Here is a brief history of the evolution of modern and ethnic fashion in India:
India has a rich history of clothing design that dates back centuries. Traditional Indian clothing with regional variations, such as the sari, ghagra choli, or dhoti, remained popular until the early decades of post-independence India . However, the late 1980s and the 1990s saw a spurt of growth in the fashion industry, thanks to increasing exposure to global fashion and the economic boom from the liberalization of the Indian economy in 1990 .
The focus on reviving traditional textile and design led to the rise of “ethnic chic” . Ritu Kumar, a Kolkata-based designer and textile print-expert, started working on reviving the traditional hand block printing techniques of Bengal and making it a part of the fashion industry . She opened her first boutique in Delhi in 1966 and showcased the Zardozi embroidery in her garments in 1973, which had its origins in the royal costumes dating back to the Mughal era . This led to the revival of this lost art and embroidery became a prominent feature of Indian wedding attire and one of the country’s biggest fashion exports .
Bollywood has always been a major factor in influencing fashion trends in India. Costume designers like Bhanu Athaiya started experimenting with film fashion in the 1960s . Athaiya started working on period costumes in Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam (1962) and Amrapali (1966), though she went on to introduce varied trends through Teesri Manzil (1966), Chalte Chalte (1976), Karz (1980), and Chandni (1989) . These were soon followed by the mass market, and situations and themes in Indian cinema became westernized, making way for the display of diverse fashion .
Today, there are many Indian clothing brands being conceptualized and launched in the country daily, making it an effervescent place for fashion, with a scene to keep an eye on . Some of the top Indian clothing brands include NorBlack NorWhite, Bodice, and Dhruv Kapoor
For more detailed information on the history and evolution of modern and ethnic fashion in India, check out this blog post on akritigulati.com. The post provides a comprehensive guide on the topic, including the best fabrics and colors for plus size fusion wear, how to style your plus size ethnic wear for different occasions, and more.
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