South Asian Fashion Fusion: Chic Style for Women of All Cultures
12 minute read
Welcome to our newest collection of sexy, daring, and meaningful pieces only available for rent at Armoire. Think stunning fabrics, intricate embellishments, and high drama. We’re talking South Asian fashion fusion, a rich and diverse tapestry reflecting vibrant cultures, history, and traditions. No, you don’t have to be South Asian to rock these looks. You only have to be willing to turn heads.
Why South Asian Fashion Fusion, and why now?
As a child, Armoire founder Ambika Singh played in her mother’s closet, joyfully strutting around in beautiful saris and chunnis creatively mixed with Western styles. Her love of South Asian Fashion fusion was born. Since Armoire’s inception eight years ago, Ambika has dreamed of sharing this passion broadly—with non-South Asian and South Asian women alike. “It’s appreciation, not appropriation,” she says.
The moment felt right to bring the vision to life in time for Diwali this year, partly due to the emergence of a strong female lead of South Asian descent. Yes, Kamala Harris . Politics aside, Harris brings South Asian heritage to the national conversation. She’s spoken of the influence of her Indian mother on her life, upbringing, and values. She’s visited India and references the cultural traditions, foods, and values from her Indian side, while acknowledging her South Asian identity as part of her broader, multi-cultural heritage.
Ambika found the perfect partner for this initiative in her friend Shivani Vyas. The two Seattle women started by sourcing vintage garments from their personal rolodexes of South Asian friends and family. Before long, word spread and beautiful, one-of-a-kind items began pouring into Armoire headquarters from women eager to share their cherished garments with strangers across the country.
The garments in this special collection are more than just clothes; they’re a personal invitation from Ambika and Shivani to experience a vibrant cultural celebration and sharing exchange so very close to their hearts.
I’m invited to a South Asian Celebration. What do I wear?
Lucky you—you have a fun night ahead! You will not offend your hosts if you choose to wear traditional South Asian styles as a non-South Asian friend. If you prefer, you could go for a fusion look incorporating the essence of South Asian style with Western attire. Read on for some how-to’s. You’re in the right place.
South Asian fashion fusion is all about breaking boundaries and experimenting with cultural garments in fresh, stylish ways. For festivals like Diwali, Eid, and Durga Puja, women dress in vibrant, embellished outfits that reflect the significance of the occasion. They often mix modern elements like crop tops or contemporary silhouettes with traditional fabrics and embellishments to create unique looks that blend tradition with modernity.
South Asian wedding attire is elaborate and richly detailed. Brides typically wear red or other vibrant colors adorned with heavy embroidery and embellishments. Lehengas, sarees, and shararas (long tunic with wide-leg pants) are common choices for wedding guests.
Styling for South Asian Fashion Fusion
Over the years, South Asian fashion has blended traditional and modern styles. Indo-Western outfits like saree gowns, crop top lehengas, and palazzo suits have gained popularity. You may have already worn South Asian-inspired looks without even being aware of their origins. Designers often combine Western cuts with traditional fabrics and motifs, making the outfits more versatile and appealing to a wide range of consumers. Maxi dresses with ethnic prints, fusion jackets , and lehenga-style skirts are common in closets across the US.?
The Saree
Prominent in India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, the saree is an elegant, unstitched piece of cloth, usually between 5-9 yards in length, draped over the body in various styles. It is typically paired with a blouse and petticoat. Sarees come in a variety of fabrics like silk, cotton, chiffon, and georgette, and are often adorned with intricate embroidery, embellishments, and motifs.
Saree with a Modern Twist
The Lehenga
Often worn for weddings and festive occasions, the lehenga is a long, pleated skirt paired with a fitted blouse (choli) and elegant scarf (dupatta). Richly decorated with embroidery, beadwork, and sequins, the lehenga exudes grandeur.
Lehenga with a Western Touch
The Kurta
Popular in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, the kurta is a traditional, long, loose-fitting tunic worn by both men and women in South Asia. It is typically knee-length or longer, with long or short sleeves, and can be styled in various ways depending on the occasion and region. The kurta is often worn with a variety of bottoms, such as salwar (baggy pants), churidar (tight-fitting pants), or even leggings for a more modern, fusion look.
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Kurta with Western Elements
Salwar Kameez
In India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, a combination of a long tunic (kameez) and baggy pants (salwar) is popular for everyday wear or special occasions. Variations like the churidar (tighter fitting pants) and palazzo pants are common. The look is often completed with a matching dupatta (scarf).
Westernized Salwar Kameez
Accessorizing for South Asian Fashion Fusion
South Asian fashion is incomplete without statement jewelry. Gold, diamonds, and kundan (un-cut stones) are popular in bridal and festive wear. Jhumkas (dangling earrings), bangles, maang tikka (forehead jewelry), and nose rings are also frequently worn. For a stunning fusion contrast, pair chunky traditional jewelry like oversized jhumkas with simple Western outfits like a little black dress.?
Using a belt to cinch a saree or lehenga at the waist is a chic fusion trend that combines traditional attire with modern styling techniques. Embroidered clutches, often paired with sarees or lehengas, are eye-catching with Western evening dresses or cocktail attire.
