For more than seven decades now, Bollywood – India’s sparkling movie industry – has been much more than a means of entertainment. It has been a trendsetter fashion target for fashion and beauty of millions of Indians as far as dressing code, hair stemming and grooming are concern. The actresses of Bollywood for many years did not only entertain the audiences with their talent but also influenced the fashion trends in the country with their styles. Starting from Indian sarees to international fashion trends, these actress have changed new styles, set bench mark and materialized new fashion trends. Bollywood fashion queens: how the sisters of Indian cinema influenced style and beauty standards of Indian women and who became the most memorable actresses in the world of fashion.
The Early Influencers: Setting the Stage for Fashion (1940s-1960s)
Traditionally, fashion was thoroughly connected with ethnicity right from the initial days of Bollywood. These classic actresses including Madhubala, Nargis and Meena Kumari were appreciated not just for their performance, but also for their beauty. What they wore on screen influenced fashion trends for women designing clothes for special occasions and festivals.
- Bollywood fashion queens: how the sisters of Indian cinema influenced style and beauty standards of Indian women and who became the most memorable actresses in the world of fashion.
- Clothing fashion in early years of Bollywood was very much connected with Indian costumes culture of garments. Women like Madhubala, Nargis, Meena Kumari of the so called ‘Golden Era’ Indian cinema were not only talented but also glamorous. Even the way they dressed on screen became benchmark for women especially for festive occasions and celebrations.
Key Style Elements:
- Traditional Sarees and Anarkalis: Bollywood Hindi actresses themselves brought up a saree – the quintessence of Indian womanhood; the Anarkali – it is a kind of a dress that has become a symbol of grace and flexibility.
- Subtle Makeup and Classic Hairstyles: Natural elegance was still valued, so women were made to wear little amount of makeup on their faces,lined eyes and beautifully arranged hair adorned with flowers.
- Jewelry as a Statement: Traditional ornaments such as long earrings or Jhumkas, Bangles and necklaces in big sizes were evident on the screen and became the part of wedding fashion.
Fashion Icons of the Era:Fashion Icons of the Era:
- Madhubala: How Madhubala gave style statement in movies like ‘Mughal-E-Azam’ is a tale that inspires women of today. Even the sarees she wore, the make-up and elaborate hair-do, all were classic.
- Meena Kumari: Meena Kumari’s Anarkalis depicted in the films like “Pakeezah” were considered hall marks of fashion that set standards for bridal and festivity wears.
The Glamorous 70s and 80s: Experimentation and Bold Choices
The 1970s and 80s marked a period of bold experimentation in Bollywood fashion. Actresses began embracing more daring and glamorous looks, reflecting the changing social dynamics and a growing appetite for Western fashion influences. This era was characterized by vibrant colors, bold makeup, and the blending of Indian and Western styles.
Key Style Elements:
- Disco Influence and Bell-Bottoms: The disco craze brought sequins, bell-bottoms, and flashy outfits into the mainstream. Bollywood actresses like Zeenat Aman and Parveen Babi became the face of this bold, edgy fashion.
- Fusion Fashion: The blending of sarees with Western elements, like fitted blouses with deep necklines, marked a significant departure from the more conservative styles of previous decades.
- Dramatic Makeup and Hairstyles: Bold eye makeup, voluminous hair, and daring lip colors became synonymous with the leading ladies of this era.
Fashion Icons of the Era:
- Zeenat Aman: Zeenat Aman was a trailblazer, introducing a more liberated and Westernized style to Bollywood. Her daring fashion choices in films like “Hare Rama Hare Krishna” and “Don” redefined the image of the Bollywood heroine.
- Rekha: Rekha’s transformation into a style icon during the late 70s and 80s was marked by her embrace of glamorous, high-fashion sarees and dramatic makeup. Her look in films like “Umrao Jaan” remains a gold standard in traditional and bridal fashion.
The 90s: Glamour, Glitz, and Global Influence
The 1990s were a transformative decade for Bollywood fashion, characterized by increased global influence and a shift towards more polished, glamorous looks. This period saw the rise of actresses who were not just film stars but also fashion icons, known for their stylish appearances both on and off-screen.
Key Style Elements:
- Western Glamour: Actresses embraced Western fashion trends, from denim jeans and crop tops to glamorous evening gowns. This era blurred the lines between Indian and Western fashion, with actresses setting trends that appealed to a global audience.
- Fitness as Fashion: The 90s introduced the concept of fitness as a crucial aspect of style. Actresses like Shilpa Shetty and Karisma Kapoor became known for their athletic figures, setting new beauty standards in Bollywood.
- Chic and Modern Ethnic Wear: Bollywood continued to influence traditional fashion, with actresses popularizing modern twists on sarees, lehengas, and salwar kameez, often seen at high-profile weddings and festivals.
Fashion Icons of the Era:
- Madhuri Dixit: Madhuri Dixit became synonymous with the 90s Bollywood fashion scene. Her outfits in films like “Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!” and “Dil To Pagal Hai” set trends that defined the decade, from her vibrant sarees to her glamorous dance costumes.
