REDISCOVERING THE SAREE THROUGH THE LENS OF THE SUNDRESS TREND
This time last year, when my best friend and I were discussing how pretty sundresses were, I didn’t anticipate a trend starting in the United States, where young men and women have become equally obsessed with colourful, graceful sundresses. In a world where we can all wear whatever we want, women are choosing to wear sundresses more often. It’s interesting that sundresses have been around for a long time but have suddenly received a boost in the young women’s fashion scene.
You can find many theories online about why men like them. Some are innocent, suggesting they love the simple, colourful, and youthful look sundresses give women, while others lean more towards objectifying women based on perceived virtues and signs of fertility.
Now, as a woman myself, I’d like to add my two pennies’ worth. Sundresses are colourful and fashionable. They are light, making them a better choice than jeans during the summer. If a woman feels pretty, embodying womanhood and confidence, while wearing one, it’s an added bonus.
Why would I, an Indian living in India, care about this American trend? Because the saree is our sundress. Think for a moment about Chandni Chopra (Sushmita Sen) in Main Hoon Na, her red saree flying in the wind, admired by everyone as she walks by. Her chiffon sarees fascinated an entire generation and showed that we can wear a saree and still be trendy. You often hear men appreciating a chic saree look on women. No, gaining men’s approval is not why you should choose a saree, but this does illustrate how the saree is India’s equivalent of the sundress.
Today, most young women opt for Western clothes, and there’s nothing wrong with that. I agree with the argument that they tend to be easier to wear and care for. And we don’t want to deal with the hassle that comes with wearing a saree: the intricate draping process, constant adjustments to keep it in place, the need for appropriate undergarments such as petticoats, and the challenge of managing the flowing fabric throughout the day. Yet, the undeniable elegance and grace, along with its versatility in both formal and casual settings, resonate deeply with me. Even the thought of losing this connection fills me with nostalgia and a profound sense of longing.
The ideal summer sarees aren’t the heavy, bejewelled “monstrosities”, but rather light cotton ones, perhaps paired with sleeveless blouses. Despite its seemingly limited form, the five-metre saree has a surprising capacity for ongoing trends. Its existence for thousands of years, and the evolution it has undergone, are testaments to that. Look at how the incredibly easy pre-stitched option has been welcomed by modern women.
The colours, designs, and traditions that bring us together can be trendy, and the saree can be our choice of everyday wear more often than it has been.
