Foreword
Indian fashion is a vibrant tapestry woven from centuries of
tradition, culture, and innovation. From ancient draped garments to
contemporary high fashion, the journey of Indian attire reflects a rich
historical evolution influenced by social, cultural, and global changes. Indian
women not only love the long drape called the saree but also wear it with much
pride and adoration. Since ancient times, the saree has travelled a long way
and undergone many changes not only in the way it is draped but also in the way
the blouses are designed. The blouse has traditionally served both practical
and symbolic functions - providing modesty while completing the saree ensemble.
The blouse evolved as a novel fashion trend in India during the Victorian era
British Raj and still does. Such evolution in Indian fashion is a testament to
its adaptability and resilience. As it continues to evolve, Indian fashion, while
staying connected to its rich cultural heritage is embracing innovative trends,
new technologies and designs.
The blouse today
However, as Indian women increasingly assert their autonomy
in professional, social, and personal spheres, clothing becomes a medium
through which they can subtly challenge traditional boundaries while remaining
within acceptable cultural frameworks. Transformation reveals several deep
psychological and social currents at work. The strategic nature of this
evolution is particularly telling. Integral to every Bollywood movie is the characteristic
song-and-dance routine. This often provides an arena for the depiction of
panoramic emotions that engage audiences across linguistic barriers. Located in
the realm of popular entertainment, these routines are characterised by focussing
on the female body expressions of movement and at the same time, exploring other
aspects of appearance and costume to stand out and push the limits of appeal. Such
cinematic experience is heightened by mobilising costume as a signifier of
dramatic enunciation often serving as visual shorthand of the character. Maybe,
this trend represents a negotiation between cultural preservation and creative
expression for the Indian garments which traditionally have normative modesty
are re-designed subtly for conveying sensuality for cinematic purposes
My hypothesis on the blouse
But, by maintaining the front coverage that addresses
traditional modesty concerns while experimenting with back designs, women are
creating a space for self-expression that conforms to acceptance and does not
directly confront conservative sensibilities. The back of the blouse becomes a
canvas for creativity and sensuality that is evident primarily to those behind
them - a kind of selective revelation that allows for both conformity and
rebellion. As a reflection of modern day rebellion, the back of the blouse has
now shrunk to bra-straps and even tie-strings. This pattern reflects the
broader psychology of gradual social change in India percolating from the top
echelons of society to the slums and from cities to rural villages. Rather than
dramatic breaks with tradition, incremental modifications to push boundaries and
test limits of tolerance both at home and outside without completely abandoning
cultural identity is emerging as a silent staircase of resistance to challenge
the power of tradition & assertion of individual choice.
My dissection of the trend
