The Chicest Chiffon Ensembles for the Season

The Chiffon Royalty

The word “Chiffon” is derived from the French term chiffé. The exact origins of the fabric are debated, however, its connection to India can be traced back to the late Maharani Gayatri Devi, and to some extent, her mother, Indira Devi. In the mid-19th century, French chiffon had already become a symbol of luxury and sophistication among the aristocracy in Europe and the United States. Made from silk, the translucent fabric was the epitome of luxury for women.

Royal figures like Maharani Gayatri Devi of Jaipur, Sita Devi of Baroda, and other members of India’s royal families sparked the trend of wearing the feathery fabric. Their influence set off a trend, with many eager to replicate the look. However, silk chiffon was still a rarity in India, as most of it was imported from France and reserved for the Indian royalty, who preferred French weavers to craft their exclusive saris. At the time, only two stores–Sari France Ltd. and Saree & Co. regularly shipped these imported ensembles to India.

A love story: Chiffon and India

As India began its journey towards a developing nation, there was a notable rise in working women across various sectors– bankers, teachers, doctors, and more. With this newfound independence and professional presence, women started to view sari not just as a traditional garment, but as something that could make them feel sexy, attractive, and effortlessly stylish. The chiffon’s light, flowy texture and its graceful drape gave women the freedom to move with ease without losing the lady-like elegance.
The fabric, available in various delicious hues, became a perfect blend of comfort and style. Its versatility allowed it to be worn across different occasions, from the workplace to social gatherings, making it a wardrobe staple for the Urban Indian woman. The Chiffon sari quickly evolved into a symbol of the progressive Indian woman who embraced both traditions and a sense of sensuality.

Finally, did chiffon ever go out of style? Not really, the fabric, now as Indian as it is French, has transcended time evolving through the socio-economic and cultural conditions of society. It makes a powerful comeback each time it goes underground. Scroll through some of Frontier Raas’s favourite curation in Chiffon to find your new chiffon favourite.

Floral, Embroidered, or Bold-hued— what’s your pick?

If ‘less is more’ is your motto, then these pieces with bright elements in the garment will surely steal your glance, for those small ceremonies at home or some Indo-western brunches, these designs can have all eyes on you.