The dusky beauty Naomi Campbell, the gorgeous Victoria Beckham, the sultry Cameron Diaz, rich and famous Oprah Winfrey and a bevy of tennis players have donned a sari to charity functions or walked the ramp in one.
It’s time to go SHOPPING!
The market for Bollywood-inspired designs has matured greatly over the years. Not only is it possible to get your hands on a sari worn by an actress, but you can also get it in a color and texture of your choice. There is a wide collection of meticulously hand-woven saris to machine-embroidered shimmering drapes, from deep shades to delicate pastels. The choice is open to you.
It is best to buy Bollywood Saris online because of the choice available to you. There are online stores that offer a made-to-order option too that help you to revive an ancient style and design. Besides, with offers such as Deal of the Day India, you can get beautiful saris at discounted prices. From above, it is quite clear that we choose to wear what we see. After seeing several seasons, the sari is today viewed as one of the most glamorous outfits. It flatters the female form when draped flawlessly. It is an every occasion garment. So, here’s to the eternal sari.