Wednesday 21 June 2017
Tuesday 30 May 2017
Fashion statement, financial independence and social changes.
Fashion is associated with young people.Most of the fashion shows are eager to have younger models . We at Pushpneer believe that every women is a fashionista in her own right.
Think of your grand mother in that right pallu saari with big bindi , long hair either tied in simple bun or long pranda wali "choti" ,bright kohled eyes and the beautiful smile, she was a fashionista!
Our fashionista is not expected to follow the fashion trends. She is the one, who is happy and confident wearing what she feels like.
With so many platforms to interact with the world, exposure is bound to happen which ends up in lots of learning of styles and trending options. It also creates fusions of different cultures. Fusions and such interactions opens up different (eg.-indo-western) styles of clothing on the Indian street. Yes, we are not talking about ramp fashion as it's mostly left at ramp or once in a while seen on celebrities. As more and more women are becoming financially independent, they have become confident of trying dresses which are far cry from Indian traditional dresses like sari, salwar-kurti or lehenga, choli with duppata. Skirts, frocks, mid-length maxies, full length gowns, capries, shorts, tights etc are becoming preferred dresses for women. The two major factors of shifting to these styles is comfort and confidence of making choices. Many first generation financially independent women have taken this as an expression of freedom to do what they want.
I remember a very interesting observation made by a university professor in a university in a small town in Haryana in late 70's and early 80's. The girls from the villages have their first haircut, which is generally a boy-cut within the first week of being in hostel. Next comes the change in wardrobe. One jeans and few tops was affordable for most of the rural students within a month from the pocket-money, they were provided. Within six months, the changes were very drastic and positive. The changes, which education must brings in. A confident women, who is doing the things which she always wanted to do but was never allowed.
A home-science college was opened in the university campus to bring in the girls from the villages to the fold of education. Women were always a suppressed lot in Haryana as society is strongly patriarchal. It was difficult to convince the parents of girls to send them to co-educational institutions, so a girls college was the best option , which a university can offer to change the fortune of girls/ women in the area.
In the new session, we used to see lots of girls with oiled hair tied in one or two plaits with ribbons from rural Haryana roaming in groups on the university campus in the typical rural dresses of salwar or ghaghra paired with short kurti with pockets and a duppatta. With in a week, the girls used to get the smartest and "in" hair cut. The easiest change that can be brought with minimum risk and financials. Hair-cut in those days was from two to five INR in the beauty parlours in the university campus. Few more months in the hostels and transformation was admirable. The total wardrobe changes and the changes in language, confidence and carrying themselves with ease was remarkable. Many were my friends too. We used to discuss and laugh together at the changes they make in their lifestyles. The girls said they have learnt to breathe now. it was so suffocating at home, where all moves were guided and guarded by father or brothers. Youngsters are mostly open to experimentation.
Most of the women in their late 30's or 40's have been witness to these changes of more educational opportunities, work opportunities, financial independence , opening economy and social changes towards progressive trends. This generation was the torch bearer and has mostly paved ways for the future generation to have personal freedom.
Now in cities, we can see women in late 50's and 60's wearing knee length frocks, shorts without giving a damn to anybody. This self expression of freedom and "let's do it" feel is still missing in smaller cities for women. The major reason is the conservative societies, which have not changed much in giving women the freedom and safety, they deserved. It's the weakness of menfolks in such societies rather than the strength of the women which curbs a women right to live life the way she wants. Education is the tool which brings in the key to independence, confidence and living life on own terms.
Indian society is very judgmental and nosy. They take it as their right to interfere and be opinionated about the actions or decisions of anybody or everybody. It takes lots of courage here to follow one's heart here. It's good to see so many women rising against such mentality and following their hearts. Who can forget the Phogat sisters, coming from the conservative society of most conservative state, Haryana to make a name in world sports scene? There are numerous examples.
It's painful to see the exploitation of girls/ women by men. The recent incident of molestation of a girl on the streets of Rampur, a city in Uttar Pradesh, inspite of the "romeo squad" put in place by the UP government clearly shows there is no fear of law in the people. The law and order and other systems, which help in having a safe society have been misused by the successive political people, thus giving rise to a corrupt police force who work only for the agendas of politicians and not for the citizens, for whom the force is answerable. Few of the 6 molesters have been arrested , as per the latest reports. I have seen a video of the family of the girl, who were asking for justice. What is the justice? Few years of jail to the wretched men.. who knows, if some one brings the age certificate of being under 18, then he will be released again into the society as an experienced criminal and as they say, experience makes a man perfect. Next time, he may rape, instead of molestation.
The girl, who has undergone all this must be under so much trauma. Will she ever be able to forget and move on, giving the kind of society, she lives in? We need five fold action to create a safer society.
