womens fashion

The women and their fashions seem inexorably mixed, and represent their status or place in society. There are the more traditional and the more modern. I would say that a small majority of women still dress in the traditional manner. It is a very beautiful look. The flowing linens and silks are to be admired, but the colors, and their combinations are what make this fashion so wonderful. At some point in Indian history it became part of the culture to "hide" the women. Just like the caste system, this is now no longer accepted but you can't help but notice that there are no women in the work force. Except for women like the one in the 2nd photo. Sometimes they are selling jewelry on the street, but that is rare. Mostly they are home. When they do go out, it is with other women or with their husband and children. The traditionally dressed woman always has her hair and makeup in a perfect presentation, no hair is out of place and the dozens of necklaces and bracelets and rings, both on fingers and toes adds to the look of elegance that she presents, with, one can only imagine, very little money........ I had the good fortune that the back window of my room looked out over an apartment complex next door. On the roof of the apartment is where the women spent much of their day. Their look was much more relaxed, their hair was down and flowing, no make-up and the vibe was homey. In the first photo above you can see two women grooming each other, this and constant conversation, while doing laundry or washing dishes is what goes on. I also saw mothers just holding their infants for hours at a time, sometimes singing to them sometimes massaging them. This was done while the clothes on the line dried. Once, when the father came home, for lunch I guess, I heard them both singing to the infant. Very moving.........A final note on the fashion..............Now you have all these great clothes and their colors, and the shoes are to die for, mostly sandals or open toed heels, but then...............here is where my foot fetish overrules all rational observation...........They wear these socks! Not just regular sock but the mustard brown, three sizes to big socks, note second photo.............Oh well, all is well in diversity.

Moving tomorrow, I'll get back as soon as I can.

Peace