Madhubala
Madhubala (Source: richajn blog)
There are no two ways about the fact that Madhubala was one of the most ravishing actresses in the history of cinema. Her charm and beauty are celebrated even today, not just in India, but worldwide. The peerless beauty reigned over many hearts, not just because of her sparkling onscreen charm, but because of her enviable sense of dressing too. Indeed she was blessed to be able to wear anything that she wanted to and carries it with such panache.
Fashion Styles that Became Statements
Fashion in the twenties was more about showcasing the variety through a limited count of apparels. The saree, for example, was one of the most portrayed onscreen. Every actress, however, had her own way of draping a saree or sporting a hair style. When one thinks of Madhubala in a saree, one goes back in time when the saree was a soft and light fabric with broad prints that showcased motifs inspired from floral designs.
The unique style of Madhubala was seen in the side pallu being tucked right at the waist. Otherwise, she would just leave the pallu free. Of course, the role would decide her look and the look would decide her style but with the kind of ease that she was able to slip into each couture, there came a time when her personal style statement became a cult following. Take a cue from this from the fact that Sonakshi Sinha sported a Madhubala look in her film ‘Lootera’.
Her tresses too were the talk of the town. Flowing, shoulder length waves that fell slightly over her forehead painted a playful image of the actress. With charm oozing from every onscreen move that she made, no doubt she was labeled as the ‘Venus of the Screen’.
The Trend of Anarkali Suits
Anyone who has watched the movie ‘Mughal-e-azam’ would vividly remember Madhubala for two things in the movie: a) her brilliant acting b) the way she looked in the movie. It was because of the later that the Anarkali suits caught attention. Full-length Anarkali suits with a variation of the angarakha were a rage in the early 1950s. The little choli worn over the Anarkali suit was an important part of Madhubala’s costume in the movie. And even today, such apparel is likely to first remind anyone of the actress.
Madhubala (Source: filmykeeday)
Occasion Dressing
Both the saree and the Anarkali were styles associated with Madhubala, the adorable actress of the fifties. While the saree has been an evergreen fashion statement, the Anarkali has seen ups and downs. However, the latter has gained more popularity in the last decade. As the torchbearers of the Indian fashion Industry, the saree and the Anarkali have a certain royal appeal to them. The two also embrace a million moods. You can find a saree or an Anarkali for any occasion.
Global Wearability
Popular by choice, the saree is a favorite of a number of celebrities who are born and brought up in the western lands. Those who have been amused and seduced by the beauty of the fabric have embraced it by giving it their personal touch. Out of the innumerable global celebrities, a few names that have draped the saree include Angelina Jolie, Elizabeth Hurley, and Paris Hilton.
The Global demand of Anarkali suits has been gaining ground on international platforms too. With a personality like Aishwarya Rai who is celebrated worldwide, making innumerable appearances in royal Anarkali suits, the world has definitely got a hang of what the fashion trend looks and feels like.
Madhubala (Source: filmykeeday)
Varieties
It’s difficult to decide the point from where one start showcasing the kind of variety that Indian couture like saree and suits nurture. Within the saree itself there is a lot of variation ranging from the kind of material used to the type of drape worn. The latest variation in the saree was seen some four to six years back when pre-plaited sarees, also known as lehenga style sarees, flooded the markets. As far as the humble anarkali is concerned, due to its vintage appeal, the design has seen very little variation.
References
Categories: Bollywood & Beyond, Indian Cinema