Hey Royal Fam!
Welcome back to another week of The Daily Fashion Fix. This week's global goodies comes from the vibrant country of India! Long time readers know I absolutely love when vintage style and global history come together in one piece. And this weeks dress? ... A 1970's vintage sari styled dress directly from India is exactly that! Historically saris have been worn in Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka and most famously India for centuries.
However, this wasn't always the case. Before today's more familiar saris became a key part of this regions style staple, early on (around 300BC), the typically hot climate encouraged people of the day (particularly in southern India) to wear minimal clothing. Daily dress at the time usually included an early sari like covering lightly wrapped to cover their bottom half, while the top portion was often left bare. So what changed and ushered in the traditional sari style we clearly recognize today? ... Cue British colonialism.
With the arrival of the British and their stuffier notions regarding what was / is considered decent, we start to see tops / blouses (sometimes cropped) covering bare chests and longer bottoms being incorporated with the loose fabric. As the style gained popularity, this began a new period of Victorian Era modesty with a Indian twist.
Centuries later, this combination along with billowy over-the-shoulder / waist wrapping and intricate draping has now become the iconic traditional dress of India.Throughout the world, "modern saris" are still worn on various occasions. This often depends of the country where the sari's being worn. From daily life to formal occasions .. To the everyday woman to local "elites," saris continue to thrive, morphing into ever more unique styles as the years progress.
Today's sari styled dress from India is certainly no different. Crafted in the '70s, this dress incorporates so much of the traditional sari look ... The high waist just under the bust simulating the crop top effect ... The detailed rushing over the shoulder (strategically covering the bosom area) and around the waist ... All of it, hand stitched with the quintessential fabric of the decade, polyester!
Now while I'm not usually a fan of heavy synthetic fabrics, this dress was insanely comfortable. It flattered my shape in a way I honestly didn't expect. What I love most about wrap dresses, no matter the style? ... Is the long history of making women feel incredibly beautiful. Here's to yet another classic vintage dress that won't be leaving my personal collection any time soon, LOL!
As always? The Journey Continues!
