Ladies, before there were bust darts and back hooks… there was just fabric.
Believe it or not, House of Earth is available for reading. The top that is vital for your saree style, gives you outfit ideas on Pinterest and determines how you dominate wedding events would have been a mystery just a couple of centuries back. A modern blouse serves more purposes than being a wearable trend. Hackers combine what’s needed with ways to go against the mainstream.
Let’s rewind.
Once Upon a Time...There Was No Blouse
Image Source: Twitter
In ancient India, women did not give much thought to the necklines of their clothes or the sleeves. They covered their bodies with unsewn fabric that was draped and wrapped beautifully. One of the early garments was the stanapatta which was a chest band belted around the torso. Embroidered, embroidered or plain, it was focused more on modest dressing and keeping cool than on style.
Enter: The OG Fashion Disruptor
Now is the time to look at how a true fashion disruptor entered the industry. In the 1860s, life in America was very different. The British were governing India completely. Back then, people followed social norms like nothing else was as important. The next person in our story is Devi, a woman who wore boldness with a saree, was ahead of her time and happened to be Rabindranath Tagore’s sister-in-law. She wasn’t only wearing sarees; she was bringing something new to them.
Image Source: Twitter
After she went to live in Bombay (now Mumbai) with her husband, Jnanadanadini had to mix with British people and their strict social rules. The problem is, the world becomes smaller every day. The traditional Bengali style of her dress wasn’t good enough for the occasion. Yup. The British club did not let her in. For failing to dress in the correct way.
And what did our heroine do?
She didn’t sulk.
She didn’t compromise.
She innovated.
She Took the Fabric and the Power
She put everyday shirt cut sleeves on the torso wrap, was inspired by European styles and came up with the blouse as we know it these days. In addition, she had more work to do. She had trouble with the pallu which kept turning and touching her right hand. Then, she rotated the box to place it on the left shoulder. Yes, queen!
She wasn’t only making clothes, but also helping people gain their freedom.
Next, she did what all trendsetters are known for, she shared the word with her friends. She started showing women the new way to wear saris in the fusion style. Ramabai even advertised her dresses in Bamabodhini Patrika, a monthly magazine, motivating women to try modern fashion, move around easily and look truly stylish.
The Blouse Goes Vogue
Image Source: Twitter
And boom. An act of revolution left its mark in history.
This is where the blouse began to change and develop over and over again:
The 1920s brought the trend of wearing sleeveless clothes, becoming Flapper fever within the saree fashion world.
Say hello to the boatneck blouse which stands out in its elegance, chic factor and retro charm
The 1980s and for some parts of the 90s, brought collars, puffed sleeves and shoulder pads that almost became bolder than the clothes themselves.
Today? Blouses now come in so many different looks such as backless, strapless, off-shoulder, shirt-style, hoodie-blouses and more, just like the bold women who wear them
From Cover-Up to Power-Up
The blouse was once known for being modest, but it is now used to show people’s unique personalities. I changed it from an obligatory activity to an entertaining experiment. If you want to stick to the classics or be as out-of-the-box as you can, the blouse will support you, both literally and figuratively.
We should not overlook this. At first created as a sign of rebellion, the blouse has evolved into fashion royalty in India.
Whether your blouse is your favorite ready-made, stretchy, hand-embroidered or simply minimal style, always consider this. It’s not only about dressing up.
You're wearing a legacy.
A revolution.
A piece of HERstory.
Tell us, what’s your favourite blouse story? The one that made you feel bold, beautiful, or just plain YOU? Drop it in the comments.