Ensemble
Object number2004.175.1 a-c
Date1994
MediumSilk
Credit LineGift of Shabnam Mirchandani
DescriptionThree-piece gold organza engagement ensemble or "sharara". Ensemble consists of a long gold organza tunic with pearl embellishments on front and sleeves (known as a sherwani); short, wide-legged gold organza pantaloons; and a rectangular gold organza veil with darker borders on edges.Dimensionsa: 55.5 lengthb: 39 length, 32.5 waist
c: 92.5 length, 44.5 width
Historical NotesEngagement ensemble worn by Shabnam Mirchandani. Bronze-gold colored organza outfit from India. A cross between a "sharara" (a three-piece outfit including a short blouse, loose pantaloons, and a veil) and a "sherwani" (a tunic top with stiff collar, traditionally a man's formal attire). This was worn at her formal engagement ceremony to an American professor, also from India. Although the couple was married at a traditional ceremony in Pittsburgh, the earlier engagement ceremony was exceptionally important as many family members could attend in India. The costume, the donor says, reflects "her own personality, an eclectic blend of east and west." In keeping with contemporary Indian use, she wore the veil over her shoulder as a stole.
On View
On viewCollections
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