Goans are also obsessed with fashion like others. Goans
are famous not only for their colourful lifestyle, but also their costumes
full of colours. With the emergence of tourism in the state, designer labels
dominated Goan market and traditional costumes and embroidery disappeared
from public memory. You can have some of the finest works of textiles,
costume and embroidery in the museums, places of worship, libraries and
private collections. So, the fashion in Goa derives its inspiration from a
very long tradition and numerous external influences. Let's have a glimpse
over fashion in Goa since beginning.
Goan Costumes : The Beginning
Earliest inhabitants of Goa were in their 'natural self' and wore nothing
at all! They started wearing a string of beads, leafy loincloths (Valkal).
The tradition still survives in tribal life. Gauda, Kunbi, Dhangar, Velip
and Zalmi tribes still wear these traditional costumes with vibrant colours
and simple drape. These include Kashti (mail loincloth) and a blanket on the
shoulders, Kunbi Palloo with a tied knot and pleated sari.
Religious Influences
Buddhism and Jainism influenced the lifestyle of Goa in a great way. You
can have an idea of this phase in Goa State Museum where most of the gods
are depicted wearing a crown, a sacred thread, armlets, necklaces, earrings,
elaborate waistbands and chest bands. The goddesses are found wearing
anklets, toe-rings and a sandal strap. Some other goddesses are found
wearing a pleated skirt with a long drape, and decorative umbrellas.
Costumes for Women
Nav-Vari, a nine-yard sari, was the main costume of ladies in Goa. Its cas
or casseto style was very popular in Konkan coast and it was wore without a
blouse. Royalty and the dancers of temples wore choli blouses. Saris were
also imported from other parts of the country.
During Festivals
Men wear colourful clothes and carry torans (banners) during Shigmo( the
festival of spring). The performers carry banners and umbrellas and and boys
wave green twigs during Romat or Romatamel dances. Another dance festival
known as Chowrang (four colours) signifies a blend of music, tradition,
dance and costume.
Muslim & Portuguese Influence
Islam brought detailing and ornamental motifs besides a softer
paster-coloured palette. Portuguese banned Hindu garments and accessories,
nose rings for example. They forced Goans to wear western clothes. During
this transition phase, a new garment called Pano Bhaju came into existence.
It was the ingenious invention of converted orthodox Hindu women.
Goan Fashion After Liberation
The liberation of Goa in 1961 gave impetus to Indian dresses and salwar
kameez, sari, ghagra and Kashmiri Jamevar shawls were again in vogue.
Designwear Stores
Sosas
Tel : 2228063
A stable of designers from all over the India as well as local designer
Savio Jon
Sangolda
Tel : 0832-2409309-10
A selection of basic garments among other lifestyle items
Customized Design
Philu Martin
Tel : 2424421, 09822147706