1. Strict laws
2. Strict and honest implementation of laws to create a fear in outlaws.
3. A proactive, reliable and sensitive police force
4. Creating a respectful approach towards women in general.
5. A non interfering government (politicians and bureaucrats)
Will there be a day, when India will have safe systems of police and governance so that common people feel safe ?
Think of your grand mother in that right pallu saari with big bindi , long hair either tied in simple bun or long pranda wali "choti" ,bright kohled eyes and the beautiful smile, she was a fashionista!
Our fashionista is not expected to follow the fashion trends. She is the one, who is happy and confident wearing what she feels like.
With so many platforms to interact with the world, exposure is bound to happen which ends up in lots of learning of styles and trending options. It also creates fusions of different cultures. Fusions and such interactions opens up different (eg.-indo-western) styles of clothing on the Indian street. Yes, we are not talking about ramp fashion as it's mostly left at ramp or once in a while seen on celebrities. As more and more women are becoming financially independent, they have become confident of trying dresses which are far cry from Indian traditional dresses like sari, salwar-kurti or lehenga, choli with duppata. Skirts, frocks, mid-length maxies, full length gowns, capries, shorts, tights etc are becoming preferred dresses for women. The two major factors of shifting to these styles is comfort and confidence of making choices. Many first generation financially independent women have taken this as an expression of freedom to do what they want.
I remember a very interesting observation made by a university professor in a university in a small town in Haryana in late 70's and early 80's. The girls from the villages have their first haircut, which is generally a boy-cut within the first week of being in hostel. Next comes the change in wardrobe. One jeans and few tops was affordable for most of the rural students within a month from the pocket-money, they were provided. Within six months, the changes were very drastic and positive. The changes, which education must brings in. A confident women, who is doing the things which she always wanted to do but was never allowed.A home-science college was opened in the university campus to bring in the girls from the villages to the fold of education. Women were always a suppressed lot in Haryana as society is strongly patriarchal. It was difficult to convince the parents of girls to send them to co-educational institutions, so a girls college was the best option , which a university can offer to change the fortune of girls/ women in the area.
In the new session, we used to see lots of girls with oiled hair tied in one or two plaits with ribbons from rural Haryana roaming in groups on the university campus in the typical rural dresses of salwar or ghaghra paired with short kurti with pockets and a duppatta. With in a week, the girls used to get the smartest and "in" hair cut. The easiest change that can be brought with minimum risk and financials. Hair-cut in those days was from two to five INR in the beauty parlours in the university campus. Few more months in the hostels and transformation was admirable. The total wardrobe changes and the changes in language, confidence and carrying themselves with ease was remarkable. Many were my friends too. We used to discuss and laugh together at the changes they make in their lifestyles. The girls said they have learnt to breathe now. it was so suffocating at home, where all moves were guided and guarded by father or brothers. Youngsters are mostly open to experimentation.
Most of the women in their late 30's or 40's have been witness to these changes of more educational opportunities, work opportunities, financial independence , opening economy and social changes towards progressive trends. This generation was the torch bearer and has mostly paved ways for the future generation to have personal freedom.
Now in cities, we can see women in late 50's and 60's wearing knee length frocks, shorts without giving a damn to anybody. This self expression of freedom and "let's do it" feel is still missing in smaller cities for women. The major reason is the conservative societies, which have not changed much in giving women the freedom and safety, they deserved. It's the weakness of menfolks in such societies rather than the strength of the women which curbs a women right to live life the way she wants. Education is the tool which brings in the key to independence, confidence and living life on own terms.
Indian society is very judgmental and nosy. They take it as their right to interfere and be opinionated about the actions or decisions of anybody or everybody. It takes lots of courage here to follow one's heart here. It's good to see so many women rising against such mentality and following their hearts. Who can forget the Phogat sisters, coming from the conservative society of most conservative state, Haryana to make a name in world sports scene? There are numerous examples.
It's painful to see the exploitation of girls/ women by men. The recent incident of molestation of a girl on the streets of Rampur, a city in Uttar Pradesh, inspite of the "romeo squad" put in place by the UP government clearly shows there is no fear of law in the people. The law and order and other systems, which help in having a safe society have been misused by the successive political people, thus giving rise to a corrupt police force who work only for the agendas of politicians and not for the citizens, for whom the force is answerable. Few of the 6 molesters have been arrested , as per the latest reports. I have seen a video of the family of the girl, who were asking for justice. What is the justice? Few years of jail to the wretched men.. who knows, if some one brings the age certificate of being under 18, then he will be released again into the society as an experienced criminal and as they say, experience makes a man perfect. Next time, he may rape, instead of molestation.
