Indian Accessories

Indian costume accessories and jewelry are used to highlight fashion wears. They are helpful in concealing the flaw of a garment. If an accessory,

say a belt, is added continuously to various outfits it will set trends. Accessories like handbags, shoes, earrings, bangles, shawls and even 80s leg warmers change their fashion frequently.

Shawls: Elegant looking Kashmir shawls are a winter accessory to keep one warm. These shawls are available in various colors, but the favorite colors are black, white and pink. They also contain beautiful embroidery works and patterns and enhance any outfit.

Caps: Though Indian ladies are seen rarely with a cap fashion hunting teens and young ones love to wear caps matching to their outfits. They are sold in various shapes and colors. Ladies prefer to wear a cap along with beaded jackets and a pair of denims or half or full skirts.

Long big Earrings: Modern fashionable women are crazy about latest large chunky earrings available in various colors and are often studded with bright colored stones. Women choose earrings matching to their dresses and they go very well with any outfit. These earrings are affordable and made up of cheap materials.

Shoes/Boots: Today black shoes or boots are in great demand and add charm to any garment like black trousers, denim jeans or tight skirts. No animal skin is used to make this footwear, only faux leather or some other artificial materials. A pair of polished black boots gives a marvelous look.

Ponchos: Kashmir poncho is a simple loose top wear made out of a large sheet of wool or yarn, knitted or crocheted, to wear during winter. It has an opening for the head and sometimes for the arms too. A hood is attached to some ponchos. Now ponchos are available in different materials having the same shape for fashion purposes. Poncho with embroidery or a hint of sequins is perfect for trousers and skirts.

Leather Handbags: Synthetic leather handbags, in various colors and with multicolor patterns on a single bag, are in high demand, as they are much cheaper than the bags made out of real leather. Some synthetic versions are much similar to crocodile, snake or lizard skin. The latest models are embellished with lovely patterns, beads and artificial pearls.

Salwar kameez, the national dress of Pakistan, is a combination of several styles. You can see a slight western style blended in the latest fashion of Pakistani salwar kameez.

Pakistanis have their own culture, traditions and customs. Salwar kameezis the common attire worn by both Pakistani men and women.

Pakistani salwar kameez includes a trouser-like bottom called salwar and a top similar to a long shirt, kameez. Salwar is a pair of thin cotton trousers, baggy at the top, becoming tapered at the bottom. The waist portion has a drawstring called Nara or Izaar band in Pakistani language, to hold it up like a belt.

Kameezis a long tunic like shirt stretching down to the knees. While men wear only simple white or light colored dress women go for various tasteful colors and intricate designs and look more stylish and fashionable.

Pakistani salwar suits are found in various modern designs and fabulous styles and in bright and pastel shades. These salwar are available in different fabrics such as silk, cotton, khaddar, jeans and Banarsi silk. The popular styles include guddi salwar, lain salwar, Patiala salwar, trouser kameez, pajama kameez, cut sleeve shirt and short shirt in various colors, prints and designs.

Pakistani salwar kameez, very popular in India, was introduced by the ancestors of Pakistanis. The Westerners visiting Pakistan are attracted towards this costume and most of them, especially women, attire this dress while their stay in Pakistan and purchase a good number and gift them to their near and dear on return to their places.

Now the salwar kameezstands as the top most dress code in Pakistan. It also finds the top spot in the ex-patriot community in North America and English Speaking countries all over the world. The popularity of this garment has induced the modern fashion designers to convert a major part of their abilities to provide a new and better look to this ensemble.

Since salwar suit exhibits both ethnic touch as well as cocktail look it has an ideal wear for all occasions. Various exquisite and intricate embroidery and designing works of different countries have lent more flavors to this dignified attire. Taking tips from the ancient traditions of Russia, Turkey and China liberally, Pakistani and Indian designers have given an entirely different look to the Salwar Kameez.

The Sari in Pakistan made an exit when it was declared un-Islamic by Gen Zia as sari reveals certain parts of a woman’s body. But now it has made a resurgence in an outstanding way in the form of formal wear and in the wardrobe of Pakistan girls. Earlier the Sari was worn by many prominent Pakistani women.

oday several ladies in Pakistan have turned to drape sari considering this 6yards cloth as a symbol of independence and individuality. Popular Indian soaps have made major contributions to its revival.Though Pakistan woman parliamentarian refuses to wear sari, fashion conscious Pak women brave to wear the elegant sari creating a splash and a stir. Still salwar suit retains its number 1 spot above sari.

