1.

Elaboration on chosen costume for exhibition- Punjabi Suit I have chosen the traditional dress of India, Salwar Kameez or Punjabi suit for a costume simulation as shown in the picture in Appendix 1. Historical background: Salwar kameez is referred to Punjabi suit because it is closely associated with the state of Punjab in Northern India. In fact, the salwar kameezs origins and history began in Punjab, Northern India. Briefly, salwar are loose trousers and looks like pyjama bottoms that ends at ankles. Kameez is the long shirt. It is the most common traditional dress worn by females of South Asia. In Pakistan, it is the usual everyday dress for both men and women. It is also popular in India, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. Other versions of this dress is called a Punjabi suit and in Gujarat, it is usually called a Zabho. Indeed, the outfit is probably born out of Islamic influence especially that of Arabic and Persian cultures. The pants, or salwar, are known as salwar in Punjabi: salwaar or shalwaar in Gujarati, and shalwar in Urdu. The word comes from the Persian and the meaning is pants. The shirt, kameez or qamiz, takes its name from the Arabic qamis. This costume is believed to originate with the TurkicIranian horse riding steppe peoples of Central Asia. A number of these tribes converted to Islam. Starting in the 12th century, a series of raids and invasions established Islamic Turkic-Iranian rule. For instance, the Delhi sultanate and later the Moghul empire, northern India and Pakistan. It have come into fashion and the salwar suit become popular throughout the area.

Characteristics and Functions: Salwars are loose pyjama-like trousers. The legs are wide at the top, and narrow at the bottom. The legs are gathered into a waistband with a drawstring. The pants can be wide and baggy, or they can be cut quite narrow. Churidar can also be used instead of salwar. Churidar is the tighter version of the salwar kameez. It emphasises on the ankles and the knees which means it is very tight and narrow at the bottom with numerous extra folds gathered at the ankles. For the kameez, it is a long shirt or tunic. The side seams are left open below the navel. It is either loose or tight-fitting and comes in a straight or A-line shape. It is

slit along the sides which gives the greater freedom of movement. The kameez is usually cut straight and flat. When I wear this salwa kameez, it can be used with a dupatta or a long scarf. A salwar kameez is incomplete without a dupatta as it is a long piece of cloth to cover the bosom, but mostly used like a scarf. It is generally used around the head or neck. For Hindu women especially those from northern India, the dupatta is useful when the head must be covered, as in a temple or the presence of elders. Historically, it is a sign of respect and modesty. In current urban fashion, the dupatta is simply a stylish accessory. It can be worn over both shoulders as shown in Appendice 1. It also can be draped around the chest and over one shoulder only. The material for the dupatta varies according to the suit: cotton, georgette, silk, chiffon, ect. The other names for dupatta include chunn and chunni Also, it now has no association with Islam, being worn by women of many religions. However, the dupatta, or veil, worn by many women as an accessory, can be used both as a form of Islamic head covering, ashijab, and as a religious requirement by Hindu women. For Hindu women, they cover their heads in temples and in the presence of elders.

Assesories worn: Besides, bindi is worn too as part of the decorative item. Traditionally, it is a bright dot of red colour applied in the centre of the forehead close to eyebrows, but it can also consist of other colours with a sign or piece of jewellery worn. The origin of the bindi starts way back in the ancient times but it has lost this significance in the modern times and is mostly worn all over the world as an accessory. Bindis have a special significance even today in the Indian tradition. There are a different colours worn for different occasions and stages in life. A married women always wears a Red coloured Bindi as this shows true love and prosperity. A black bindi is never adorned by a married woman as this is considered inauspicious. In modern use, the bindi has become a decorative item and is no longer restricted in colour or shape. Selfadhesive bindis usually made of felt or thin metal and adhesive on the other side. These are simple to apply. Sticker bindis come in many colours, designs, materials, and sizes. Some are decorated with sequins, glass beads, or rhinestones. Bangles is also a type of ornament, ranging from colourful plastic bracelets sold at chain stores to intricate, expensive gold jewellery. They are worn all over the

world for style and fashion, but bangles originate in a set of specific customs in Indian and Pakistani culture. Traditionally, married Hindu women always wear bangles around their wrists. Today, the modern day women may not wear bangles with their daily attire, but only on occasions and festivals. This is because to them, bangles have a very sentimental value. In fact, to the Hindu woman, bangle is not only an ornament, but also an important part of personality rather than just a part of their clothing ensemble.

Colours of clothing: The colours of this traditional clothing is important as well. Green and red symbolize fertility therefore, young women wear these colours. Festive colours include red, yellow and green. Purple colour is for older people. Red is often a colour in Punjabi Girls. Punjabi girls traditionally wear salwar kameez with bright colored chunnis. Some clothes are simple and made out of cotton, and some are elaborate made out of silk.

Conclusion: In conclusion, it is the most comfortable and easy dress to wear and maintain. It can be used in any occasions, festivals, marriage parties as well as for regular use. It is the outfit commonly worn by Indian women and is second in line after the sari. I prefer this dress mainly because of the comfort and ease of movement that it offers, besides it is near zero maintenance. It is inevitably regarded as a functional outfit that suit modern lifestyle needs.

Bibliography: History of Salwar Kameez. Retrived February 18, 2014 from http://szhaider.fashion.20m.com/whats_new.html Indian Salwar Kameez. Retrieved February 20, 2014 from http://www.culturalindia.net/indian-clothing/salwar-kameez.html Stephanie Ho (n.p.) Salwar kameez. Retrieved February 21, 2014 from http://infopedia.nl.sg/articles/SIP_2013-09-20_164320.html The True Significance of Bangles in Indian Culture. Retrieved February 23, 2014 from http://www.bollywoodshaadis.com/article/lifestyle--health/just-for-bride/thetrue-significance-of-bangles-in-indian-culture

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