Six Functions of Dress

Designer & Manufacturer: Regalis Designs: Figura Online; 2009

Dress & Dupatta: Fully embroidered pure jamawar lehnga choli in sharara style with brocade and silk patchwork along pure chiffon. Georgette dupatta with antique zardozi, sequins, resham and stone work finished with brocade and silk frill. [1]

This image depicts an Indian Muslim Bride adorned in the traditional dress, makeup, hair and accessories of her religion and culture. A gharara is a traditional garment, worn primarily by Muslim women in the Indian Subcontinent. It consists of a kurti (a short, mid-thigh length tunic), a dupatta (veil), and most importantly, a pair of wide-legged pants, ruched at the knee so they flare out dramatically. The knee area, called the goat in Urdu, is often elaborately embroidered in zari and zardozi work. [1]

This garment represents each of the six prominent social functions of dress:

Environmental Protection: The Sari and full length bridal gowns might have originally been developed as protection against

the harmful rays of the sun and heat: loose and flowing garments are practical in hot climates as they keep the wearer "cooler and layered garments allow wind to enter and circulate, creating a natural ventilation system. Protecting the head and neck from loss of moisture prevents heat stroke." [2]

Decoration: As decoration acts as the main function of dress that most people can relate to, Indian brides are highly decorated by way of their hair, jewelry, make-up and even their skin (henna tattoos): Even though the bride's hair may be covered, the dupatta is sheer enough to allow others to see her hairstyle and decorations. The decorations in her hair may include a shringar patti, which is worn along the hairline and has a small disk in the front, or a maang tikka, which is worn along a center part and hangs on the forehead." [3]

Gender Differentiation: Like in most western culture, men do not wear dresses. "The sari is considered a feminine garment in India. Men do not wear the sari. If they did, it would be considered cross-dressing." [4]

Group Membership: Wearing Sari's and highly ornate bridal gowns such as the Gharara, allows women to identify with others in their religion and culture as these are garments which are region specific.

Ceremonial: The Gharara and Dupatta are only worn for the special occasion of weddings.

Sexual Enhancement: Although the Sari and Gharara have become customary for Indian women to wear, as they are a sign of modesty, "in the West, the sari is seen as an exotic garment. A pretty woman in a sari may elicit more admiring glances than she would receive in Western clothing." [4] These garments are especially sexually appealing as men do not wear them, and the allure of what's hiding underneath the layered garments peaks curiosity...

[1] "Figura Online." Regalis Designs. 2009. Sept. 23, 2009. http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://figurafashion.com/images/sharara11.jpg&imgrefurl=http://figurafashion.com/index.php%3Fmain_page%3Dindex%26cPath%3D11&usg=__dP13I0QeHBv-2Ge9527nC3MjDRQ=&h=700&w=500&sz=111&hl=en&start=8&sig2=dSOL7FNcsCJUqsSwpZe9RQ&um=1&tbnid=ojwVEKVB4sPxrM:&tbnh=140&tbnw=100&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dtraditional%2Bmuslim%2Bbride%2Battire%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DG%26um%3D1&ei=NK26SvqbD43WsgOimqT3CA

[2] Dunn, Jimmy. "What to Wear." InterCity Oz, Inc. 1996-2003. Sept. 23, 2009. http://www.touregypt.net/wear.htm

[3] Walker, Shavon. "Indian Muslim Bridal Hairstyles & Makeup." eHow, Inc. 1999-2009. Sept. 23, 2009. http://www.ehow.com/about_5368477_indian-bridal-hairstyles-amp-makeup.html

[4] Philipose, Cherian. "Why Wear a Sari When you can Wear a Tanktop." The Epoch Times. 2000-2009. Sept. 23, 2009. http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/10107/