Wearing Memories

This is a small patch of landscaping that I walk past every summer when I come to town for some work. These are the memories I relive. I take a picture here every year.  And then there are memories that I wear.

My salwar (the trousers that women wear with salwar kameez (shirt) suit.  Originally punjabi now they are a pan Indian outfit. Here is where Indian recycling works at its best. Its made from a saree my mom got at her wedding. It is Banaras silk. Gorgeous gold brocade work on it. Click on the pick to see the details, its been five decades and the fabric is still fresh and shiny.  Although because of its work it itches a bit. I requested for a lining inside. So there is a softer fabric on the inside.  But i can still feel a bit of itch at the cuff of the sleeves and where we tie the trousers.  Because of the design some of the original fabric rubs against the skin. Its old fashioned. Very simple style. Straight forward. But mainly because it is all brocade and does not need anything fancy. I got this stitched in India, the year I moved to Fiji.  So, I wore it for my second Diwali in India. 

I love its subtlety.  I have seen my mom wear it to several weddings. She always looks regal in these outfits.  But for me, when I wear this, it is like wearing my childhood.  Like wearing memories!