The red saree is an evergreen fashion statement- a smart addition to your ethnic wear collection. From being staunchly traditional to an experimenting diva- you can carry off this timeless classic with effortless style!
Fashion evolves with every season but for a country like India where traditions and cultural elements are sticky, basic fashion statements can be carried on for centuries like a legacy. One such classic that never fails in its allure is a red sari. It may change in terms of fabrics, styling, embroidery/ design – but the color and fluid fabric are present in almost every Indian woman’s closet. The red sari has since time immemorial been an integral part of the Indian culture - especially for auspicious occasions like weddings and religious rituals. With time, while the traditional vibe surrounding red sarees has remained intact, these saris have also grown to being an up-to-date fashion statement- and fondly sported by Indian women all over the world!
The Evergreen Traditional Appeal Of Red Sarees
The significance of red saris in the Indian culture is quite apparent from the dress code followed during special occasions as well as in day-to-day life. A red Banarasi silk saree with golden brocade weaves forms the bridal saree of North Indian brides. Red also forms a prominent hue for Gharchola sarees, Panetar, Paithani and other regional bridal wear. While red pure silk sarees are patronised by the upper echelons, commercially available red art silk sarees with zardosi, stones and other forms of detailed ornamentation are preferred by most of the globally located Indian brides.
For festivals like Karva Chauth, women tend to essentially follow a red dress code, which symbolises their marital status where again, red saris play a very prominent role. The hue is also popular for other Indian celebrations and festivals.
Red Saree - a modern fashion statement
The trend of western style clothing has strongly pervaded the Indian market- visibly changing the fashion scenario of the country. While trousers, skirts, dresses and T-shirts/ tops may have replaced the wardrobe of urban and rural women, wearing a sari these days is still considered as an 'in' thing. Women from all age-groups, including teenagers these days are often seen strutting in red sarees especially during weddings and cultural festivities, carrying their designer red saris with pride! Plain red silk georgette sarees and flattering crepe silk and chiffon saris are preferred options for glamorous evening parties. A plain red sari when paired with a designer black, golden or silver blouse- makes a spellbound fashion statement!
The role of Bollywood in revamping red sarees
When Nushrat Bharucha wearing a red saree with a sizzling halter blouse boldly danced to the tunes of a Honey Singh track in the Bollywood flick Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety - the nation cheered in delight- including the dogmatic ones who believe in staunchly following age-old norms. The reel and real life wardrobe of celebrities has, from time to time revamped the appeal of red sarees, reinforcing their trend quotient from time to time. Whether it is Anushka Sharma's reception look in a traditional red Banarasi silk saree or Deepika Padukone's red and golden half-and-half saree sported at the IIFA red carpet, red saris have never failed to impress!
Red saris- a timeless classic
Today, a red sari is one of the most popular ethnic garments- and is found in almost every Indian woman's wardrobe. From their everyday chores, their precious trousseau an even for big fat Indian weddings, red sarees are a rage for conservative as well as for modern women. Whether plain, printed or indulgently embellished, red saris are a timeless classic- a prized possession for every saree fanatic!
