Indo-Western fashion refers to a synthesis of Indian and Western styles of fashion. Since the fusion of these two styles has allowed for the elements of two distinct cultures to be recognized, celebrated, and fused into one, this style of fashion is also known as fusion fashion. Not restricted by the limitations of culture and geographical boundaries, Indo-Western fashion style has inspired creativity and design to further refine this ingenious blend.
Background
Long before the dawn of an interconnected, digitalized, and globalized world, fashion was understood in terms of clearly defined regions and places. Back then, even people living at the borders of these regions might not be aware of the different fashion styles of their neighboring regions. These regions, on the other hand, were held together by the forces of culture, language, and religion.
The European colonization made a massive impact on this trend as with the forceful integration of European ideals and culture with the native culture, a hybrid form of culture, and thereby, hybrid fashion styles began to develop. Indo-Western fashion style is also believed to have emerged from this process of colonization.
Origin
Although it is difficult to trace the clear origin of the Indo-Western fashion style, it began to emerge in the Indian subcontinent when India had been colonized by the British Empire.
Instead of the British though, it is rather the Portuguese invaders who have been credited to have stimulated this style of fashion in India. Initially, the Portuguese came into contact with the Indian subcontinent for the specific purpose of the spice trade at the end of the 15th century. Later, as the two cultures blended more and more and Goa went through the Portuguese conquest, which resulted in the Christianization of the region, the first signs of the development of Indo-Western fashion came into perspective.
Later on, this development was further influenced by the rule of the Mughal emperors, the inquisition of Goa, and the British colonization thereafter. The result of it all can be seen in the wardrobes of Indian men and women, along with a change in their lifestyles and fashion sense.
After India, gained independence, first, cinema made a major impact on the fixed mindset of Indian buyers and popularized western styles of clothing. This was followed by a process of mutual appreciation and incorporation of western elements in Indian dresses and adoption of Indian culture and fashion elements in western dresses. This has led to a blurring of boundaries between both cultures and hence, led to the emergence and increase in popularity of Indo-Western fashion.
In a globalized society, however, the origin and background of Indo-Western fashion rarely play a role in its marketability. Even companies and designers with no deep relationship to either Indian or western culture have been creating new styles of Indo-Western clothing. This goes a long way to reflect the appeal and design potential of Indo-Western clothing.
