Womens Chaniya Choli
The garment that gives strong competition to the salwar kameez is none other than the chaniyacholi, worn especially during dances like the gharba or dandiya since the dance requires a more flared garment for swirling movements. The chaniya is a long flowing skirt and choli is the blouse which either extends below the waist as a loose blouse or a short blouse that may just lie above the waist or it can also be short with backless tie-ups called the Bandni choli. The lehenga choli represents the traditional Rajasthan and Gujarati style of embroidery. The rich red color is symbolic of festivity whereas the rich red, maroon and majenta are the colors of bridal lehengas.Today the chaniya choli is even finding favour in the fashion streets of Europe.
The fabric that is used normally range from cotton, silk, khadi, chiffon, organza, satin cotton and brocade and is normally filled with embroidery and mirror work. For weddings the embroidery is heavier in pearls, silk sequins and zari. The chaniya choli in pink color is a perfect bridal wear. It has a fish cut and comes in material like crepe, silk, satin and georgette. The work is more glittering, attractive and colorful. The cut is done in fish style with zari work on it. The work on such chaniya cholis are so heavy that there is no need to wear any more ornaments because of the zardosi which seems to be like gold and silver. The chaniya-choli gives flexibility for the wearer to look both modern and ethnic at the same time.
The traditional chaniya choli has undergone a makeover giving it a westernized look, with different neck lines and cuts as well as sleeveless cum strapped choli. For women who have broad shoulders, the perfect wear would be a deep necked ghagra, and those with a flat figure, an A-line lehenga made of nsoft fabric like crepe or georgette will be best along with embroidered cholis. If you want to look slim, one needs to choose patterns with deep neck cut, or deep back lines or cholis with thin straps. For those who are short, vertical prints with U neck or square neck cut gives a taller appearance. The dupatta should be draped in such a style that it flows from the shoulder to the knee. Today the modern bride prefers to wear a chaniya choli on her wedding day rather than a heavy saree as her bridal costume.
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