- Sridevi: Sridevi’s fashion evolution was marked by versatility, seamlessly transitioning between traditional and modern looks. Her outfits in films like “Chandni” and “Mr. India” were widely imitated, influencing bridal and festive fashion.
The year s of 1990 witnessed many changes in the matters of fashion prominent of Bollywood people, which was vibrant by the influences of world and glamorous fashion. It was also the time when women actors who acted in films were/models of beauty, elegance, style and fashion, not just the glamorous images on the big screen.
Key Style Elements:
- Western Glamour: Sensational actresses also got involved in the trend of dressing like Western women, baggy denims, crop tops, formal gowns etc. This period made distinction between Indian and western clothing irrelevant, this was because the actresses were setting fashion trends that would appeal to an international market.
- Fitness as Fashion: In the 90s the notion of fitness became an important element or part of the trends. Bollywood beauties such as Shilpa Shetty and Karisma Kapoor were famous for their toned up body, thus giving out new benchmarks for beauty in the film industry.
- Chic and Modern Ethnic Wear: Traditionally Bollywood still affected fashion where the actresses brought the modern lifestyles of saree, lehenga and salwar kameez being worn at high profile weddings and celebrations.
Fashion Icons of the Era:Fashion Icons of the Era:
- Madhuri Dixit: Madhuri Dixit is credited to have set the trend as to how women in Bollywood dressing in the 90s. The trends that she set through her outfits in films like ‘Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!’ And ‘DilToPagal Hai’ was something that the entire decade was resonated with, be it the sarees she wore or the dress she wore for the dance floor.
- Sridevi: Sridevi’s fashion transformation can be described as dynamic and indeed, she was equally comfortable in the traditional avatars and the contemporary glamour. Her apparels flaunted in “chandni” & “mr India etc were copied by the masses especially using for bridal and festive occasions.
The 2000s: Red Carpet Glamour and Designer Collaborations
The 2000s brought Bollywood actresses onto the global fashion stage, with appearances at international events, endorsements of luxury brands, and collaborations with top designers. This era was defined by red carpet glamour, couture fashion, and an increased focus on personal style, with actresses becoming fashion icons beyond their film roles.
Key Style Elements:
- Designer Couture: Bollywood actresses began collaborating with leading Indian and international designers, bringing couture fashion to the forefront of Bollywood style.
- High-Profile Red Carpet Appearances: International red carpets, including Cannes and the Oscars, became platforms for Bollywood actresses to showcase their fashion sense, with custom-designed gowns and traditional Indian attire making waves globally.
- Diverse Fashion Statements: From minimalistic chic to bold and dramatic, the 2000s saw actresses experimenting with a wide range of fashion statements, often reflecting their evolving personal styles.
Fashion Icons of the Era:
- Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: Aishwarya’s appearances at Cannes Film Festival made her a global fashion icon. Her sartorial choices, from elegant sarees to glamorous gowns, set trends and solidified her status as one of Bollywood’s most stylish actresses.
- Priyanka Chopra: Priyanka Chopra’s bold fashion choices on and off-screen redefined modern Indian beauty. From her stunning red carpet looks to her versatile style in films, Priyanka became a trailblazer, influencing beauty and fashion trends in India and beyond.
The 2010s and Beyond: Celebrating Individuality and Sustainability
The current era of Bollywood fashion is characterized by a celebration of individuality, inclusivity, and a growing emphasis on sustainability. Actresses today are not just fashion icons but also influencers who use their platforms to promote ethical fashion choices, body positivity, and diverse beauty standards.
Key Style Elements:
- Sustainable Fashion: Many contemporary actresses advocate for sustainable fashion, promoting eco-friendly brands, upcycled clothing, and ethical fashion practices.
- Embracing Natural Beauty: There is a shift towards more natural and minimalistic beauty, with actresses often opting for makeup-free looks and styles that celebrate their unique features.
- Cultural Pride and Fusion: Actresses continue to blend traditional and modern elements, proudly showcasing Indian heritage while embracing global fashion influences.
Fashion Icons of Today:
- Deepika Padukone: Deepika’s effortless style, both on and off the red carpet, has made her a modern-day fashion icon. Her ability to balance traditional Indian attire with contemporary fashion choices has inspired millions, making her a favorite among designers and fashion enthusiasts alike.
- Sonam Kapoor: Known as Bollywood’s ultimate fashionista, Sonam Kapoor has redefined red carpet style with her bold, avant-garde fashion choices. As a champion of both Indian designers and international couture, Sonam continues to push boundaries with her fashion-forward looks.
Conclusion: Bollywood’s Enduring Influence on Fashion and Beauty
Bollywood actresses have continually shaped and redefined Indian fashion and beauty trends, setting the tone for how millions of people dress, style their hair, and perceive beauty. From the early days of traditional sarees and simple elegance to the bold, experimental looks of today, these actresses have used their influence to reflect and inspire cultural changes.
As Bollywood continues to evolve, its impact on fashion and beauty will undoubtedly endure, celebrating diversity, individuality, and the dynamic nature of style. The journey of Bollywood’s fashion icons is not just about changing looks; it’s about the powerful role cinema plays in shaping societal ideals and inspiring the ever-evolving landscape of fashion in India and beyond.
Source: moreeeglory.com