THE CATWALK OF INDIA:

a tug of war between the modern and the traditional

BRIANNA M. & ASHLEY H., A2 

 

http://www.vogue.in/fashion_runway_story.aspx?f_id=353

This picture (above) illustrates an example of some of the more modern clothing in India. This outfit still has some traditional elements in it such as the Bandhani work used on the silk fabric of the dress and the zari thread woven into to the neckline of the dress.

 

 

In India, a country with a history and culture so rich and unique, it is not hard for conflicts to arise when the past and present collide. The trend of globalization has caused many concerns for people, one of the most significant: what will globalization mean for the deep-rooted traditions on a nation?

Globalization affects almost everything in a country, from technology to the economy.  The style of clothing worn in a country is no different. Fashion in India has become growing industry. Indian fashion designers are using some traditional elements while keeping clothing modern and fresh as to appeal to the younger generations. Although traditional clothing is still worn in most of rural India, as it is only acceptable, in urban India, the young can be seen wearing a mixture of both traditional and contemporary. Many fashion designers are influenced by both Eastern styles and Western styles. For woman, the traditional styles of saris and salwar-kameez have evolved into a more contemporary look. The blouse styles have become shorter and tighter because of western influences. In addition, in an effort to look in style, a modernized version of the traditional salwar-kameez, called the kurti, is often paired with jeans or pants. For men, kurtas are worn and a sherwani is worn for formal wear. Western clothing such as shirts and trousers are also commonly worn by the young, as with jeans, T-shirts, capris, bermudas and various kinds of casual clothing. Traditional Indian clothing is known for its use of rich and vibrant colors, such as peacock blue, yellow, red, orange, etc. Many of the young Indian fashion designers try to incorporate this aspect into their designs. Also, other traditional aspects, such as chikhan, crewel, zardosi, and traditional weaves and fabrics are also used by Indian designers. All in all, this creates a tug of war in the fashion industry of India requiring designers to keep traditional aspects in their clothing yet still create a modern look as to appeal to all generations.

We choose the topic of style and fashion because we are both greatly interested in fashion. We thought it would be interesting to learn about how India is dealing with globalization in terms of attire and what the Indian fashion scene is doing to adjust to more Western standards.

                                 

http://www.vogue.in/anotomy_classic.aspx?n_id=355                             http://www.salwarkameezsale.com/pi/nc-03-2007/salwar-kameez-nc310.php

These two pictures show a more modern kurti (left) in contrast to a traditional salwar-kameez. (right). Notice how the kurti is worn tighter and with leggings, however still follows some traditional Indian elements such as using a brightly colored fabric and using precious metals on the kurti.

Indian Fashion & Style Skit: Modern or Traditional?

 

Setting

In New Delhi, India, on the set of a national TV show. The segment they are about to film is for an interview about modern vs. traditional Indian clothing. There are two guests on the show: a senior citizen and a high school student both from India.

 

Characters

Avani Krishna: Host of the show: "What's New In Indian Fashion?"

Darika Bolva: 80 year old Indian woman who is a guest on the show

Mala Gupta: 18 year old Indian teenager who is also a guest on the show

 

 

Avani Krishna: Welcome to "What's New in Indian Fashion?". I'm your host Avani Krishna. Today on the show, we will be having two guests to be interviewed about their taste in clothing. Our first guest grew up in rural India as a little girl, but has recently been living here, in New Delhi. Here is: Darika Bolva.

 

Darika Bolva: Hello, I'm so glad to be here this morning. Thank you for inviting me on the show Avani.

 

Avani Krishna: Oh, it was my pleasure. You have so much of your past in Indian culture, and I think that is really amazing. So tell us, what is your opinion on the fashion industry in modern India?

 

Darik Bolva: Well, lots of things have changed since I was a little girl growing up in a little village, and as for the fashion industry, I think that we have lost some of the essence in traditional Indian clothing.

 

Avani Krishna: Really? What don't you like about today's modern clothing in India?

 

Darik Bolva: Today's modern Indian clothing (mostly for women) has a lot more skin showing and is a lot tighter, which takes away the spiritual essence in Indian fashion. I believe much of this has been influenced by Bollywood and also Western fashions. However, I do believe that some modern fashions have still preserved a few of the elements of traditional clothing such as vivid colors, the use of precious metals for decoration, and different types of traditional embroidery.

 

Avani Krishna: Thank you, Darik. Now that we have heard from one of our guests, let's bring out our second guest: Mala Gupta.

 

Mala Gupta: Hello and thank you for having me on the show. My name is Mala, I'm 18 years old, and I simply love where fashion is going in India today. I love everything that fashion designers have created in India, and I try to shop for the latest fads in sarees, cholis, and salwars. I love the bright colors because you get to express your individuality, and you don't feel like you are mimicking your grandparents yet still you are incorporating elements of traditional Indian dress into your outfit. Also, I like to wear jeans sometimes because it makes me feel in sync with the rest of the world. Our traditional outfits sometimes create a barrier between us and other cultures.

 

Avani Krishna: Do you like to go to Indian fashion shows when you get the chance to go?

 

Mala Gupta: Yes, I love to check up on the latest fads of the Indian clothing industry. Almost every Indian designer has an annual fashion show, nowadays. There is even an Indian Fashion Week. Everything in this era of time is so colorful, fun, and stylish.

 

Avani Krishna: Well thank you very much, both Mala and Darik, for voicing your opinions about India's style and fashion. I hope many of you have learned a bit more about India's fashion. We'll be right back after this break.

 

 

Works Cited

 

"Colour me bright..." The Times of India. March 29, 2009. Global Issues in Context. Gale. International Academy High School. 3 May 2009. <http://find.galegroup.com/gic/start.do?prodId=GIC>.

 

Doshi, Gaurav "The Changing Face of Indian Fashion Industry". The Changing Face of Indian Fashion Industry. 5 Feb 2007. EzineArticles.com. 3 May 2009. <http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Changing-Face-of-Indian-Fashion-Industry&id=442686>.

 

"Fashion's getting younger 'n' funkier." The Times of India. March 28, 2009. Global Issues in Context. Gale. International Academy High School. 3 May 2009. <http://find.galegroup.com/gic/start.do?prodId=GIC>.

 

"Fash goes young." The Times of India. April 9, 2009. Global Issues in Context. Gale. International Academy High School. 3 May 2009. <http://find.galegroup.com/gic/start.do?prodId=GIC>.

 

 

India Wiki Scoring Rubric 

_____ (3)  Original title.  First name, last initial and section right below title

_____ (7) Introductory paragraph develops contrast and/or conflict, explains reasons for topic choice

_____ (4)  At least 2 large quality images, (high resolution), URL cited

_____ (8) Visual images with captions,  captures “tug of war”

_____ (8) “Mock dialogue” between characters/persons representing both sides in the tradition vs. modernity tug of war.  Be imaginative and creative.

______ 30 pts.