Reflections of Intricacy

I find it funny that a sari, the traditional Indian clothing for women, went from being 6 plain yards of fabric to being the most intricate designs I have ever seen on clothes. Being slightly partial because of my Indian heritage, I find Indian clothing using the most vibrant colors, intricate embroidery, and unique designs that I have ever seen. How do they accomplish this? Of course their baffling handwork and skills contribute. And their ideas? They combine patterns and materials in various ways to create something new. One of the most known types of embroidery is called “shisha” or “mirror-work,” a material so unique, it can be considered exclusive of Indian clothing. Mirror work is said to have been used in the Mughal Empire and was popularized by the wife of Shah Jahan, the king. Mirror work is considered such an elegant art and only few can accomplish it. Because mirrors are not a material a needle can penetrate through, a technique has been developed to attach the mirrors to the fabric. An almost star like grid is created around the mirror with the needle and thread, and the mirror is literally pocketed into the fabric. This is very difficult and can be tedious when having to do this several hundred times for an outfit like a sari, but the end result is magnificent. Mirrors are such a simple material that reflects subtly in the light, attracting the right amount of attention. It is also a material used in a great deal of architecture and therefore gives clothing an organic and connectable feel.