Quite often Pakistani girls, at the age of 18, are given permission to wear a sari to attend their graduation party, Pakistan’s fashion party similar to prom night. For them sari provides certain feel of womanhood, independence and elegance. But a lady in a sari becomes a source of a lot of unwanted attraction. The sari has attained a very important place on occasions such as weddings and festivals.

Pakistan’s leading fashion designers agree that saris are extremely elegant wears and salvar suits can never be a substitute for that style and elegance. But only the old women of Pakistan prefer to wear sari while for the modern lady it is not practical. The demand for intricate and ornate bridal saris are in the rise .There is a modern version of sari called “half-sari”, a combination of two pieces that tucks a dupatta into a folded petticoat.

elicate chiffon fabric is used to make Pakistani designer saris with lavishly decorated, costing 50,000 Pak rupees, around $1250. Youngsters prefer to wear simple chiffon or light silk saris along with a sleeveless blouse. Designer saris are the choice for formal wear.
The presence of sari could be felt in the south emphatically while it is preferred as a bridal wear in the north. In the North Western Frontier there is absolutely no trace of the Sari.

In olden times both Indian men and women used to wear garlands as a part of the evening dress. This custom was followed by a practice, painting the forehead with a bindi or tilaka known as ‘Visesakachhedya’. Also, leafy bindis, thin and tender leaves cut into different shapes, were placed the forehead. Leafy bindis, known as other names such as ‘Patrachhedya’, ‘Patralekha’, ‘Patrabhanga’, or ‘Patramanjari’, were also pasted on the neck, palm, chin, breast and other parts of the body, decorated by sandal paste and other natural ingredients.

Religious significance: The central area between the eyebrows, where the bindi is placed, is supposed to be the sixth charka or ajna the seat of “hidden wisdom”. According to beliefs this chakra is the exit point for kundalini energy. The bindi is said to retain energy and strengthen concentration and to protect the lady and her family from demons or misfortune..

Myths and Significance: The vermilion, used to make bindis, is called ‘sindoor or ‘sindoora’ meaning red and representing Shakti or strength. Bindi also stands up for love; the red dot on the forehead gives a special charm to the lady’s face that attracts her lover. Sindoor and yellow turmeric are kept in temples and during celebrations, as a good omen. This represents intellect and is very special in temples dedicated to Hindu Gods Shakti, Lakshmi and Vishnu.

Sindoor in Scriptures: The significance of ‘Sindoor’ and ‘kumkum’ differs on different occasions. The practice of placing kumkum on foreheads has been highlighted in Puranas (ancient texts) like Lalitha Sahasranamam and Soundarya Lahhari. Importance of kumkum is emphasized in Indian religious texts, epics, scriptures etc…In legends we see Radha, sweetheart of Lord Krishna, turning her bindi on her forehead into a flame-like design and Draupadi, wife of Pandavas removing her bindi from her forehead in sorrow and disillusion in the epic Mahabharata. Red bindi is associated with the ancient ritual of offering blood sacrifices to please Gods. An ancient Aryan bridegroom used to make a bindi on the bride’s forehead on wedding day. When an Indian woman becomes a widow she stops wearing kumkum. When there is a death in the family the women do not wear bindi as an indication of mourning.

In ancient India, women used to wear bindi on their foreheads to highlight their marriage status. But today it is not only a fashion statement but has become the most beautiful accessory causing sudden attention. It requires certain skill and practice to achieve a perfect red dot on the forehead. Some women are expert in applying a perfect round bindi by taking a pinch of vermilion powder on their fingertip. For certain nimble-fingered ladies it is a difficult task. There are small circular discs and hollow pie coin for their rescue. The disc is placed on the forehead and a sticky wax paste is applied on the empty space in the disc. Then the empty space is covered with kumkum or vermilion and the disc is removed leaving a round bindi on the forehead. Ingredients in the red dot are sandal, aguru, kumkum and sandoor, made of zinc oxide and dye. Saffron and kusumba ground together also produce red dot.

Bindi is available in various colors, shapes and designs. To mention a few intricate designs are beadwork, handprints, meenakari work, kundan, and studded stones, pearls and diamonds. In addition to the traditional bindis there is an outstanding variety such as fancy bindis, designer bindis and bridal bindis. Designer bindis include several popular body art bindis like crystal bindi, Belly Tattoo Bindi, Glitter tattoo bindi, Arm/Wrist Band bindi, Tikka bindi, Crystal Belly Bindi, pendent bindi, crystal finger bindi, hair bindi, chin bindi, crystal eyelash bindi and crystal nail bindi. TV personalities are responsible for new bindis known as Parvati bindi, Ramola bindi and Saans bindi available in the designer shops.

