In Celebration Of The Dupatta

The subtle but sure influence dupattas have commanded through ages is not lost on us. In this vein, Chitra Balasubramaniam shows how this perennially elegant piece of clothing is witnessing resurgence today.

- Chitra Balasubramaniam

Call it the chunri, odhni or dupatta, this piece of clothing denotes modesty and grace. While it was ditched in favour of new alternatives—stoles, jackets, and wraps—today, the dupatta is making a comeback. Some time ago, I had spoken about how stoles have been increasingly replacing age-old dupattas, highlighting how chic they are, and how they can be draped with both Indian and Western-wear—well, maybe we had written off the dupattas too soon. Whether it is the want to get back to tradition or just the novelty of it, suddenly, dupattas are back in vogue. They seem to be making a comeback in a slow and steady manner. This is further validated by runways, which have been seeing dupattas styled to perfection, and fashion magazines that have carried articles on wearing a dupatta innovatively. It will not be long before apparel manufacturers will start selling dupatta ensembles with the traditional suit cloth. Ready-mades, which hitherto shunned dupattas and consisted of just Kurtis, too, will probably get them back in action. This is best testified in an article on Elle.in, which says, “The designers at fashion week seemed to have realized that the real hero of the outfit is, in fact, its cape. At Tarun Tahiliani, Swarovski crystals exploded over the lightest drapes of fabric which were then paired with classic lehengas and even elaborate ballgowns. Shyamal & Bhumika focused on romantic ruffles, while cape styles—that allow the arms to move freely— seemed more popular than ever, with Jayanti Reddy, Anamika Khanna, and Anushree Reddy all showing off the dramatic drape. If you’ve treated your dupatta as an after-thought all this time, these gorgeous offerings—paired with innovative draping techniques—can add dimension to every outfit you try.”