India’s Vintage Fashion Revival

Image of Dimple Kapadia from the 1970s.

This week’s world vintage spotlight will be focusing on the vibrant and colourful country of India. I myself am English, however, I grew up in a part of the country where many Indian migrants chose to settle, which meant that I had the pleasure of being friends with a number of people with Indian heritage throughout my childhood and well into adulthood. I was always amazed by how my friends could effortlessly blend their cultural garments with current day British fashion; honouring their heritage and yet showing their national identity at the same time.

Now, India is in a unique position with its vintage fashion revival when compared to some other countries, in that it was part of the British Empire until the mid-twentieth century. This means that there were Western and British influences in Indian fashion throughout the early twentieth century. We can also see a great deal of influence from the film industry and Bollywood especially, take for instance Gujarat style.

Gujarat style taken from Lady India.

Moving into the beginning of the twenty first century, we see Indian women becoming more independent and this was also reflected in their fashion. Pants, short skirts and bold traditional garments saw an increase in the new century, many of which were inspired by fashions from the 60s, 70s and 80s (especially with regards to the puffed sleeve blouses).

Fusion is probably the best example of the ways in which many Indian vintage lovers have included vintage fashion into their modern lifestyles. Fusion wear includes styles such as hanky hems, crop tops, capes, tunics and long maxi dresses. The garments also often feature natural muted tones of colour and more traditional heavy fabrics such as tweed and wool. Kurtas, too, have made a comeback with the younger generations as they can look sleek and stylish whilst also bringing a traditional element to the overall look at the same time.

Saif Ali Khan wearing a kurta.

In short, the growing Indian fashion scene is one to look out for in the global market, and the melding of tradition and modernity in mainstream Indian fashion makes it perfect for the vintage enthusiast.

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