Kerala Fashion
The main dress worn by the people of Kerala is mainly traditional in nature though the costumes are to a large extent guided by the geographical conditions of the region.
The traditional dress forms are the 'Mundu and Neriathu' (a white piece of cloth with golden zari border symbolising royalty) for men; and 'sari' (a 5-6 metres long piece of cloth embroidered with golden border) with jacket for women.
With the changing trends in fashion and designing, the dress codes have changed. A multitude of colours and designs are available today.
Men and women today are clad in a variety of dresses.
The people have now taken to the northern style of dressing up though the western dresses have also found a lot of acceptance among the masses.
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© 2005 Rajesh Kakkanatt Jolly |
Saree
Saree is the most commonly used dress form of Kerala women. The usage of Saree spread very quickly after the period of Kasavu Mundu and Set. Saree can be called as the day to day dress of women of not only kerala but the whole of India. Saree is the official dress in various ceremonies like wedding, engagement and during various festivals in kerala. To wear a saree one needs to practice. Though it is a 5 mtr long cloth it takes great patience to learn wearing a saree. Formerly cream coloured sarees were the trend and later it was replaced by attractive red, meroon boardered sarees. Then Sarees with various colours, designs and materials started available in market.
Chatta and Mundu
Chatta and Mundu was the traditional dress of Christian women of Kerala. Full blouse, Kavani and Mundu with special pleats at the back constitutes a typical Chatta and Mundu set.
Formerly only white colors were used and later small embroidary and flowers started seen on Kavani. Even though today's generation does not wear it, Chatta and Mundu is still seen worn by their grandmothers.
Purdah
Purdah is the traditional dress of Muslim women. Normally seen at North districts of Kerala, purdah covers all body except hands and eyes. Majority wear full black Purdah, but coloured Purdah is also very common.
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