Author: akraghav@andrew.cmu.edu

https://www-bloomsburyfashioncentral-com.cmu.idm.oclc.org/products/berg-fashion-library/encyclopedia/berg-encyclopedia-of-world-dress-and-fashion-south-asia-and-southeast-asia/rites-of-passage-and-rituals-in-india

I chose an article called the Rites of Passage and Rituals in India by Jasleen Dhamijia. The article explores the deep connection of garments with many Indians lives. The ritual of weaving is considered as a form of yoga by some communities as it requires a disciplined rhythmic movement of the body. In some tribal communities, the act of weaving certain garments is rite of passage before occasions like weddings. Similarly, the article discusses the wearing of certain garments as a rite of passage, like before a child is born. Additionally, garments often have symbolic significance based on who has woven it, for whom and for specific occasions. For examples, priests from the Vagris community create paintings of the mother goddess with dye. Once complete, the garments become possessed by the goddess and act as her oracle.

I did not realize that garments and the act of weaving had this much significance in some Indian communities. Reading this article definitely let me appreciate the act of weaving much more. I have seen Indian weavers before but I had never really thought much about how difficult and specialized it is. I knew about some of these traditions but looking at the numerous different traditions from communities all around India. It’s interesting that these traditions with garments are a shared experience throughout different religions and cultures around India.

I really enjoy garments that compliment bodies in a less traditional way, this includes garments that are super structured or are form fitting in unusual parts of the body.

In the first picture, I like the exaggerated pockets coupled with the contrast stitching. I appreciate how subtle the modification is – this piece could definitely something could be worn on a day to day basis and the large pockets make it utilitarian. These tights from Maroske Peech as the are form fitting to the legs in a very unconventional way. I feel like garments like these force us to break away from what we think is conventionally beautiful and appreciate bodies. The last Tom Ford piece definitely has an interesting choice of material. I really like that he took inspiration from something as old as a breastplate and put a modern spin on it by making it form fitting and choosing a bold color. The idea of using materials like metal in garment design excites me and this piece is particularly interesting as it manages to be both form fitting and structured, something you cannot achieve with fabrics.