My love for backless dresses comes from the backless Choli or “blouse”. Sources say cholis evolved as a form of clothing in the 10th century and then cholis covered only the front, leaving the back bare. Blouses of this type were common in Rajasthan and some parts of Gujarat. But today, traditional cholis have become highly stylised.
I have also borrowed style from men’s fashion. This dress was inspired by Achkan (a long-sleeved coat-like garment, worn close to the body, reaching down to the knees or even lower, and buttoned in front-middle).Achkans are usually worn on special occasions like weddings.
This particular style of choli , two or more strings are used to tie at the back to help support the blouse. This style is quite common in the Rajasthani region of India.
Women in rural India tuck their chunni (really long scarf) in their blouse, so it doesn’t get in the way of doing everyday chores like fetching water from the well. The women in rural areas cover their heads with a chunni as a symbol of respect towards elders.
This dress was inspired by this particular style of “choli” in the medieval times. Back then a piece of cloth only covered the bust and tied in the back for support.Similarly, in this fitted satin lycra dress, chiffon fabric is used to tie a knot in the back .