Bringing back the puffed blouse
I am ancient and yet I am young
Vibrant hues of life I colour
To unfold, unravel and to be lived
I am beauty, grace and love
I am seduction, mystery and lust
I am every woman's desire
And Envy…
I am 6 yards of wonder
I am - The Sari
- Shobna Roy
The sari is an entire look that includes the blouse and the petticoat. Ever since the birth of saris, puffed sleeved blouses have been a hot favourite amongst ladies. This adds charm and elegance to the complete look and have been worn by many Mughal queens and Empress of the imperial reign.
Whether you decide to pair the puffed sleeved blouse with a chic georgette sari or the ethnic Kachivaram silk, it will only enhance the beauty of the garb. For centuries ladies have donned 'the puffed sleeved blouse' to look majestic and sophisticated and they have been successful at every attempt.
This is our take on 'the puffed blouse.'
People may talk a lot about the style and fashion involved with the creation and selection of saris, but the aspect of choosing the right fabric and style options available for blouses are no less important. Any plain sari can look great when paired with an exceptional blouse of a different or unusual cut and tailouring. And unconventional designs in blouses can add that added oomph factor.
The style of 'puff-sleeved blouses', though seemingly a modern take, has actually been in existence since the Mughal era, and still looks as alluring as it did in the royal households. Also, there is more than one way that the puffed sleeved blouses can be worn, adding to its charm through versatility.
The basic
The short-sleeved puffed blouse with a thin border looks best when paired with Kanjivarams and other katan saris.
The bordered
A thick border to the puffed sleeves can enhance the beauty of the design. The border can be applied from part of the original border of the sari, or it can be tailoured in complete contrast. The conventional method would be to follow the original design but rules can be bent, even shattered, and it can be exciting to try out variations to conventional norms of dressing.
The elbow
Elbow-length puffed sleeves are how it was originally worn by royalty. Going back to that style must mean something special to the ladies. In this case, thick borders can be used, or simply the lengths extended from the puff without any borders. This style is sure to allude to the classics, and revive respect in traditions.
The conservative
The full-length puffed sleeved blouses were popular in Hindu royal families. Even though it may not sound like a good option for the heat of the Bangladeshi summer, it surely will be perfect in winter. Combining the long puffed blouses with Kanjivarams could evolve as one of the best looks of the season.
The barely there
Not everyone likes complicated designs; the 'barely there' puffed blouses have a slight touch of puffiness that is enough of a display but not be too obvious. This style adds on to the prettiness of a sari and is best suited for teenagers and young adults wearing pure chiffon, or crepe saris.
The bold net
Modifications are a basic component of fashion. Alterations are what make styles and trends interesting. Similarly, the puffed net blouses are a variation to the original design and look best when paired with georgette and silk saris.
Brocade blouses have always looked fashionable when worn in contrast with a sari; sheer, brocade blouses look even better and bolder. These look good enough to make the lady donning the special blouse become the centre of attention in any major event.
A simple puffed sleeved design can have so many different alterations and this concept may be the most exciting part of fashion. Amazingly, all the different styles proposed come across as remarkable, if tailoured correctly.
Models: Meghla and Rislia
Photo: Sazzad Ibne Sayed
Wardrobe: Deshal; Puffed-blouse by Warez
Make-up: Farzana Shakil's Makeover Salon
Styling: Isha Yeasmin
Location: Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka
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