Tracing the history of Indian Saree!

The saree has been an integral part of the Indian woman’s attire. This 9-yard fabric has gone under the great change in the 20th Century. Mehta Saree Centre, Chennai, traces the interesting history how women in India have draped their sarees over the 20th century. We have also added the latest saree trends to contrast with the dress that our grandmas had donned in the yore.

Since India is a multicultural country and every region is unique, it is a humungous task to include the multiplicity. However, taking a look at random snippets from the corridors of history is fun. Bollywood has played a dominant role in shaping the  art of wearing saree.

The beginning of the 20th century: Women in the beginning of the 20th century were often influenced by European culture. This was the time of high collar and full sleeves blouses with Victorian elegance. Notice the elaborate embellishments that glorify the Indian flavour.

Saree styles from 1920-30: The picture shows a typical Indian family probably from the 1930s. It was a time when women wore cotton and silk sarees that had elaborate borders. They teamed it up with beautiful short sleeves blouses in contrast shades.

The working women of 1950s: It is ironical that although India gained Freedom in 1947, women in the country were still trapped in a society governed by patriarchal norms. The picture is a still from the 1957 film Mother India, in which Nargis is wearing a properly tied saree, as she has to take care of the kids and carry out the daily chores.

Vibes of liberation in the 1960s: The decade was marked by a sudden emergence of glamour. Bollywood actresses during this period draped their sarees in classic ways, and teamed it with shimmering blouses, just like of Aasha Parekh in the picture.

The modern saree arrived during 1970-80:  The era saw women experimenting with their sarees. The style was usually a confluence of Western boldness and India bashfulness. They wore it tight, showing off their figures, just like the way stylish Mumtaz dons in the picture

Handloom sarees make style statements during 1980-90: Indira Gandhi, India’s PM, was seen in various hues and shades of handloom sarees. She carried herself with aplomb, draped in the whole-9-yard fabric when she met global counterparts.

The last decade of the 20th century: The Indian saree did not lose its sheen even in the last decade of 20th century.  A still from the 1994 movie Hum Aapke Hain Kaun shows how saree is a choice of women for all formal occasions.

Trendy saree draping styles for the contemporary woman

The ‘six yards of sheer elegance’ has taken over the women’s fashion world by storm. Exuding tons of panache, sarees have become the must-have attire for ladies to accentuate their curves gracefully. From red-carpet events to ramps, and weddings to festivals, there isn’t an occasion where the saree falls to impress.

There are a number of super-trendy ways in which you can drape your favourite saree? All you need is a little creativity! Mehta Saree Centre (Chennai) reviews the latest saree styles for you to do away with the oh-so-boring drapes. Try them and we promise you’ll end up looking like a diva!

The front drape

This style is perfect when you wish to flaunt the intricate embellishments that adorn your saree's heavy pallu. Make this wearable look all the more stylish by highlighting the border with some tassels or doris.

The dhoti style drape

Quite a range, dhoti style sarees are great for adding spunk to the traditional Indian look. Get hold of a beautiful 9-yard saree and drape it in dhoti style. Pair it up with an embellished corset and you’ll be turning heads.

The toga drape

The toga-inspired saree scores high on the trending fashion charts. This different yet elegant draping style makes the ensemble look like a gorgeous toga dress, which has signature Romanesque vibes. The end of the saree is pinned to the blouse giving the illusion of ‘no pallu’ and leaving the onlookers completely wowed.

The accessorised drape

Accessories are always in trend. Pick up a few belts and accessorise your saree in an unusual way to lend a smart contemporary effect. Complement translucent sarees with embellished belts and figure-flattering jackets to add oomph to your look.

The modern drape

Slip into a fitted pair of jeggings or trouser and drape the saree over it. This style is great when you wish to keep it elegant yet full of swag. Chunky, statement-making jewellery will go well with this look.

The Eternal Elegance of Sarees

At today’s fast-paced world, a lot of women in India have become so used to wearing casual clothes that they have forgotten the elegance and charm that a saree holds.

It is true that wearing a saree is usually considered time-consuming; but once you develop the knack of draping a saree, it can become the most comfortable attire to wear throughout the day.

Sarees offers a woman a wide range of options in terms of fabric and designs. Sarees can be chosen as per the weather and can be customised to suit the occasion. While cotton is considered to be the most convenient fabric during summer, silk is appropriate for cold weather. However, there are saree-loving brigades which don’t go by this conventional norm of choosing a saree and keep their choices open to a variety of fabrics, such as Chanderi, Brocade, Organdy, Chiffon, Crepe, Georgette and much more. 

We, at Mehta Saree Centre, offer a plethora of options for saree lovers. We have all sorts of sarees to suit your every taste and enhance your appearance in an unprecedented way.

The Beckoning Call of Culture

Wearing sarees make one feel confident as it combines style and grace. It reflects your positive attitude that you don’t step out of the home in ann attire which is just convenient, instead you come across as someone who is effortlessly dressed up.

  

Pairing your plain saree with pastel coloured blouses can add a sense of refinement and exquisiteness to your get-up. For more formal occasions, you can take embroidered pieces, or sarees with beautiful borders with sequins, Zardozi or Kantha work.

So, if you are thinking of revamping your wardrobe and you want to buy something which is rooted in our Indian culture, you should not mind stopping by at Mehta Saree Centre,Chennai. Add some glamour and panache to your sense of dressing.

How to make old saree as a useful product?

Someone has rightly said, “Fashion is what you buy, style is what you do with it.” If your wardrobe is stacked with old sarees and you don’t know what to do with them , we suggest you create some exquisite dresses out of those unused garments. Mehta Saree Centre is pleased to share amazing tips on how to convert your old sarees into elegant dresses.

Anarkali Suits

Making Anarkali suits from sarees is the most obvious way of reworking the pattern of saree to suit your requirements. Sarees with beautiful embroidered borders, or with Zardozi, Kantha or sequins work can be utilised for making elegant suits for formal occasions as their borders can be used as lace in your Anarkali suit. Apart from laces, elegant patchwork or yokes can also be taken out from the old saree.

Skirts and Palazzos

If you want to keep it simple and make a dress suitable for office wear or daily wear, you can re- use your cotton sarees to make beautiful skirts and palazzos. The border of the saree would add grace to your skirt and make you feel confident, comfortable and in line with the latest trend throughout the day.

Party Dresses

If you want to stand out and look stunning in the next party, converting your mum’s old Kanjivaram saree into a glamorous nightgown or a cocktail dress can be a very good idea. Other good options for creating such dresses are Chanderi silk or Chanderi cotton sarees.

Traditional Jackets

Teaming your plain Kurtis with jackets made from old sarees is another way of putting it to good use. The best option for such garments is silk sarees. The finesse and brightness of the silk fabric add shine and a colourful hue to the otherwise plain kurti. Multi- coloured sarees can also be a good choice for such jackets.

Frocks and Lehengas for your little girl

Another very relevant way of putting your old sarees to good use is to create frocks and lehengas for your baby girl. Plain sarees with brocade borders can be used for making such dresses that would bring a smile on your daughter’s face for sure!

Scarves and stoles

If your saree is damaged and cannot be utilised for making a complete dress, you can re-use it to make trendy scarves and stoles. Silk and cotton scarves can add a completely new look to your dress. The best part of using scarves is that it can be coupled with western outfits as well.

So don’t think twice before you buy your next saree. Explore the exciting range of collection at Mehta Saree Centre, Chennai and create a style as “you can have anything you want if you dress for it.”