For footwear, the traditional Punjabi juttis (embroidered flat shoes) are often paired with jeans, dresses, or skirts for a chic Indo-Western vibe. These shoes are comfortable and add an ethnic touch to a casual outfit. While traditional outfits are usually worn with flat sandals or mojari, styling them with high heels or boots is a popular fusion trend that adds a modern edge to the look.
Pair long ethnic jackets featuring intricate embroidery or mirror work with dresses or jumpsuits. These jackets can instantly elevate a simple outfit into something festive or formal.
Glossary: South Asian Styles, from A to Z
Ajrak (Pakistan): A block-printing technique from Sindh, Ajrak is used in shawls, dupattas, and dresses, known for its geometric patterns and indigo color palette.
Anarkali (India, Pakistan): This is a long, flowy dress-like kameez, often heavily embroidered, paired with fitted churidar pants. It’s named after the famous Mughal-era dancer Anarkali and has a regal, flattering silhouette.
Banarasi Silk (India): Originating from Varanasi, this type of silk is known for its rich texture and detailed gold and silver brocade work, often worn at weddings. South Asian fashion heavily uses silk for festive and formal occasions, especially in sarees, lehengas, and salwar kameez.
Bandhani (India): A tie-dye textile art form from Gujarat and Rajasthan. Bandhani sarees and dupattas are recognized for their bright colors and intricate patterns.
Choli (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal): A choli is a traditional, fitted blouse typically paired with garments like a saree or lehenga, covering the upper body while leaving the midriff exposed in most styles. Cholis are an essential part of traditional South Asian women’s attire and come in a variety of styles, fabrics, and designs.
Chunni/Dupatta (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal): A chunni, or dupatta, is an elegant scarf made from lightweight fabrics like silk or chiffon, often adorned with embroidery or prints. It can be draped over the shoulders or wrapped around the body, enhancing traditional outfits like sarees and lehengas.
Churidar pants (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal): Churidars are tight-fitting pants that are narrow around the legs, unlike the loose salwar. They are cut longer than the leg so that they wrinkle or gather around the ankles. The fabric is often made of stretchy materials like cotton or lycra blends, which allow for a snug, comfortable fit despite their form-fitting design.
Kaftan (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh): A kaftan is a loose, flowing garment with long sleeves and a relaxed silhouette, made from lightweight fabrics like cotton or silk. Popular for its comfort, it features decorative elements like embroidery and prints. Originating in the Middle East, the kaftan reached India during the Mughal era in the 16th century, where it was adopted by royalty and adapted with local designs. Today, kaftans are versatile pieces worn for casual and formal occasions, blending cultural heritage with modern style.
Kanjivaram (India): Hailing from Tamil Nadu, Kanjivaram silk sarees are famous for their durability, richness, and bright hues, typically worn on special occasions like weddings and festivals.
Kurta (India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh): The kurta is a traditional, long, loose-fitting tunic worn by both men and women in South Asia. It is typically knee-length or longer, with long or short sleeves, and can be styled in various ways depending on the occasion and region. The kurta is often worn with a variety of bottoms, such as salwar (baggy pants), churidar (tight-fitting pants), leggings, or even jeans for a more modern, fusion look.
Lehenga Choli (India, Pakistan): Often worn for weddings and festive occasions, the lehenga is a long, pleated skirt paired with a fitted blouse (choli) and dupatta. Richly decorated with embroidery, beadwork, and sequins, the lehenga choli exudes grandeur.
Patiala pants (India): ?A traditional Indian garment known for their loose, baggy fit and pleated design, patiala pants originate from Punjab. They are typically made from lightweight fabrics and are often paired with a kameez (tunic). Featuring a wide flare at the bottom, patiala pants offer comfort and style, making them popular for casual wear and festive occasions.
Phulkari (India, Pakistan): A traditional embroidery technique from Punjab, Phulkari is used in shawls, dupattas, and headscarves, featuring colorful, floral embroidery.
Salwar Kameez (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh): A combination of a long tunic (kameez) and baggy pants (salwar), this outfit is versatile and popular for everyday wear or special occasions. Variations like the churidar (tighter fitting pants) and palazzo pants are common. The look is often completed with a matching dupatta (scarf).
Saree (India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka): The saree is an elegant, unstitched piece of cloth, usually between 5-9 yards in length, draped over the body in various styles. It is typically paired with a blouse and petticoat. Sarees come in a variety of fabrics like silk, cotton, chiffon, and georgette, and are often adorned with intricate embroidery, embellishments, and motifs.
Shalwar Kameez (Pakistan): In Pakistan, the salwar kameez is the national dress for women, with a focus on modesty. Women often wear it with long sleeves and a dupatta for formal and casual wear. The designs can range from simple to highly embellished.
Sherwani (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka): The sherwani is a formal, coat-like attire that emerged in Northern India during the Mughal period. It is commonly worn by men during weddings and other formal celebrations.
Zari (India): A zari is an intricate gold or silver thread used to decorate fabrics, particularly in traditional garments like sarees, lehengas, and kurtas. Zari work is especially popular in festive and bridal wear, adding a touch of opulence and grandeur to the outfits. Zardozi (India): A type of heavy, elaborate embroidery similar to zari, zardozi uses gold and silver threads, along with pearls, beads, and sequins, to create ornate designs on fabrics. Zardozi embroidery is used on sarees, lehengas, sherwanis, and other formal attire, making it a hallmark of luxury in South Asian fashion.