The girl, who has undergone all this must be under so much trauma. Will she ever be able to forget and move on, giving the kind of society, she lives in? We need five fold action to create a safer society.
1. Strict laws
2. Strict and honest implementation of laws to create a fear in outlaws.
3. A proactive, reliable and sensitive police force
4. Creating a respectful approach towards women in general.
5. A non interfering government (politicians and bureaucrats)
Will there be a day, when India will have safe systems of police and governance so that common people feel safe ?
Monday 12 September 2016
The fashion flavour this festive season!
With festive season round the corner, its time to put the fashionable foot forward. The lines between festive, formal and casual wear are blending seamlessly, its time to bring in some interesting variations in festive ensembles. The cuts, fabrics and silhouettes take the centre stage.It's time to admire the beauty of Indian hand made products. Indian block print cloth, pretty ikat weaves and batik dyed mulmul cloth are great choices to celebrate the festivals. Indigo block printed cloth is the flavour of the season. The colour itself stands out. Funky silver jewelry will add the glitter to the ensemble.
Usually, bright colours are associated with the festivities. Try blush pink, white, pearl blue this season and you are going to be the shining jewel in all the get to-gathers. Avoid heavy work and let the weaves, colour combinations and simple straight cuts be brought the centre stage. You will be surprised to see the way you receive the compliments. Such simple and light dresses compliments the personality unlike heavy dresses, full of embroidery, layers, frills etc which overshadows the personality of the wearer.
It's also time to experiment with the looks. Try indo-western gowns, long frocks in Indian prints, weaves and unusual colours.
Most of the time, people compliment as- the dress is looking very pretty. Kahan se li? Not many gets compliments like - wow, you are looking so pretty. The dress is looking so good on you.
Do you want to change the way, you receive compliments? Shift to PUSHPNEER for our simplicity in designs, simple cuts, un-fussy silhouettes, breathing natural cloth and no two pieces are similar.
Friday 9 September 2016
THE SENSIBLE FASHION
Hi folks,
It has been real long time since we met.I have a great news to share with you. I am going for my first exhibition and am thrilled! Creating designs and then showcasing them to the gorgeous people around has it's own excitement.
Since decades, I have been designing dresses for the women I am close to. I have a designing sense and am not a trained designer. This allows me to roam freely in the design galleries without knowing the defined rules and restrictions, which designers know.
I have chosen cottons with Indian ethnicity. Block printed cotton, ikkat weaves and dyed mulmul is my chosen cloth for my Autumn 2016 collection, named URVI, means EARTH. It's a tribute to Indian artisans and Indian heritage by PUSHPNEER.
I am in love with sleek designs and simple cuts in straight lines which accentuates a woman's personality as a whole. URVI dresses has vibrancy of designs by colour combinations, some forgotten collars' styles , freshly dyed batik and shibori prints and ikat weaves .
Pushpneer's endeavor is to bring in the conservative women to appreciate the fusion fashion and join the tribe and enjoy the freedom these Indo-western dresses provide to the wearer. Our collection boasts of long maxi gowns, calf and knee length dresses, tunics, pinafores and some unusual skirts and lehengas.
Have a peekaboo in our collection. We are open to positive criticism to improve!
It has been real long time since we met.I have a great news to share with you. I am going for my first exhibition and am thrilled! Creating designs and then showcasing them to the gorgeous people around has it's own excitement.
Since decades, I have been designing dresses for the women I am close to. I have a designing sense and am not a trained designer. This allows me to roam freely in the design galleries without knowing the defined rules and restrictions, which designers know.
I have chosen cottons with Indian ethnicity. Block printed cotton, ikkat weaves and dyed mulmul is my chosen cloth for my Autumn 2016 collection, named URVI, means EARTH. It's a tribute to Indian artisans and Indian heritage by PUSHPNEER.
I am in love with sleek designs and simple cuts in straight lines which accentuates a woman's personality as a whole. URVI dresses has vibrancy of designs by colour combinations, some forgotten collars' styles , freshly dyed batik and shibori prints and ikat weaves .
Pushpneer's endeavor is to bring in the conservative women to appreciate the fusion fashion and join the tribe and enjoy the freedom these Indo-western dresses provide to the wearer. Our collection boasts of long maxi gowns, calf and knee length dresses, tunics, pinafores and some unusual skirts and lehengas.
Have a peekaboo in our collection. We are open to positive criticism to improve!
Our Indigo-Intention
The skin soothing dresses with a relaxed silhouette . The effortless dressing by PUSHPNEER is all about casual styles .
I will share some more designs in my next post.
Till then, dress well, enjoy life and be happy with yourself!
