The Age Of Modernising Indian Garments

The saree, lehenga, and kurta—timeless garments that have been a part of India's rich cultural tapestry for centuries—are seeing a renaissance in the hands of modern women entrepreneurs. Through innovative design, sustainable practices, and a fresh approach to ethnic fashion, these entrepreneurs are not only preserving the heritage of Indian garments but also modernizing them to resonate with today’s global audience.

Here’s how they’re transforming the world of ethnic fashion while keeping tradition alive. 

1. A Blend of Tradition and Modernity
One of the most significant changes brought by women entrepreneurs is the ability to seamlessly blend traditional Indian garments with modern silhouettes. These entrepreneurs along with their designers are reimagining classic ethnic wear, such as the saree and lehenga, by incorporating contemporary elements like asymmetrical cuts, lightweight fabrics, and minimalistic embroidery.

India's centuries-old textile traditions incorporate handloom weaves, intricate embroideries, and region-specific crafts such as Lambadi and Ajrakh into their designs. By collaborating directly with artisans, these crafts bring them to modern wardrobes, ensuring they continue to thrive in the fast-paced fashion world. It includes versatile pieces like sarees, ethnic dresses, and blouses that embrace cultural aesthetics but are crafted with clean, modern silhouettes and comfort-focused fabrics. This fusion ensures that traditional elements remain relevant for a new generation.

2. The Rise of Sustainable and Ethical Fashion
As the fashion industry as a whole shifts towards sustainability, women entrepreneurs in India are at the forefront of promoting eco-conscious practices within ethnic fashion. They are championing the use of organic fabrics like cotton, linen, and Tencel, and are focusing on natural dyes and handloom weaves to minimise environmental impact.

This not only honours the artisan’s time-honoured skills but also responds to modern consumers’ growing desire for ethical and environmentally conscious fashion. By cutting out middlemen, the brand promotes transparency and guarantees that these artisans receive the respect and wages they deserve, helping sustain their livelihoods. The brand forms long-term partnerships with artisans, providing them with consistent work and financial stability. By maintaining ongoing relationships, artisans plan for their future and invest in improving their skills and infrastructure.

3. Empowering Women Through Fashion
Women entrepreneurs are not only transforming the fashion industry—they are using it as a platform to uplift other women. Providing artisans with stable employment and fair wages, they help women gain financial independence, which directly contributes to improving their quality of life and the wellbeing of their families. By creating opportunities for women to manage teams or participate in decision-making processes, the brands promote gender equality and foster entrepreneurship among women. 

4. Innovative Use of Technology
Brands operated by a woman entrepreneur, leverages digital platforms to share the stories behind each garment, highlighting the artisans and the intricate processes involved in creating each piece. By using technology to connect consumers with the origins of their clothes, allowing customers to see the human effort behind their purchases. 

5. Redefining the Garment’s Identity
Beyond just reimagining the physical garments, women entrepreneurs are also redefining the narrative surrounding them. Traditionally, garments like sarees and lehengas were seen as formal, occasion-specific attire.
Traditional garments like sarees are reimagined with modern drapes, and ethnic dresses are crafted using chequered cotton fabric for a boho-chic, relaxed look. These updates transform traditional wear into versatile pieces that can easily fit into a modern wardrobe without losing their cultural essence.

For example, pairing a saree with a crop top or jacket, or wearing a skirt with antifit tops, creates a fresh, modern look. This versatility appeals to younger generations who want their ethnic wear to be both fashionable and functional. By broadening the scope of how these garments can be worn, women entrepreneurs are ensuring that Indian ethnic wear remains relevant in a fast-evolving fashion landscape.

In conclusion, women entrepreneurs, are playing a pivotal role in modernising the iconic Indian garment. By merging tradition with contemporary design, championing sustainability, and using innovative technology, they are breathing new life into ethnic wear. Their efforts not only preserve India’s cultural heritage but also make these garments more accessible, inclusive, and versatile for today’s global consumers. The future of ethnic fashion is undoubtedly in good hands, with women entrepreneurs leading the charge.

Authored by Sukanya Bhataacharya, Founder, Prathaa. Views expressed by the author are their own.