Beyond Bare to Blouse
The evolution of women's fashion in India is a fascinating reflection of the country's rich cultural heritage and its encounters with foreign influences. From the traditional attire of the past to the modern styles of today, women's fashion has undergone a significant transformation. One such transformation is the emergence of the blouse, a garment that has become an integral part of Indian women's attire today, yet was almost non existent a few hundred years ago. Historically, Indian women were often seen bare-chested, a practice that was not considered inappropriate in traditional Indian culture. However, with the arrival of the British and the imposition of Victorian values, this practice was deemed indecorous and unacceptable. The blouse was introduced as a means to cover the chest and conform to Western standards of modesty. The concept of modesty, however, has changed over time. What was once...