There is a bindi style for every person to suit her type and character. For pretty courageous ladies there are bindis in the shapes of crescent moon, heart, stars, trees, snakes etc sparkling, radiant and bright colors. each personality type. For bold and beautiful, we have bindis in various shapes of stars, half moon, heart, tree and snakes in glittery, shiny and bright colors while simple and quiet type opts for oval, square, diamond shape bindis or a mere dot in black or dark maroon color. Liquid bindi and kumkum bindi are also in the fashion market; needless to mention the hassle free stickers.

Indian necklace is famous for its aesthetic look and soft intricate craftsmanship. A necklace, needless to say, is a jewelry worn around the neck, mainly by women. It is a chain or cord often made up of metals like gold, silver, platinum etc usually attached with a pendant or locket to enhance its beauty. Necklaces made of cloth further accessorized with shells, rocks/gems or even wood are also not rare.

Indian necklaces are very often closed firmly with threaded ropes. The length of the necklace could be adjusted with a string attached to it. This string or cord might be considered as the trademark of Indian jewelry. By loosening or tightening the string the necklace could be worn by women of any size. Also, since Indian necklace is made up of all kinds of stones it becomes rather heavy and the string provides sufficient support to it to be worn around the neck.

Though there are various models of necklaces decorated with different gemstones, color stones or other accessories pearl necklaces are the most popular, worn by ladies for hundreds of years and have evolved into modern styles. The various forms of pearl necklaces are known by different names such as a necklace, with larger pearls at the centre and gradually becoming smaller and smaller towards the clasp is called a graduated pearl necklace while a bib necklace has multiple layers of stepped pearls.A uniform necklace consists of pearls of the same type whereas a dog collar comprises of several pearl layers reaching near the base of the neck. 22”-23” long matinee necklace will touch the top of the cleavage and an opera necklace 30-36inches long touches the breastbone. 18” long princess necklace is between the choker and matinee necklace.

The age-old exquisite designs like mango necklace and jasmine-bid necklace continue to be evergreen favorites. Indian necklaces are mostly handcrafted in beautiful designs. The pendants might consist of lovely patterns or images of god engraved within the metal. The metal could also be carved into the desired patterns.

For ordinary people it is only a dream to access a real gold, diamond or a pearl jewelry as a huge sum is involved in the purchase of them. Now jewels, with affordable prices, at the same time retaining the aesthetic looks of the real ones, come to their rescue. Still worse is the growing fear of theft which compels people not to wear expensive ornaments while going out or keep them in the house either, but safely in bank lockers. They wear them only on special occasions such as weddings, important religious functions etc. These well-to-dos also turn to low cost jewels for daily wear.

In the fat Indian weddings a large amount is spent on expensive wedding ornaments. But it is not sure whether these ornaments will be of any use after the wedding, except during a financial crisis. Otherwise cheap jewels come as an easy way out. To get a genuine diamond jewelry one has to shell out a huge amount. Instead, diamond replica jewelry, looking the same as a real diamond but costing much less are available in eye catchy dazzling designs. The beautiful diamond replicas have become a fashion statement these days after such jewelry have been worn by popular personalities.

Costly gold jewels have a separate place among Indian ladies. Today ornaments, made out of cheap metals like copper, but plated with 1gram pure gold, have the same looks of real gold ornaments. These sparkling 1gram gold ornaments studded with various color stones and artificial pearls are available in intricate designs at very affordable prices ranging from $5-50 with 1-3years guarantee. Jewelry made out of Hyderabad pearls and costume jewelry made out of a variety of materials like pure silver, glass, beads, kundan, semi-precious stones, cheap metals etc have created waves in the fashion world due to their affordability and fabulous designs. The various types of ornaments like necklaces, bangles, earrings, bracelets, anklets, rings etc, sold at low prices, exhibit the same elegance and charm as the original genuine jewelry.

As far as Indian fashion is concerned hair style accessories for ladies hold a commanding position. Hair accessories for women with their stunning looks and exquisite variety are hitting the fashion market in recent times. It gives a unique perfection to their personality by enhancing the beauty. We often see models with gorgeous hair accessories in the fashion pageants. The extensive hair style accessories include barrettes, various colored hair clips, hair claws, hairpins, forks, hairsticks, headbands, scrunchies, ponytail holders and enchanting bridal hair accessories.

Bridal hair accessory is usually studded with various pearls, dazzling gemstones, beads of radiant colors, pretty flowers and crystals. Many types of silk flowers in sizzling designs to decorate hair styles are in vogue. Barrette styles such as ruby bow, amethyst bow, arched pony clip, classic topaz barrette, jet bow, sapphire bow and crystal flower barrette are very popular among fashionable ladies.

