The people of Kerala are known to be modest and simple. The main dress worn by the people of Kerala is mainly traditional in nature though the costumes are to a large extent guided by the geographical conditions of the region. The elegant ‘Mundum Neriyathum’ has been the traditional dress of Kerala women all along. It is a hand woven cotton cloth off-white in colour and made up of double side border either in colour or in gold “zari”. Today it is being replaced by the more convenient “set sari”with embroidered or brocaded “pallu” . Nowadays the set sari is worn by Keralite women as a quasi ‘mundum neriyathum’ and is known as the ‘Kerala Sari’.It is a favourite dress among malayaly women of all ages.
Today women wear this sari especially on festive occasions like ‘Onam’,’Vishu’ and ‘Kerala Day (November 1st)’as well as for religious functions. The traditional style of attire is fast disappearing among the younger generation women, although it’s the mainstay dress of the elderly.It’s no longer the favourite dress of the city bred, and is mainly worn by the village belles.The young girls of Kerala are getting more and more attracted to the north indian style of dressing. Churis, salwars and capris are popular while pants and jeans alongwith short/long top and T-shirt also remain favourite.Trousers are preferred for their comfort and convenience. Similarly women of all communities and age group wear churidars or salwars today.
The best update of fashion is always kept by the youth. They mould themselves so well with the changing world that they are ready to experiment anything. Casuals have become more trendy and smart in this modern world. Casual wear is the dress code which emphasizes comfort and personal expression over presentation and uniformity. As for today’s Kerala woman, the handbag she carries, the sandals she puts on, the jewels she wears, the hair style she does up, etc are becoming important accessories that reflect her style and personality and hence she chooses them with utmost care to ensure that they compliment her personality.
Witness to change
As for the menfolk of Kerala, concepts like style statement and grooming have put on new meaning.The malayaly gentleman is becoming increasingly aware of his hair style, his tie pins, his cufflinks, his socks and shoes and other accessories.Men’s parlours are gaining popularity these days. It is said that hair styling and costumes can make or break your entire look. So every effort is being made on the part of the malayaly men to put on a very presentable appearance through personal grooming which includes hair styling, dressing to suit the occasion, and complimenting their personality with suitable accessories.Men’s makeup and makeover schedules are frequently talked about.
Colored hair is drawing a lot attention these days.This trend is catching up with most of the teenagers and some career women and men who report to have received appreciative glances for their fashion statement.In short, the people in Kerala are now less resistant and more open to accept the changing trends of fashion which once ruled only the movie and fashion industry but has now entered the everyday life of the common man. With regular city events such as Vouge kerala and Kerala fashion week featuring in the industry, the fashion scenario in the state is witnessing a paradigm shift in fashion trends and this has a bearing on the Kerala society which in turn is influencing the malayaly mindset.
