Sarees have always been a significant part of the Indian culture. From ancient ages to this day, saree has made its way. No doubt the versatility of this drape has earned it a secure position in the modern fashion world. No other garment in history has managed to survive this long. Transcending gracefully from an ancient culture to a stunning couture, saree definitely needs a huge round of applauds.
Inspired from tribal saree looks and the royal styles of Indian queens and princesses, you really need to take a look at how this drape has magically transformed over years to cater to the modern fashion requirements. Old-world charm blended with contemporary aesthetics has made the saree a fashion statement once again. Let’s take a peak into the legendary garment’s stunning revival.
Saree- A Timeless Affair
Worn and styled for centuries, sarees have always been tempting. India is the land of sarees where each region has its unique way of weaving, dyeing, and draping the saree. Compared to the recent era, the ancient times were no less in style and fashion. Ever wondered where the current saree inspiration comes from? Our own ancient culture is the answer.
Well, sarees were a part and parcel of life for the ancient women. Royal and tribal-they all wore sarees. Simple drapes, uniquely styled. There were belted drapes, one shoulders, tied as halter necks and even worn as what we now know as tube dresses. There were saree drapes available in these styles back then. Don’t believe us? Take a look.
Saree Evolution Over Years- A Comparison
In the ancient India sarees weren’t just a garment, they also defined a woman’s identity and status. Simple cotton dhotis to regal silks, women chose the fabric according to the occasion. Talking of saree styling and accessorising, the ancient culture was high on styling. If you ever visited the Khajuraho temples, you might have noticed the inscriptions of women in a saree like garment. Accessorised with kardhans and other statement jewellery, they speak of the ancient saree culture. Though the garment depicted is not exactly the saree but quite similar to a dhoti saree with the torso exposed. From then to this day, there have been huge modifications.
1. The Belted Drape
Back then the belted drapes were all about sarees worn with metallic gold or silver belts. These belts were known as ‘Kamarbandh’ or ‘kardhani’. Today, we have traditional belted drapes where women wear metallic or fabric belts. Apart from the traditional belted style, saree designers and stylists have given the belt a style twist by incorporating leather belts with saree. A fusion style, this one is rocking the contemporary saree fashion. The same good old saree but with a hint of modernity.
2. The One shoulder Drape
In India the tribals have been wearing the saree as a one shoulder drape and that too without blouses. This saree style has inspired the current one shoulder sarees, obviously with blouses. But to maintain the look stylists pair the saree with a tube blouse or a one shoulder blouse where the entire blouse is hidden with the pallu.
3. Tube Dress Style Saree
There was yet another style of draping the saree that was quite popular with the tribals. They used to tuck the saree just like you would wrap a towel around your body. Quite similar to a tube dress, this saree style is also a runway style these days. The Coorgi drape is somewhat similar. It takes inspiration from the kodagu style of saree draping, a style of the tribal Kodagu community. Often flaunted by celebrities this one is a trending style.
4. The Dhoti style saree
Women in ancient India used to drape their sarees with back pleats just like a dhoti for easy movement. Royals to tribals all chose this style. It was effortless and beautiful, hence chosen. Today the Nauvari drape from Maharashtra is a modern version of the same.
Role Of The Tribals & the Royalty
Today’s modern drapes draw inspiration from history. The Maharanis and the Rajkumaris of India used to drape sarees in graceful and elegant styles. Their elaborate drapes, rich fabrics, and exquisite jewellery imparted a regal and luxurious look. The modern designers today are bringing back this royal aesthetic with heavily embroidered sarees and dramatic drapes.
On one hand where the Maharanis flaunted luxurious and royal drapes that used to spell opulence, the drape of the commons and the tribals too used to be quite striking as well as practical. They showcased a different kind and style of beauty. Their drapes were often free-flowing, easy to move, and extremely comfortable. Modern designers and stylists have incorporated these relaxed, effortless drapes into runway styles.
Contemporary Drapes and Styles– Blending Tradition And Modernity
No doubt our ancestors were quite stylish. Times have changed but saree fashion has only taken a 360 degree turn. Came back to where we were ages ago. So actually in terms of sarees we are wearing what our daadis and naanis, and their daadis and naanis were wearing. We are not just copying their drape styles, but their accessories too. Belted sarees, saree gowns, and pre-stitched sarees have become trendy now. With a slight variation for functionality, sarees with pockets have been introduced. These variations help in easy draping without compromising on the comfort and elegance quotient.
Social media is hugely influencing the fashion industry these days and young fashion lovers are embracing sarees in new ways. Bollywood celebrities and fashion influencers showcase fresh takes on saree styling. To give the traditional drape a sassy avatar they pair sarees with crop tops, corsets, and trench coats. With this trend revival saree has hit the contemporary fashion world and that too loud and bold.
With fusion wear grabbing attention, Indo-western sarees with asymmetrical drapes and layered designs are getting popular at fashion weeks. Saree is no longer just for traditional occasions but is hitting red carpets and runaways too.
Because of globalization, traditional Indian weaves are now recognized worldwide. Handloom sarees are celebrated at international fashion weeks, proving that this timeless attire knows no boundaries.
The Saree in Global Fashion
Sarees have bagged a top position in the international fashion podium. It’s one of the top choices for celebrities and global fashion designers. The garment has transcended borders across the globe. International designers experiment with saree-inspired outfits. Celebrities worldwide wear sarees at events, showcasing their universal appeal.
Bollywood divas to Hollywood celebrities, are loving sarees. From Priyanka Chopra to Alia Bhatt you can spot the beauties in stunning saree avatars.
Hollywood stars like Angelina Jolie, Kim Kardashian, Pamela Anderson, Lady Gaga, Elizabeth Hurley, Naomi Campbell have flaunted the drape quite a number of times and totally slayed their saree looks.
The Grand Comeback: A Timeless Legacy Reimagined
The good old saree has had quite an adventurous journey. From it’s ancient roots to runways, saree culture has evolved beautifully. Blending history with modern trends, evolving while staying true to its roots the saree’s comeback has been a magical one. In today’s couture fashion, saree is the only torch-bearer of age-old fashion. It’s royalty, luxurious appeal, adaptability and versatility has ensured it remains loved in every era.
