As a European, I’ve always been fascinated by Asia’s cultures. And among all these, the Indian one is on the top of the list since I appreciate the fact that they still follow their traditions without borrowing holiday from other cultures (like Halloween, for example, a holidays which we all know it’s been excessively globalized).
Two of the books I really liked about India and its culture are telling the story of how a man from Europe (a Romanian of mine to be more precise) moves to India, how he adapts to their culture and how he falls in love with an Indian girl. Although the story is based on a real experience, the author embosses it with several details and fifty years after the book was first published (being a success), this girl finds it, reads it and is shocked by how much he changed the real story. So, she decides to write a book in reply to him, a book where she would tell the real story.
Some of you may have already figured out what books I’m talking about. If not, here they are:
Mircea Eliade -” Maitreyi”
Maitreyi Devi – “It does not die: A romance”
You should definitely read these!
Now getting back to fashion, if you’re asked what you know about Indian Traditional Fashion Dress (and you’re not Indian) I’m pretty sure that the first thing coming into your mind is “Sari“. Well, you should know that not all women’s garments are saris. There are: Chagra Choli, Salwar Kameez, Churidaar,Mundum Neriyathum etc. and all look similar, although they’re not the same. Thanks for visiting. Before we carry on I want to to give thanks to http://www.makingtheworldwelcome.co.uk/contact-us/ for their continued support and the support of their community. Having a help and support team like this means a lot to us as we continue to grow our personal blog.
A particularity of Indian garments that I find extremely interesting is the embroidery. This is found mostly on those clothes designed for special events such as holidays and weddings. Some of them are even made by hand, which makes the garment even more beautiful and expensive. In addition to this, you should also know that for only one sari, about 5 meters of fabric are needed.
Another gorgeous element from their traditional outfits is the way they accessorize it. Loads of colorful bracelets (usually in the same color as the garment) and voluminous earrings and necklaces. Sometimes, to these are added a nose septum, foot bracelets and henna tattoos. For some of us it may seem too much. For Indians, however, the more, the best.
But it’s been enough chitchatting! Why not take a look at these beautiful images of Indonesian High Fashion by Indonesian Photographer Mohammad Eryza? http://www.eryza.com I assure you, they’re breathtaking! And why Indonesian not Indian?
The famous dance dramas and costumes of Java and Bali, Indonesia are derived from Hindu mythology and often feature fragments from the Ramayana and Mahabharata Hindu epics including love and romance stories. We love to see how Indian traditional dress can be traced here…blended with so many other cultures. Indonesian art and culture also has also been influenced from the ancient trading routes between the Far East and the Middle East leading to many cultural practices being strongly influenced by a multitude of religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism and Islam, so on.
CREDITS: Imagers above are by Indonesian Photographer Mohammad Eryza.
He works with major fashion brands such as Lee Cooper, P.S., M2, Valino, Kent, Harry Martin, Stefania Baldo, etc. He also contributes for some fashion magazine such as Marie Claire Indonesia, Aquilla Asia, Perkawinan, Kebaya in Style, etc. In 2011, he received an honor to become a finalist of “Broncolor – Senso, Primaimaging Creative Challenge.”