Aari Shawls : A Classic Winter Wear
Colorful and textured embroidery decorating Pashmina and wool shawls, Aari is a technique popularized by Kashmiri artisans. The work involves a curved awl or hook known as “aari”, which is used to pierce the fabric and adorn it with rich patterns. A part of everyday and special occasions, Aari shawls are a traditional Indian winter wear loved all over the globe. Let us take a look at the history, technique, and styles of Aari shawls with this blog. We will end with a list of ways in which you can include Aari shawls in your winter style.
Published in Dec 2024
10 Timeless Indian Sarees for Ethnic Festive Wear
Looking back at my childhood days, I remember autumn festivity as the time when we got new clothes! The feeling of that rich, colorful, and stylish dress finally arriving and dressing up to participate in the Puja and celebrations will always be a special memory. In a way, times have not changed too much. Even today, we all wait for the festival time to arrive to do a little splurge, buy our favorite fashionable clothes, and flaunt them. Though there a number of fusion and Western attire available in the market, ethnic festive wear remains at the heart of festive fashion.
Published in Oct 2024
Regional Drapes with Global Appeal - Bomkai, Bandhani, Baluchari and More
Indian sarees for centuries have been a source of inspiration for fashion designers and artists, who have looked at this flowing ancient garment time and again to find refreshing ideas of design, fit, and motif. Silk and cotton drapes of India have been cherished the world over for their regal and refined look. However, the regional drapes, and sarees from different states of India, originating in the local tradition of these regions are equally enchanting. Blending comfort and timeless elegance, these regional drapes today have a global appeal, thanks to the effortless feminine grace they offer. This blog takes a look at a few historic regional drapes, and will answer a few questions to help you understand what makes them a gem in the ever-changing modern world of style.
Published in Jul 2024
What, How and When of Indian Sarees: Your Ultimate Guide to Choosing and Maintaining Sarees
No matter what the weather and occasion, the Indian saree today is a timeless statement of style in world fashion. From bureaucrats to film stars and from the office-going ladies to the women who hustle hard at home, the saree adorns everyone irrespective of their position, nationality, age, and the task they are engaged in. Thus, it would not be an exaggeration to say that sarees are the ideal clothing option for all. And why not? With the variety in material, pattern, weave, colors, and the innumerable ways of draping that a saree offers, it is bound to be a cherished go-to clothing choice. Still, the sheer number of options can also be confusing. Which saree to wear? What is the best saree for a wedding? Which saree is good for festivals? And what about the formal, office wear sarees? Well, allow us to handle your questions. This blog is your guide to everything that the world of sarees has to offer. We will talk about the best wedding sarees and the best casual, formal drapes. We will also give you a few tips to accessorize and style your saree.
Published in Jul 2024
Banarasi, Kanjivaram, Paithani: Silk Drapes of Queens
Silk and festivity are virtually synonymous when it comes to traditional Indian fashion. Loved by the royals, both men and women, silk with its smooth feel, shimmering look and intricate embellishment speaks for the luxurious persona of the wearer, making it a classic choice when it comes to celebrations and important occasions even in modern times. Every state in India has its own way of crafting silk ensembles, sarees being the most cherished and popular one of all. From the Banarasi of northern India to Kanjivaram of the South, silk drapes are something that is beyond mere fashion. They are blessings of the elders for the young bride, they are an emotional heirloom between mother and daughter and they are a gem in the collection of a connoisseur-collector. There is something timeless and trendy about every silk saree.
Published in Jun 2024
Which are the Best Types of Kurtas to be Worn in the Summer?
Wearing an ethnic outfit during summer often seems impossible and uncomfortable. But at Exotic India Art, we assure you the comfort you need to beat the heat of the scorching summer and be able to make a unique style statement. Kurta Pajamas, highly suited to all weather conditions, have now undergone a fashion revamp - distinct designs, lengths, sleeves, and embellishments to add a touch of flair to the ensemble. In the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra, the dress of choice for most men is the Kurta Pajama complemented with a Pagri (turban) or a Gamcha over the shoulders.
Published in Jun 2024
Co-Ord Sets: A Summer Time Essential
All big names in contemporary fashion agree that timeless fashion and style need not be complicated. A simple element, a plain fabric, or a bold color can make a style statement. Ease and effortlessness are the fundamentals of modern fashion, and the favorites of fashionistas of today are outfits that are comfy and classy at once. One such handpicked statement of easy-breezy fashion is Co-ord sets, loved by the busy bees who are taking on the world, one comfortable step at a time.
Published in Apr 2024
The Eternal Tale of Indian Salwar Suits
From the plain cotton kurti to the voluminous designer kurta for festivities, in the fashion world, the Indian salwar kurta has been a statement of feminine beauty, grace, and charm for centuries. Beginning in medieval times under the aegis of the Mughals who gave us the regal Gharara and Sharara, Anarkali, and Angarakahs, the salwar kameez or salwar kurta is one ensemble where comfort and class meet. This blog takes us through a classic ethnic wardrobe filled with the choicest salwar suit options, to let you pick your favorite one for the festivities ahead.
Published in Mar 2024
Ethnic Dresses: A Classic and Contemporary Style Statement
Picking the perfect look for an occasion, be it a beach picnic or a bride’s bachelorette is something we all love. Arranging the accessories, getting just the right balance of nonchalance and gorgeous, and picking the correct fabric might seem like a tedious task to many, but for the fashionista inside every one of us, it is a way to express our beauty, grace, power, and happiness. Among the few styles that we can rely on no matter what the occasion might be, are Indian wear. With a lovely feel and timeless appeal, Indian wear is what lovers of classic fashion swear by. Thanks to the experiments in style, tailoring, fabric, and color, Indian fashion has been keeping up with the changing trends of the time, a perfect example of which is ethnic dresses.
