Review: Style of India walks us through the dressing traditions in India from the Vedic Age till now
Hindustan TimesThe material culture of dress in India has never been addressed with such a vast sweep, in such a fresh and simplistic way, visually and textually, ranging from ancient temple sculpture to modern cinema and contemporary fashion design. Author Geeta Khanna draws inspiration from many corners of Indian civilisation like art, paintings, sculptures, fashion, royal dresses and cinema. The sheer clothing associated with the Apsara, the Devdasi’s costume mirrored the attire attributed to India goddesses and the garishly dressed street dancers, the Nautch girls decided their fate in terms of their spiritual significance. Brands like Hermès’s interpretation of Indian colours in the Fantasies Indiennes scarf, Chanel’s incorporation of the glamorous Indian fabrics and gemstones with the brand’s iconic pearls and monochrome, Jean Paul Gaultier’s Maharaja Collection inspired by the Maharajas of the colonial period showcased with Gaultier’s signature androgynous patterns shows how the West adored India. Among the many big names, Style of India looks into the life and time of Asha Sarabhai, Satya Paul, Umang Hutheesing and the late Rohit Khosla and their role in carving the road map for one of the most talked about fashion movements in the world, not to mention the multi-million dollar industry around it.