The love for sarees in the hearts of Indian women is incomparable. Women of all ages have embraced this stunning ensemble and meshed it with their femininity, grace, and allure. However, this admiration for Indian sarees is no longer limited to the vibrant streets of India; this sophisticated attire has taken over the world not very long ago. At the global stage, the Indian saree fashion is under the spotlight and is being revered by many. So how did the humble saree achieve a global style icon status? Let’s dig deep and find out.
Why Are Indian Traditional Sarees Popular Worldwide?
Beautiful Embellishments and Alluring Design:
We all know how stunning sarees are. The variety in saree designs, fabrics, and embellishments are unmatched. Each saree weaves a captivating history of culture, heritage, and skilled craftsmanship. Whist donning a saree, the wearer is draped in rich fabric, amazing adornments, and supreme comfort. The weaving process of some sarees is even reserved with a few families in India. For example, the Kalamkari hand painting technique is practiced by selected families in Andra Pradesh, making these sarees beyond rare.
Varied Fabrics and Weaves:
We all know that the variety of Indian sarees is incomparable. With the diverse landscape of India at play, each region has its own weave and saree-making technique. From the gorgeous Banarasi saree from Varanasi to the elegant Kanjivaram saree from Tamil Nadu, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to the types of stunning sarees from India. Apart from a vast variety of traditional sarees, we also have contemporary sarees, such as Chiffon sarees and Georgette sarees, that look absolutely ethereal. Pre-stitched sarees have also gained quite the traction in recent years. This amazing variety is what has captured the hearts and imaginations of women worldwide.
Amazing Adaptability:
The Saree is a timeless garment that speaks of sophistication and grace. However, the ensemble has evolved quite a lot with the changing times. The grounds for experimentation are endless and you can style a saree in just about any fashion. Today, it’s common to find chiffon sarees paired with a jacket or a Pathani Silk saree, ciched at the waist by a belt. This enduring adaptability of the saree is what has made it appealing on the world stage.
- The Influence of Bollywood Celebrities: One cannot ignore the impact that Bollywood celebrities have on representing Indian culture globally. When a celeb like Priyanka Chopra wears a saree to an event like the Toronto Film Festival, audiences worldwide sit up and take notice. It cannot be denied that Bollywood celebrities are a huge reason for the surging in popularity of the Indian saree globally.
How Indian Sarees Are Setting the World Stage Ablaze
- Hollywood Stars Embrace Indian Sarees: The saree has been the go-to choice for Indian ethnic wear for Hollywood stars for a long time. We have recently seen belles like Gigi Hadid and Zendaya donning sarees for events. Apart from them, legends like Oprah and Julia Roberts have shown their appreciation for Indian culture by donning a saree.
- Sarees Showcased on International Runways: The humble Indian saree has now found its footing on the runways of the world. Renowned designer Jean Paul Gaultier’s 2007 Paris fashion week show was inspired by sarees and featured saree gowns with distinctive pleats and drapes. The French luxury house Hermes launched limited edition sarees inspired by their scarfs that were loved worldwide.
- Stars Adorning Sarees at International Events: Indian celebrities proudly display their love for Indian culture by donning sarees at various international events. For example, Deepika Padukone adorned sarees at both the Cannes Film Festival and the Met Gala. Apart from her, celebrities such as Vidya Balan, Priyanka Chopra, Aishwarya Rai, and many more have highlighted the saree, showing it off to a global audience.
- Sarees Used in Advertising: Sales have become a unique selling point for many retailers and fashion magazines. High fashion brands such as Gucci, Dior, and Hermes have used sarees in their advertising campaigns. Apart from this, the stunning sarees have also appeared in the international editions of magazines such as Vogue, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, and more.