How the Mughal era inspires fashion

A rich cultural and commercial hub, Dhaka was the capital of Mughal Bengal and boasted of the Muslin trade that extended far and beyond the realm of Asia. One of the most prosperous cities in the world at that time, the affluent families here had an enviable lifestyle befitting their high status. With their brocade ghararas, silk shararas, and velvet Pishwas embroidered with gold and silver threads and studded with real pearls and other precious stones, they set the standard in fashion.

The Detailing 

On the other end of the empire, ghagra choli or lehenga was the attire of choice for women of Rajasthan. In the sweltering heat of the desert, the choli was styled to keep women cool while they went about their daily lives. Noblewomen of Rajasthan also wore ghagra choli in the olden days; needless to say, it was much more opulent and ostentatious. As time passed, such outfits became impractical for daily wear and became festive attire due to wear grandeur and ceremonial fashion. Chosen for weddings and other celebrations these outfits offer a welcome variation as variety is the spice of life!

Weddings Galore

We are in the thick of the festive, wedding season and boy are we here for it! While sarees will always have our hearts, lehengas and ghararas are beautiful and demure too. They are now being favoured for holuds and have been the outfit of choice for receptions.

This year, lehengas with a cape-style dupatta are all the rage. Pristine white, beige, ivory and Devonshire cream are fabulous shades for the bride with a penchant for white. Nude shades such as tender beige, milky latte, and champagne look fantastic too. Embroidery, pearls, and crystals are the embellishments of choice for these lehengas and only further highlight the beauty of such subtle but stunning shades.

The Exclusives

Another favourite of Dhaka fashionistas of late is the "architectural piece". These lehengas are not your usual kind — structured in shapes never seen before, these outfits are nothing short of works of art. Inspired by movements in nature such as air and water, these are constructed with remarkable flair and an eye for detail. From shades of white to jewel tones such as ruby, sapphire, emerald, and amethyst, these lehengas are truly unique and will make you feel like an absolute queen on your big day!

Days to wear them ( Style Suggestions) 

Ghararas and shararas are also perfect for smaller events like mehendi, firani, or other programmes. An ivory sharara is the outfit of choice for your akdh morning. Pristine and pure, with gold zari and embroidered with zardozi it will complement your natural beauty in the best possible way. Pair it with delicate heirloom gold jewellery and green glass bangles.

Mehendi functions call for something green and ghararas are the perfect choice for it! A green suit paired with a chatta-patti gharara will look fantastic for your fun, playful mehendi night! Wear it with fresh floral ornaments and bright, dewy makeup.

Last but not least, a nude-coloured sharara with a contrast dupatta is ideal for those post-wedding dawats. You could also wear a chundri-chaddar with your sharara or a heavily embroidered shawl to bring a stylish flair to your look. Some stunning jewellery, a pretty potli and matching juttis will add the perfect finishing touches to your lovely look.

Photo: Adnan Rahman

Model: Efa

Styling: Sonia Yeasmin Isha

Wardrobe: Zubaida Faiza Clothing

Jewelry: Shoilee by Tahmina Shaily

Makeup: Sumon Rahat & Team

Set Design: Eskay Décor by Saimul Karim