Thursday 11 August 2016
LBD
The social changes in urban Indian society after freedom over the years and the world exposure through internet and other platforms have changed the way women lived their life. The freedom women now enjoys in every sphere of life is an achievement of the struggles, they have gone through ages.This generation has been the most emancipated.
In 1970s and 1980s, the most common and appreciated dress for Indian women was salwar kameez, saris and jeans-top in metropolies. In smaller towns, it was mainly the salwar kameez, churidaar pyjama or saris. Young girls were experimenting with frocks, skirts and little black dress. LBD was popular mainly at places, where western exposure is available. I have lived in university campus, where international faculties were living on campus. I had the exposure to LBD.
LBD was the abbreviation for little black dress and was promoted as a dress for young and thin girls way back in early 1900 years in USA and European countries.
Its a must in every women's wardrobe irrespective of her age , size and figure. Its all about the attitude to carry an LBD.
Black color is very versatile and can be paired with any colour to create a new effect. A simple jacket with kutchi hand embroidery has created a very different look as compared to the red and grey shrugs. Combining the LBD with a net jacket creates a party dress.
Have a look at my experiments with LBD! And have fun creating your own style!
LBD was the abbreviation for little black dress and was promoted as a dress for young and thin girls way back in early 1900 years in USA and European countries.
LBD is actually for any woman who is young at heart!
Long black dress when abbreviated is also LBD. This is for the women who have grown up and LBD was part of their growing up years. With years, they have added experiences and fat too. Why should they miss the fun of having an LBD in their wardrobe again?
Its a must in every women's wardrobe irrespective of her age , size and figure. Its all about the attitude to carry an LBD.
Black color is very versatile and can be paired with any colour to create a new effect. A simple jacket with kutchi hand embroidery has created a very different look as compared to the red and grey shrugs. Combining the LBD with a net jacket creates a party dress.
Have a look at my experiments with LBD! And have fun creating your own style!
Friday 24 June 2016
LBD - LITTLE BLACK DRESS
The LBD is an abbreviation used for little black dress. An LBD is an evening or cocktail short dress and with simple cuts. The little black dress was brought on fashion scenario in early 1920s and intended to be long lasting, versatile, affordable and in neutral black colour. Coco Chanel and Jean Patou were the designer who perceived this dress.The LBD is considered an essential to complete the wardrobe of a fashionable women. LBD may be worn with a jacket or ornate jewelry or just like that , depending upon the occasion. As LBD has never been out of fashion and not yet expected to be, it's ideally should be as simple as possible and should not be part of the trends.
It was in 1926, when Gabrielle Coco Chanel published first picture of short simple black dress in American Vogue. It was simple and accessible to women of all social strata. Actually it became a uniform for women of taste.
In 1950s, the LBD returned as a symbol of dangerous woman. Hollywood's fallen women characters were often portrayed in black halter style dresses in contrast to more conservative dresses which were worn by housewives and others. With availability of synthetic fibers in 1940s broadened the availability and affordability of many designs.
The generation gaps of 1960s created dichotomy in the design of the little black dress. The younger modern generation preferred mini skirt , creating cutouts or slits in skirts, using sheer fabrics etc.In 1980s and 1990s, LBD again came into vogue. With new fabrics like knits and fitness craze, new fitting and designs and internet windows to access the world made LBD popular in Indian continent. Combining LBD with different styles of footwear adds another kind of freshness to the LBD style. The resurgence of body hugging clothing, muted colour schemes paved way to the resurgence of LBD in 2000s.
Usually LBD is taken as a dress for young and slim women. But if one has grown up with LBD should one stop wearing it as it's supposedly for the younger lot? Its true that with age, the body shape changes but somethings do not change. LBD is one of them. So wait for the next post to know more about LBD for not so young and slim women.
Till then connect with "PUSHPNEER" ,feel your inner beauty and look beautiful !
https://www.facebook.com/pushpneerfashions/
Friday 17 April 2015
My Indian Ethnic look.
The sari is usually worn over a petticoat with a fitted upper
garment commonly called a blouse The blouse may or may not have sleeves
and is usually cropped at the midriff.
The sari is associated with grace and is
widely regarded as a symbol of Indian, Pakistani, Nepalese, Bangladeshi and Sri Lankan culture.
In this sari avatar, I am wearing a jute blended cotton saari in golden/ khakhi colour combination. The fabric is cool and just right for the hot ahmdabadi warm days.
Its 5.5 metre saree with matching blouse piece. I created a simple round neck, short sleeved blouse.
I teamed up with stone jewellary in matching colours to add spark to simple and plain saree.
Since sari is just simple, some stone jewellary added some chick. I used red lipstick to add some bright colours to the look. No eye makeup , just little darkening of of eyebrows, which I think is just right for my age....of 20 + :). How many plusses makes all the difference to makeup styles!
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