Fashion Over Style is proud to partner with DNA to bring to you all the information you need to know about Bollywood fashion. No need to go googling bollywood, all the information you need will be presented by FOS over the next few weeks. Welcome to Lesson One. I will be outlining authentic Indian wear and procedures for you to get your look just right. I’ll also tell you where in Jamaica you can get your authentic bollywood outfit from head to toe, accessories and all.

Euphoria has certainly made a name for itself as a must attend party. Each one succeeds the next in expectations and this new theme, which has never before been done in Jamaica by any of our popular party promoters, has patrons buzzing with excitement as they scramble about in search of the Indian costumes. The date is set for December 22 at a venue yet to be announced, but we have just about enough time to get you all bollywooded

Lesson one of course starts with all the terms and how-tos that you’ll need. What exactly is a sari, how do I wrap one? Everyone will be in a sari, what else can I wear? Let us begin.

Bollywood, first of all, is the informal name given to the popular Mumbai-based Hindi-language film industry in India, according to Wiki. Bollywood plots have tended to be melodramatic. They frequently employ formulaic ingredients such as star-crossed lovers and angry parents, love triangles, family ties, sacrifice, corrupt politicians, kidnappers, conniving villains, courtesans with hearts of gold, long-lost relatives and siblings separated by fate, dramatic reversals of fortune, and convenient coincidences. Sounds familiar right? Bollywood, welcome to Jamaica!

One website has broken down the Bollywood fashion for us, and I will in tern explain all the terms for you with pictorials so you know exactly what you’re looking for.

Elegance and grace are the key to perfection in Bollywood. From sarees to lenghas and cholis to the salwaar kameez, traditional clothing and style is continually being altered with a western twist. Bollywood is known for its elaborate costumes and designer wear. As new designers emerge, fashion is becoming more and more glamorous and new trends are transpiring each day.

Traditional men’s fashion includes sherwanis, kurta pyjama, jodhpuri and western wear. Men’s clothing is simple but seductive. Made from the finest of fabrics, the clothing is highly sophisticated and finely detailed with embroidery. Men’s accessories include ties, safas, jutis and stoles. Safas are featured in vibrant reds and come with matching stoles for weddings. Jutis is a traditional Indian footwear worn with sherwanis, also highly detailed with craftsmanship.

The traditional saree can be worn in many different ways and styles. It can be wrapped from the front to the back or vice versa. Sarees have been around for hundreds of years and make up the majority of women’s wardrobes. Sarees are delicate pieces of silk cloth, intricately designed with fine pieces of thread. They are made from five to six yards of cloth, featuring elaborate technique.

After sarees, the Salwar Kameez is the second most popular dress in most parts of India. The popularity and comfort of the salwar kameez has become a major part of new designer clothing for many designers. Today, Indian designers are borrowing from ancient traditions to give the salwar kameez a new dignified and flirtatious look. From the ethnic touch to the cocktail look, the salwar kameez is suitable for all occasions and each Indian region lends its own flavour to the variety of embroideries, resulting in endless creative ensembles.

Mehndi (or Henna) is the ancient art of body tattooing in India. It has recently become a western phenomena. Mehndi powder is made out of dried leaves from a shrub. Traditionally, Mehndi is used to decorate the hands and feet of a new bride.

The koka is a nose ring that symbolizes purity and marriage. Necklaces are made from a variety of materials, ranging from glass beads to gold and diamonds. Worn on the wrist, chudiyan (bangles) are made of silver, gold, wood, glass and plastic. In addition to these ornaments is the tika. It is worn at the top of the forehead in the parting of the hair. Usually it is a small pendant on the end of a chain that is clasped to the hair.

Was that too much to swallow? Hey I had to read it a couple times well myself! Take a minute to let it all absorb and look at the pretty pictures below. If you’re like me and like to be factual about what you’re talking about, then you can click the links for definitions of each garment, below is the pictorial, (after the cut) . Of course, I’ve tried to do my research and be true to the Indian culture however if there is anything you’d like to update me on please contact me and do stay tuned for the updates on where to cop your Indian gear! You can click each image to view larger size.

The Sari

Salwar Kamees

Lenghas and Cholis

Sherwanis

Kurta Pyjama

Jodhpuri

Jutis

Stoles

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