Wednesday, October 20, 2010

How well do you know your Bandhani?


In Rajasthan, the glowing red and yellow Bandhani odhani or turban is valued as an affirmation of life in the face of hardship and deprivation of the most basic kind, states Tie-Dyed Textiles of India, a book by Murphy and Crill. Bandhani art has been carried out by the Muslim Khatri Community of Kutch who pass this art from one generation to another. Bandhani is nothing but a meter length of cloth can have millions of tiny knots, which form a design once opened, that is, after it was dyed in a host of bright colours.

The earliest evidence of Bandhani can be traced to the Ajanta Caves which depict women in apparel featuring tie-dye patterns. Twelfth century Jain manuscript paintings illustrate the tribundi style and in the 18th and the 19th centuries, the very popular Bengal tie-dyed bandanas were termed as an export commodity. Equally in demand were cotton odhanis with coloured diamond shapes called laddu or dabbi, often edged with silver or gold ribbon.

Here are Vogue's favorite ways to wear Bandhani:

Team it with elegant muted shades for a balanced effect.

Add a subtle ethnic touch to your everyday wardrobe with a bandani duppatta wrapped around your neck.

Break-up a monotone outfit with a bright bandani scarf to add contrast.

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