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Feb 24, 2025 IST 10:26:53

Impact of colonialism to cinematic influence: Celebrating

India is celebrating its 79th Independence Day, and it is huge. It is also the perfect moment to wrap ourselves in nostalgia and applaud the rich tapestry of Indian culture and fashion, because let us be honest, Indian culture and fashion are iconic. This is a land where every thread tells a story, where traditional ensembles and intricate weaves have shaped identities across states. And now, those very styles are strutting down international runways. Talk about progress. From royal silks to street-ready fusion, our fashion legacy is breathing, living, and celebrating its artistry alongside our independence. It is thriving like never before. From the shimmering folds of a Banarasi saree to the crisp tailoring of a Nehru jacket, India’s fashion story has always been one of evolution without losing its heart. In the days before independence, clothing was not just fabric; it was identity. Every drape, every motif, every dye came with history stitched into its seams. It was an unspoken language, understood from village courtyards to royal courts.

Colonial times brought their own influence. Western cuts, puffed sleeves, and tailored coats began to mingle with ancient drapes and handloom weaves. Yet fashion often became a quiet act of rebellion. Gandhi’s khadi was not just a cloth; it was a declaration of self-reliance, worn with quiet pride. The Nehru jacket? That was political sophistication at its finest, blending tradition with a new, modern silhouette.

Then came the era of cinema. Bollywood turned sarees into symbols of romance, swaggered through the 70s in flared trousers, and dazzled in the 90s with embroidered couture. Designers began reimagining heritage for a contemporary audience, taking age-old techniques to new, glamorous heights.

Today, India’s style has gone global. From Paris to New York, our weaves, embroideries, and embellishments are commanding attention. This Independence Day, the runway is not just a celebration of fashion but a testament to a culture that wears its history with pride while stepping boldly into the future.
**This news was published on Times of India on 15th August, 2025.

 

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