Published in Feb 2024
Classic Winter Wears: Style with a Touch of Warmth
Layering it up- putting on multiple layers of clothing is the simple trick to protect ourselves from the chilly winter air. Shawls, jackets, socks, gloves, and coats become our weapons to brave the days and nights, but who said we can not put on one more layer- style? Traditional Indian fashion has a vast variety of winter wear, made with locally available fabrics, adorned by ethnic motifs and embroidery, and crafted with love to ensure warmth and appeal that will last for decades. Treat this blog as your personal stylist for this winter, and take a look at a wardrobe curated for you, offering a snug charm of winter wear that strikes the balance between coziness and beauty.
Published in Jan 2024
Types of Dupatta: Find Beauty in Simplicity
From the Chunri offered to the goddesses during Navaratri and Pooja at home, to the beautiful red veil of the newlywed bride, the Dupatta- literally “two” (do), “cloths” (patta) is a traditional Indian wear that belongs to all, from the deities to the devotees. The history of this simple piece of clothing goes back to the Vedic age when women wore an item of clothing called “uttariya”, described by the Sanskrit and Buddhist Pali texts. At its inception, the Dupatta is believed to be a favorite accessory in the fashion of men and women. During the Mughal times, the dupatta became a part of the regal wardrobe of Begums, queens, and elite women, and grew into a statement of luxury and grace.
Published in Jan 2024
Choosing the Best Fabrics for Cold Weather: Indian Winter Wardrobe
As the mercury drops and the days grow shorter, the quest for the coziest, most comfortable fabrics becomes paramount in our daily lives. While wearables of these fabrics are in abundance, few winter styles dramatically add to the charm of Indian Ethnic wear. There are numerous options to choose from the lot of these cozy comforts that make winter a season of pure bliss. Some of the most sorted-after fabrics of these and their unique characteristics are discussed in this blog to guide you in making the most informed and suitable choice for your winter comfort.
Published in Jan 2024
The Timeless Style of the Salwar Kameez
Indian fashion is not just all about beautiful and colourful saris. While it may be among the most widely known apparel with Indian origins, there are other significant forms of clothing and styles in Indian fashion. The Salwar Kameez is one of these. The article on the timeless style of the salwar kameez explores the origins and evolution of this traditional Indian outfit. It highlights the salwar (loose trousers) and kameez (tunic) as a versatile and comfortable attire suitable for various occasions. The piece discusses its roots in Punjabi culture and how it has adapted over time, becoming popular across India and beyond. The article also emphasizes the variety of styles, fabrics, and embellishments available, making the salwar kameez a favored choice for both casual and formal wear. Additionally, it notes the influence of modern fashion, with designers incorporating contemporary elements while preserving the outfit's cultural significance. Overall, the salwar kameez is celebrated as a blend of tradition and modernity, symbolizing both comfort and elegance.
Published in Dec 2021
The Perfect Companion for Your Salwar Kamiz-Juttis
They say you can tell a lot about a person by the shoes he or she wears. One could say that this is also certainly the case when it comes India’s traditional footwear – you can tell a lot about the country by the style of footwear that’s been passed on from generation to generation. We’re talking about India’s well-known Jutti shoes, of course. The Jutti shoes are one of, if not the most common shoe style in India. However, they are actually also popular way beyond Indian shores. While the traditional style has seen various contemporary interpretations throughout the centuries, many may not actually be familiar with its history and significance.
Published in Oct 2021
Top 5 Women's Salwar Kameez that Must Be In their Wardrobe
It's not a disputed fact that women have the luxury of lots of options to choose from when it comes to wearing an outfit. From our traditional sarees and Lehengas to suits, there is a wide range of female attire in India. There are many different kinds of clothing traditionally worn by Indian women, which are mostly associated with the local culture, religion, and climate which makes the list really vast! Indian fashion is known for its unique and ethnic types of garb. The most common and most popular outfit that we have is undoubtedly the Salwar Kameez. Just like the famous saree, it is traditional attire that can go from simple and comfortable to intricate and decorative. Even among Salwar Kameez, you will have a wide variety to choose from, from Anarkali to Jacket style Salwar kameez. Confusing again, right? So let's look at five Salwar Kameez that must definitely be in your wardrobe.
Published in Sep 2021
How to Style a Dupatta Scarf in the Modern Age The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog
A dupatta is a traditional headscarf (usually worn over the shoulders), within Asian cultures including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Dupatta is a combination of two Sanskrit words which means two or double (du) and (patta), which means piece of clothing. The earliest remembrance can be dated back to the Indus Valley civilization when they were worn by both men and women. Males mostly wore their scarves to symbolize royalty and were mainly used to cover the upper body area. An all-over white outfit with linen-style pants and a long tunic is the ideal relaxed look and can be paired with a blue dupatta that has geometric prints and patterns. If the overall look is more casual, the dupatta can be worn by wrapping the fabric around the neck once, allowing it to drape open, and adding a waist belt. A dress that has a sweetheart or square neckline and a ruffle hem pairs well with flat slippers and chandelier earrings.
Published in Sep 2021
Some Interesting Facts about Banarasi Sarees
Banarasi Saris originate from the city of Varanasi, also known as Banaras, which is, naturally, within the region of Uttar Pradesh, India. It was during the Mughal period in the 14th century when the art of intricate weaving began to flourish in the city. During those times, the exquisite silk of the Banarasi Sari was exclusively crafted for royalty and was woven using genuine gold and silver threads. It could often take as long as one year in order to handcraft these silks. Suffice it to say, when it came to garments, the Banarasi Sari represented the pinnacle of quality craftsmanship, luxury, and extravagance.
Published in Sep 2021