• Ethnically Accessorized

• by: Hip'n'Happening  |  last updated: May 07, 2008

• Category: Fashion & Trends |  Tags: indian fashion, fashion accessories, ethnic fashion, traditional fashion, fashion trends, bindi, bangles, jute bags, anklets, arm bands

• Accessories complement and complete any look. Ethnic Indian accessories that form a significant component of Indian fashion and include bindis, jute bags, bangles, anklets, toe rings and armlets. Accessorizing imparts a whole new flavor to traditional fashion, and in India these accessories carry a unique appeal and are gaining rapid popularity in the west as well.

• Bindis

• The stick-on bindis are small decorative motifs which are worn on the forehead, usually with traditional Indian attires. These come in various designs and colors some with stones studded into them. The patterns could include sun, moon, star, lotus, peacock, conch, shell, leaf, snake, paisley, swastika and geometrical designs. Another form of bindi includes tikkas and itlaks worn by both men and women. Bindis are available in liquid form, cream base or as stick-ons.
  
  The Stick on bindis can be used in different ways other than the traditional way of sticking it on the forehead. They can be arranged to form various patterns to adorn any part to the body as temporary stick-on tattoos.
  

• Bangles

• Bangles are a common accessory while wearing tradition Indian attire. Adorning bangles in arms has been an Indian tradition since time immemorial. Bangles enhance the overall grace and beauty of the Indian woman as well as perfectly complement Indian ethnic or casual Indian wear.Bangles are solid in form and usually not flexible as in the case of bracelets. Bangles made of glass in different colors are the most popular type of bangles. The word bangle is originally derived from the Hindi word "bungri". Bangles form the most essential part of traditional Indian jewellery, and are usually worn in pairs on one or both wrists. Besides glass, bangles are also made of numerious precious as well non-precious materials like gold, silver, steel, platinum, wood, ferrous, metal, plastic etc. The designs vary from plain or simple to intricately ornate patterns studded with precious or semi-precious gems or stones like diamonds, pearls or other gems.
  
  Needless to say that bangles can be used to accessorize western outfits as well.

• Indian Bags

• Jute is a plant fiber used in making ropes and sacks. However, recognizing the importance of this invaluable fiber, it is commonly termed as the "golden fiber" as it finds its application in the manufacture of many useful products. Therefore, it has deftly slipped into fashion circuit. Jute bags available in myriad colors, designs, shapes, sizes and patterns; are a roaring success in the international fashion circuit as well.
  
  Other ethnic Indian bags are made from cloth, silk or brocade and embellished with bead work, mirror work, gota or intricate and ornate embroidery to enhance its traditional appeal.

• Shawls & Stoles

• Shawls and Stoles in various materials, colors and patterns are making a huge statement in the fashion industry worldwide. Indian cashmere and pashmina shawls are sought after everywhere. These shawls and stoles can be found with traditional Indian embroidery patterns like the paisley, elephants, peacocks and so on.
  
  In India, the most famous shawls are the Kashmir shawls and are highly popular in the western countries as well. The most noteworthy characteristic of the Kashmiri shawl is its elaborate design pattern, of which the "cone" pattern is the most prominent. It is a perfect integration of balance, rich color tones and contrasts, brilliance and depth. These characteristics are basically attributed to "pashmina", which is a fine, soft, short, flossy quality of wool found on the shawl-goat, a variety of Capra hircus inhabiting the elevated regions of Tibet.

• Indian Footwear

• The traditional footwear essentially comprises of Mojaris, Punjabi Juttis, Kolhapuris, Leather Shoes, Handmade shoes and beaded shoes. All these essentially complement Indian ethnic or Indian casual wear perfectly. These are available for both males and females usually in varied colors and sizes.
  
  Similar to ballet flats, Juttis and Mojaris are basically royal Indian footwear which goes perfectly with traditional Indian clothing like churidar, sherwani, salwar suit or even sari. Most of these are cleverly handcrafted and ornately designed with colored threads, beads, fabrics and the like. The Juttis find their genesis in the state of Punjab, India and are very similar to mojaris. They are usually made of fine leather and skillfully handcrafted with embroidered threads and/or beads. Juttis and Mojaris are slip-on in style wherein the upper shoe is embroidered and covers the back of the feet till the Achilles tendon. However, different designs and styles have evolved while perfectly retaining its regal flavor. Most of the juttis are flat; however heeled versions are also available.
  
  Kolhapuri slippers are also skillfully handcrafted into beautiful intricate patterns. These are made of fine quality leather usually obtained from the hides of bulls, cows and goats. Depicting the rich ethnic Indian tradition, this footwear has amassed great popularity in India as well as internationally. This is primarily because they feature a distinct uniqueness in terms of style and elegance; it can be worn by both genders and is available for all age groups.

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