A sneak-peek into how Indian culture has influenced International fashion

A sneak-peek into how Indian culture has influenced International fashion

India has given the world yoga, the digit zero, architecture, mouth-watering cuisines, Bollywood and so much more. The one thing that gets overlooked often is fashion, wherein the sheer amount of diversity and influence that international designers have drawn from Indian culture and fashion has been immense.International Fashion designers such as Elie Saab, Christian Dior, Gucci, Burberry and many more prominent labels have incorporated Indian prints and textiles in their designs over the years, as well as emulated some of  our indigenous silhouettes in an exciting and modern ways, such as the sari drapes, the lehenga swirls and rich embroidery.Let’s take a look at some exquisite international designs influenced by Indian culture –

Burberry

 
Image: Matthew Shavemargin

The iconic Burberry trench coat was recreated with Maheshwari Silk, commonly used in sarees, for Vogue India’s Fiftieth Anniversary ‘Project Renaissance’. Like the trench, the Maheshwari fabric has an incredibly rich history and heritage.

Alberta Ferretti 

Image: Matthew Shave

Others brands involved in this project include Alberta Ferretti, who used a Kanchipuram silk saree as the centerpiece of an elegant ball gown, thus reinterpreting the beautiful fabric, highlighting its versatility, richness and allure.

Elie Saab, Spring 2016 

Image Source: Vogue

Elie Saab’sSpring 2016 collection retained the delicacy and elegance of their past designs, but was further enhanced by the influence of colonial India. The regality of the collection was enhanced due to the heavy Indian style embroidery and familiar draping of fabrics over the shoulder mimicking sarees and dupattas.

Ryoko Haraguchi’s ‘Haath Heart’ 

Image: Global Fashion Street

Ryoko Haraguchi’s love of textiles inspired her collection, ‘Haath Heart‘ in December 2016 as she revived the ancient arts of traditional Indian weaving, stitch work and dyeing techniques, using Kota Sarees and Indian silk as base material.

Marchesa S/S 2013 

Marchesa regularly pays tribute to Indian fabrics and textiles in their designs. The piece with navy blue tulle draped over the gold sequined bodice is a beautiful re-interpretation of a sari. They have also combined rich antique silk with the playful elegance of a cocktail party in their strapless saree cocktail dress. The red and white piece resembles an Anarkhali, with the red fitted embroidered top flowing down to the white tulle body, and a matching red border draping down to resemble the pleats of a saree.