Impact of colonialism to cinematic influence: Celebrating Indian fashion through the ages

As India celebrates its 79th Independence Day, it’s a fitting time to celebrate and reflect on the rich history of Indian fashion. A land that is known for its traditional ensembles and its intricate weaves, having a cultural impact in different states, the nation as a whole celebrates these fusion trends, which are now dominating the international runways and stages.

India’s fashion journey is a remarkable testament to its cultural diversity and resilience. From the pre-Independence era to witnessing a heavy influence of cinema, our fashion industry is in its golden times.

Pre-Independence fashion in India
Before India’s independence in 1947, Indian fashion was deeply rooted in its diverse cultures and regions. Each state had its own textiles, weaves, and traditional garments, which became its identity. However, a saree, salwar suit, and ghagra choli became the most common choices for women and a dhoti with a turban for a man. These garments were not just clothes but a symbol of heritage, culture, and Indian identity.

Impact of colonialism
With the British colonisation of India, the fashion scene saw a hint of Western influence, particularly among the urban elite class. Indian men started with tailored suits, shirts, and trousers, whereas women saw a blend of more Eastern and Western fashion with puffy sleeve blouses, U-neckline detailing, and a lot of sparkle with a hint of glam.

Post-Independence era
Indian leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru played a crucial role in shaping the nation’s fashion. Gandhi started his advocacy for khadi, which became a symbol of self-reliance and freedom during India’s struggle for independence. On the other hand, Nehru’s jacket and cap also gained popularity, symbolising simplicity and elegance at their peak.


The era of experimenting
With the introduction of cinema, people saw a burst of creativity in Indian fashion. The 1960s and 70s introduced tonnes of designers, new fabrics, stylists, and patterns, which had a hint of Western influence. The 90s then saw the rise of boutique culture in India, with designers like Ritu Kumar and Rohit Khosla paving the way for the modern 2000s. As globalisation soon brought international trends to India’s doorsteps, Indian designers began to make their international mark and started fashion weeks, designer labels, and a growing popularity of haute couture.

The impact of Bollywood
Bollywood started to dictate trends in the late 50s and early 60s, but today it has become the undisputed ruler of setting fashion trends across India. Films and actors are now inspiring generations of fashion enthusiasts and are the face of luxury international fashion brands, proving that Bollywood remains unstoppable. Ruling the traditional field, actresses and actors also practise different types of fashion aesthetics, which are then adopted by fashion influencers and common people.



Revival of traditional Indian textiles
In recent years, traditional Indian textiles like Kanjeevaram, Banarasi, Chikankari, Paithani, Chanderi, and more have seen a burst of customers. From Bollywood to the elite class in India, they are now promoting sustainability and urging support for the local artisans who are trying hard to preserve their traditional crafts in the era of fast fashion.


Final thoughts
The history of fashion in India is as diverse and vibrant as the country itself. From the traditional pre-Independence era to the fusion trends of today, our fashion sector has evolved a lot. As we celebrate our 79th Independence Day, it must be recognised and appreciated by remembering the rich heritage of Indian fashion, which has dramatically unfolded itself and is now known all across the globe.
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