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Weather for feather
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While ancient Indians paid a tribute to the inherent beauty of indigenous birds by using feather patterns in Indian jewellery, today synthetic feathers have become an essential part of accessories, thanks to their unfading colour, light weight and ability to retain form.
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LIKE NO other on our planet, India and her people can rightfully boast of an ever-growing legacy of design dating back to antiquity and transforming into the modern. Her people have expended quanta of energy and innovation in the evolution of accessories that celebrated the surroundings and the human body.
Today, the primitive culture of indigenous aboriginal tribes coexists with the achievements of the `highly developed' urban civilisation. Also, contemporary accessorisation encompasses the ability to use varied material mix. Fashion is in the mix. Garment patterns are being mixed with varied accessory styles and materials. Under the patronage of a new `traditional yet modern' class, the usage of feathers in accessories takes a leap on the style charts.
Suggested perhaps by the inherent beauty of varied indigenous bird species, the employment of feathers and bird images in Indian jewellery and ornament is ancient. Addressing the environmentalists, synthetic feathers have gained momentum today. Their unfading colour, lightweight and the ability to retain form (in sun or rain) account for the popularity of synthetic feathers for accessorisation.
Topping the style charts are the neckpieces with delicate strings to match the weight and form of feathers. The strings are delicate enough not to be seen from a distance highlighting the feather alone. These ideas get animated with slightest body movement, creating an element of interest. Single feather or a set of many, colour is quite important this season. Match the colour of these feather accessories with the garment you wear. The length of the neck pieces vary from close to the pit of the neck or a little below the bust.
Earring concepts see feathers held to dangle in geometric shapes. Loops are ruling supreme. Also, rhombus and polygonal shapes form a part of this story. Interesting star shapes, spiral shapes employing feathers are also sailing strong. Similar ideas echo as wrist accessories (bangles and bracelets).
Their ability to retain form allows synthetic feathers to be used in waist belts. Polyester suede with feathers stringed through eyelet details reflects high points in design. Other trims like cowries, mirror pieces, rivets, patchwork ideas are a part of the same narration.
As embroidery ingredients employed with basic stitch types, synthetic feathers are being used in garments, bags and footwear. When compared to an overall spread, select placement ideas are atop the charts in the case of all three categories mentioned.
The shapes and colour of synthetic feathers incorporated into varied accessories carry reflections of original Indian plumage. Bulbuls, Great Indian Bustard, Grebes, Hornbill, Indian Snakebird, Indian Hoopoe, Honey Sucker, Red Jungle Fowl and Strokes lend their patterns no `newness'.
Celebrating the Indian surroundings, contemporary feather accessories comprise a vast and complex assortment. With a distinct cultural identity, they play a fascinating role in characterising the `New Indian'. They have gained a new status with a means of differentiating the old and carrying the old into the new.
ANUPREET BHALLA
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