I was flipping through the channels one Tuesday afternoon, frantically searching for something interesting to watch when I came across the spunky popular series, “Glee”. In this particular episode, the wardrobe of the casts screamed of the 80s with colorful jewelry and of course, harem pants with its inimitable flair. Harem pants originated from India and became a sensation when MC Hammer rocked the new look in his music video, “U Can’t Touch This”. An Indian version of this is called a salwar which is worn over a traditional Indian long tunic top called a kurta.

            Enter any shopping arcade, and the chances of your finding clothes, bags, bangles, jewelry labeled “Made in India” are inevitable. Of late, there has been an outburst of fashion-wear from south-east Asia, with shops brimming over with jewel-toned and beaded clothes, showing a whimsical penchant for summery oranges, deep purples, fluorescent pinks, and vibrant greens. Adding a psychedelic flair to the garments are paisley, tribal and batik designs that are again of Indian and Persian descent.

         Fabrics range from a wide variety of silks to georgettes chiffons and cottons. Some of these, like the peasant blouse or the 60’s inspired tie-dye shirts, give off bohemian or hippie vibes.  Others exploit glamour with lavish embroidery of gems and sequins. I feel particularly drawn to the luminescent glass bangles, arrayed aesthetically on the jewelry racks.

           For a simple but stylish fashion statement, try out the brocade-trimmed tunics over skinny jeans and flats. They are light and great for on-the-go kind of days. Contemporary long, gypsy skirts with sequin detailing not only has a vintage feel, but is flowy and fun to wear. As summer approaches, these cotton skirts are a must-have for the warm weather. 

        Footwear, too, has a large display of beaded slippers that are handcrafted from the artisans of Rajasthan, a desert province in India. Bindis, made of felt, worn on the forehead, generate a demure yet exotic look, recently popularized by none other than our pop-diva, Katy Perry.

          Distinctively feminine with a slant towards the opulent, Indian inspired clothes bring about an intriguing mix of the East and the West. As more Eastern fashion designers enter the scene, trends will fluctuate among different ethnic cultures, making the world a wonderfully diverse place.