Pakistan
Ethnic Garment:
Lavender three-piece polyester ensemble
Date: 1970s
Donor: Anonymous
The chiffon kameez (tunic) is worn over salwar (wide legged pants) of polyester crepe. The three button tab front, side panels and underarm gusset provide traditional comfort for the kameez. This garment shows elaborate shadow work embroidery on flower petals as well line details highlighted by backstitch or outline stitch. The scarf, dupatta, has implications beyond dress. It is worn for modesty to honor both gender relations and Hindu beliefs.
Ethnic Garment:
Black polyester georgette top
Date: 1970s
Donor: Anonymous
This 1970s kameez features cross-stitch flowers on upper torso and hem; the embroidery forms intriguing surface design for the garment. Following tradition, the tunic is long-sleeved and would have been worn over salwar. Nearly identical in cut to the kameez above, the three-button tab front, size panels and gussets are definitive features of this ethnic garment.
Contemporary Garment:
Black rayon challis blouse
Date: 1970s
Courtesy of Dr. Carol Salusso
Made for American consumption, this garment was purchased in a Minnesota import shop. This tunic is similar in cut and design to the kameez, though the sleeves are three-quarter length. A "V" neckline replaces the tab front, and while the side panels were used to obtain the traditional shape of a kameez, the underarm gusset was not used in the construction of this tunic. The surface design includes both linear and stacked machine chain stitch embroidery.