Ladies put up their long or short hair in various fascinating styles using hair buns when they attend parties, festivals and other important functions. These hair styles are often decorated with hair nets, beaded pins or long “U” shaped hair clips, flowers or tiny gems. They look simply superb with the traditional Indian wear sari. Women with butterfly bun style are also a common sight. Hair sticks made up of natural bone or exotic wood suit well with all Indian outfits. Ponytail is the current craze among small girls, teens and young women. To make this simple trendy hairstyle more attractive there is a commendable variety of accessories like ponytail holders, scrunchies and silk ribbons. Scrunchies, made up of silk/satin are available in all the colors of rainbow. We have a special elegant band called Boho band to give the hair a nice firm look. Indian women also use accessories like Gajra and Paranda to glorify their hairstyles. Paranda has a fragrance of jasmine flowers and unique vibrant colors which set it apart from Gajra.

South Indian classical dancers and brides wear various hair accessories like nettichutti, chandraprabha, suryaprabha, lakudi, tirukkuppu and mattal, an earring chain that is hooked in the hair.

Nighty: Nighty has become a magic word among women all over India. Started as a night wear, now it is also used as a day wear by ladies while they are in the house doing household duties and going to nearby places. This housecoat, a long gown from shoulder to foot is available in all the leading garment shops as well as at the roadside vendors, in various colors and beautiful designs. They come in small, medium, large and free sizes with or without sleeves. The price is very reasonable ranging from $1-$10 depending on the fabric used to make it. The fabrics include ordinary cotton, superior cotton, synthetic cotton and certain silk materials. Women get a comfortable relaxed feeling while in this dress and it is very easy to wash, easy to dry and no need to press. The popularity of nighty/housecoat is so tremendous that it has become a fashion statement very fast. No wonder, garment shops vie with each other to attract women with their stock of nighties in all possible colors and eyecatchy designs.

Other affordable garments Indian women wear include very simple salwar suits and saris, made out of fabrics like ordinary cotton, synthetic cotton or polyester without any embellishments. They also come in attractive colors and beautiful prints, the price ranging from $2.5-$8. These low-priced wears are the most sold out items in the Indian textile market. Designer saris, having the same looks and softness of their expensive silk counterparts, come in at affordable prices between 6-10dollars. During festival seasons, like Diwali, all Indian textile showrooms are flooded with all sorts of expensive as well as affordable outfits and the business is at its peak then. Jewels and costume accessories also make a very substantial profit at that time.

To conclude, most Indians believe in astrology strongly and firmly. They trust that the rays emitted from the nine precious genuine gemstones like diamond, sapphire, emerald, pearl, ruby, topaz, opal, coral and turquoise will fetch wealth and health removing all the miseries and hardships from the family. Men and women make ornaments, usually golden rings, studded with the gems together or separately and wear them on their body.

History tells us that Indians have always valued gold very much and its tradition and culture are deep-rooted in Indian soil. Indian ladies have always exhibited a special passion towards the costly yellow metal and an resurgence of gold is felt in Indian fashion in recent times. Making a strong and beautiful fashion statement, gold has become a bold, sleek and perfect accessory for the fashion- hunting dynamic modern ladies.

Rigid jewelry is now out of form while rhythm and fluidity have taken its place, i.e. a sort of mobility and flow and craftsmanship have entered in the making of gold ornaments. Body jewels like waist chains, armbands and hairpieces have emerged as the latest fashion trend. Jewels worn around the arm and torso also have attained unprecedented heights in the new fashion world. Today gold can be woven into a fabric like form out of which gold scarves, head ornaments, belts and funky top all worn by ladies are made. For garments in bold and bright colors gold seems to be an ideal accessory.

The traditional temple jewels worn by dancers of yesteryears have made a tremendous return. Traditional jewels teamed with ultra-modern outfits, showing a bold and stylish look, create waves in the fashion parades and beauty contests. Indian gold chains, hanging loosely around the neck and waist decorated with lot of coins, charms and thin pendants are an attraction in this season. All fashion designers admire the gypsy-chic look of the gold coins. Most of the Indian jewels like the South Indian Kaashumalai made up of gold coins are in a terrific revival stage.

Today Indian gold is in an experimental stage with innovative texture and forms, like using beaten or matte gold to make warrior-like jewelry such as gold necklaces and wristbands. These ornaments look very attractive against dark complexioned skin. Also the fashion designers are experimenting with the designs and finishes of the gold ornaments belonging to the Ancient Indian civilization.