The mesmerising couture showcased in the web series, Heeramandi, may be your next inspo for sustainable dressing. We are telling you how.
Recreate the vintage vibe. Want to dress up the Heeramandi way? It’s easier to recreate the vintage vibe than you think.
Get creative:
The three golden ‘R’s of fashion, recycle, reuse and recreate, work like a charm. Start by exploring your grandmother’s or mother’s closet for treasures from the past. These items can be your canvas to experiment with. Not sure about borrowing originals? You can repurpose your own imitation jewellery pieces to make them work.
Look out for these crafts:
Zardozi and Tila work are one of the oldest and most elaborate styles of embroidery done with gold and silver threads. Looks equally good on velvets and silk as well as crepes and georgettes. This is one for keeps
Gota Patti and Tukaran work are traditional Rajasthani arts, crafted by delicately stitching silver or golden gota ribbons on the fabrics while shaping them into different motifs. Chiffons and georgettes are the fabrics of choice. Vibrant dupattas and vintage saris instantly enhance the glamour quotient.
Brocade, popularly associated with royalty, is created when golden or silver threads are woven alongside silk threads on a loom. Brocade saris, lehengas and even sherwanis have been an integral part of the Indian wedding trousseau. Try brocade pants or upcycle an old brocade garment into a clutch, for that contemporary yet classic look. Or try a stylish brocade blouse or jacket to up the ante.
Phulkari is a traditional Punjabi art form, where colourful threads weave tales of joy and celebration onto humble dupattas. Beautiful sleeveless jackets or straight kurtas can be created from old phulkari dupattas. This will give a modern feel while keeping the traditional vibe intact.
Chikankari with Mukaish work, a saga of grace on voile and cotton, offer a respite from the summer heat with their light and breathable fabrics. Flowing Anarkalis, shararas, plain kurtas, saris, or even a hand accessory, this is a Nawabi craft known for its elegance.
Jamawar and Pashmina shawls, woven with intricate designs, hold within them the essence of Kashmir’s enchanting landscapes. They are hand-woven with woollen threads. These shawls are statement pieces and if you inherit one from your granny, make sure it becomes a winter wardrobe staple. They can be layered over suits, saris and even dresses and jeans, they’re versatile and always stylish.
Discover the magic of heirloom jewels.
Fun fact: More than 10,000 jewellery pieces weighing over 300 kgs were created for Heeramandi to capture the ‘Mughal’ essence. While that’s not quite sustainable, it may be the segue you need to appreciate some heirlooms. Uncut diamonds, in their natural glory; Jadau and Kundan, with their raw diamonds set in gold; all evoke splendour and legacy, and can be styled as statement pieces with traditional or contemporary clothing.
Combining traditional Indian jewellery like rani haar, hathphool, and a nath with contemporary attire can create a stunning style statement that’s all your own.
Pro tip: Renting, borrowing and thrifting are great ways to tap into a trend without breaking the bank or harming the planet.
