Indian sarees are renowned worldwide for their elegance, embroidery, flair, and downright beauty. But it is time to give sarees credit where they’re truly due: their flexibility!
Because a saree is essentially a long, untailored piece of cloth, there are literally endless possibilities on how one can be designed. Designers have experimented with silk, cotton, nylon, and even sheer net – but the latest saree craze has been influenced by the Western world’s love of lace and disregard for traditional Eastern decencies.
Lace sarees have made an appearance at major events such as the Lakme Fashion Show and Aamby Valley Bridal Week. Today’s hottest Bollywood stars can be seen draping a delicate lace pallu over their defined shoulders or even sporting a full lace saree.. The grace and glamor of a lace saree is heightened by its multicultural roots – lace, after all, can be traced back to ancient England and France.
The different types of lace are classified by how they are made. Needle lace originated in the 17th century and involves the simple, yet quick process of sewing together thin threads to form lace. Bobbin lace, including the finely detailed and endeared Chantilly French lace, is braided and wound around bone or ivory bobbin pins.
Other lace forms include crocheted lace, knotted lace, and chemical lace – which mechanically burns away a “lace” pattern onto a piece of fabric!
If you are feeling bold or fusion fashionable – here are some ways to rock that lusty lace saree!
Gold embroidery is highlighted underneath sheer a sheer, red lace saree.
Embrace the Embroidery
The beauty of lace is that it makes something out of nothing – literally! Lace designs come from holes in the fabric instead of embellishments. This unique feature allows for more intricate, delicate patterns that show off your skin!
Take advantage of the thin threads and textured coverage – although it is difficult to incorporate many colors in a single piece of lace, the fabulous frills definitely make up for any shortcomings!
Lace sarees, while glamorous, are more delicate than your average saree.
Prevent Pinches and Pokes
Needless to say, lace is a much more delicate fabric than others – so keep it away from snagging jewelry! Avoid dangling earrings that can reach your pallu, and keep your neck jewelry to a minimum. Your lace saree will steal away much of the attention anyway!
If you decide to wear heavy jewelry, make sure that it doesn't have any pointing ends or sharp pendants that may poke you or pierce through the lace material.
Fashion icon Sonam Kapoor knows how to rock this pink lace, scalloped saree!
Don’t Forget the Fringes!
It is easy to get caught up in the light and airy aura that surrounds a lace saree – but don’t forget that it IS ultimately a saree! Looking stunning in a saree involves more than just the material – there is the blouse, borders, and patterns to think about too!
Consider embellishing your darling lace saree with scalloped borders or silvery designs. As for the blouse, a cute sweetheart style like Sonam is wearing is sure to steal hearts!
Bollywood legend Kajol keeps it simple with a solid saree, but boasts her wild side in a black lace blouse.
Blouse or Base, But Not Both!
Lace sarees are gorgeous and eye-catching – which is why you might need to tone down the rest of your attire to keep the focus on your saree. If you are wearing a sheer lace saree, choose a solid blouse to keep things covered up and highlight your perfectly flowing pleats. Alternatively, you could opt for a solid saree and go bold with a lace blouse!
This peach and gold lace saree could make ANYONE look like Miss India – but the 2006 title still belongs to Kunal Nayyar's model wife, Neha Kapur.
Choose Corals and Cremes
Lace is delicate, soft, and has the ability to bring an angelic vibe to the lucky wearer. Why not take advantage of that?! Corals, cremes, and other pastels are excellent choices for saree colors because they are pale in comparison to your glowing skin. You might not land a Hollywood hottie, but you will definitely look vibrant and glamorous!
An off-white lace-fringe adds a light, delicate glamor to a beautifully bold sharara by Anjalee & Arjun Kapoor.
A Little Lace Goes a Long Way
If you are considering whether a lace saree is too bold a look for you, don't fret! Wearing lace doesn’t require that strong a commitment – you can highlight your favorite features by choosing a sheer lace fabric wherever you're comfortable! Reveal a little of your shoulders with a lace-backed blouse, or show off your defined arms with lace sleeves! Customize away!
The latest lace saree fashion is a trend that has already revealed its wide potential for wedding sarees, party wear, and haute couture. You have seen some of your favorite Bollywood heroines rock the lace saree – why not give it a shot yourself? Embrace the lace!
Photos courtesy of theasianfashionjournal.com and People Magazine.