Priyadarshani Jogdand, Lecturer, MGM IFD
Having been brought up in rural parts of Maharashtra, my mother has developed a distinct sense of style that is very indigenous to what we can only call, the Modern Golden Era of India, i. e. the 1970s and the 80s. If we compare her closet to mine, there is a stark contrast in our tastes and choice of clothing which can be solely attributed to the ever changing and some evergreen trends in fashion. Georgettes and Cotton for daily use and Paithanis and Silk for very special occasions; compared to my PJs and flowy dresses, they give me a throwback to the very vivid vintage prints and patterns of the kaleidoscopic post 70s era.
In the 2000s, we started focusing on subtler and urbane colors and patterns as we welcomed a much modern, even a futuristic taste in fashion. Our attires began to look chic and urbane, as dresses and sarees were slowly getting replaced by the western two piece clothing. I will attribute her Style as future Vintage. For some pieces tell interesting stories, makes one curious of what life the piece of clothing has lived and to what it shall transform into.
One thing is for certain Fashion will constantly change faces, even evolve into or inspire different trends. Since clothes are commercially produced now the life of this clothing will sustain only for next 5 to 6 years from its date of manufacture. Whereas the Traditional Handlooms that my mother owns are so sustainable that they can be passed down to generations as heirlooms. For me my Mother’s closet holds dear place to my heart, every time I open it there’s breath of fresh Nargis (Forrest Essentials) that consumes me, only leading me to bright Ideas on how to remake, redesign, reuse her timeless Sarees.