CONTEMPORARY

WOMEN

Salwaar kameez

Though a north Indian dress the salwar kameez in kerala has become a craze among the younger generations. It’s acceptance is to a large extent due to its unique and outstanding styles and convenience. The comfort that salwar kameez provides has made it so popular that it is worn on formal and non formal occasions.

In kerala tradition always played a prominent part in the acceptance of every form of modern dress circulating in the country.

Lehnga

Lehnga is steeped in tradition and its history can be traced to the mughal royalty. Considered the apt dress on ceremonial occasions and worn by people of royal blood in olden days, lehngas come in many different styles. Lehangas are glamorous and elaborate. Rich fabrics such as silk, organza, jamewars and brocades have been used lavishly in lehengas. The creations are inspired by the timeless traditional motifs and contemporary patterns. The colors are bright in hues of reds, oranges, maroons, and gold. Considered to be the most appropriate feminine dress lehengas are available in a variety of sizes. It has become so popular in kerala that lehanga has replaced the traditional sari among a large chunk of the younger generations. It is also considered to be the best wear during the day and evening time.

Short Kurtis and long kurtis

Though a late entrant to the kerala fashions scene, the kurtas have captured the imagination and fashion demands of a large portion of the younger feminine folk.

The cut of the Kurta provides room for air to flow between the garment and your skin and Kurtas often feature the long sleeves you need to cover-up after a bout of sunbathing. What sets the garment apart is often the embroidery. Zardozi, traditional gold and silver wire embroidery has been superseded by plain thread embroidery to give the under-stated, yet elegant look for the daytime. Chikankari is a lovely work, which involves intricate shadow type of embroidery done on white yarn. The Kurti is unlikely to die. Trends may change, chikankari work may be superseded by phulkari and the style may push the boundaries with ever more transparent tunics, but when it comes to comfort, style, and sheer wear ability there is little to beat the humble Tunic.