NIFT GK Syllabus Part 2 - Guided Tour

This article explores the evolution of fashion globally and in India, providing a snapshot of its history, key trends, and terminologies.

Global Fashion Evolution

A Brief History of Global Fashion: The 20th Century

Early 1900s:
- Elaborate dresses with the "pigeon effect" from tightly laced corsets.
- Visual Suggestion: Infographic showing corset designs and silhouettes.
World War I:
- Shift to practical clothing as women entered the workforce.
- Visual Suggestion: Timeline with images of wartime women's fashion.
Roaring Twenties:
- Shorter hemlines, looser silhouettes as youth embraced energetic dances like the Foxtrot.
Great Depression and World War II:
- Practical fabrics and designs led to the rise of American fashion and prêt-à-porter.
- Visual Suggestion: Table comparing pre- and post-war fashion characteristics.
1940s:
- Christian Dior's "New Look" with full skirts and cinched waists marked a return to femininity.
1960s:
- Youth-oriented fashion with miniskirts and vibrant colors.
- Visual Suggestion: Gallery of iconic 1960s fashion.
Subsequent Decades:
- Mix of trends like punk, disco, and grunge.
- Visual Suggestion: Graph illustrating the rise of different fashion trends by decade.
1980s:
- Power dressing with bold silhouettes and shoulder pads.
1990s:
- Relaxed, minimalist approach with designers like Calvin Klein and Jil Sander gaining prominence.

The Story of Fashion in India

Indian Costumes: Diversity and Evolution

Diversity: Influenced by India's size and cultural variety.
Evolution: Continual adaptation and modification over the years.

Stitched and Draped Garments

Ancient India: Primarily used cotton cloth; draped garments evidenced in Mohenjodaro and Harappa excavations.
Stitched Clothing: Introduced through interactions with outsiders.
Timeless Dresses: Garments like dhoti, sari, uttariya, and pagdi remain prevalent.

Influence of Different Eras

Classical Periods:
- Elaborate draped and stitched garments.
- Visual Suggestion: Illustration of architectural and sculptural depictions from Ajanta-Ellora Caves.
Islamic Influence (8th-12th Centuries):
- Expansion in costume range; new terms adopted and modified.
Mughal Era:
- Significant changes in women's fashion with garments like peshwaz, churidar pyjama, and ghagra.
- Visual Suggestion: Map showing the influence of Mughal clothing styles across regions.
British Influence:
- Military wear and regalia became prominent.
- Fusion of Mughal and British styles led to new silhouettes.
Modern Fashion:
- Blend of traditional and contemporary styles, with global trends influencing design.

Understanding Fashion Terminology

Glossary of Fashion Terms

Term	Description
Haute Couture	High-end fashion with custom fittings and handcrafted details.
Prêt-à-porter	Ready-to-wear factory-made clothing in standardized sizes.
Bias	Fabric cut at an angle for stretch and drape.
Draping	Arranging fabric around a body form using natural fall and techniques like pleating.
Empire Line	Silhouette with a raised waistline, flattering for small bust lines.
Jodhpurs	Riding pants with loose fabric at the hip, fitting tightly from knee to ankle.
Kundan	Traditional Indian jewellery technique with uncut stones mounted in lac.
‘Kurta’	Tunic-style garment with side slits, popular for both men and women in India.
Mandarin Collars	Short, stand-up collars adapted from Chinese attire.
Mary Janes	Shoes with a rounded toe, flat heel, and a strap over the top of the foot.
Neckline	Shape of a garment's neckline, including V-neck, square neck, round neck, and more.
Pleats	Technique creating volume by folding fabric and stitching it down.
‘Zari’	Metallic thread used in brocading, twisted over cotton or silk.
‘Zardozi’	Mughal embroidery with metallic thread and stones on heavy fabrics like velvet and silk.

This article provides an overview of fashion history and terminology, offering a glimpse into the evolution of style and the diverse language of fashion design. For more detailed explorations, including specific historical periods and terms, refer to the sources provided.

By organizing the content with headings, bullet points, and tables, and suggesting visual elements like infographics, timelines, and galleries, the article becomes more engaging and easier to navigate for readers.