The Quintessential Anarkali 

Anarkali , one of the most popular Indian Ensembles which literally translates to the Pomegranate flower bud , primarily because of the A shaped panels used in its construction.

Anarkali dresses owe their name to Anarkali, a famous courtesan in the court of a great mughal emperor. The story of Anarkali was immortalized because of her affair with the emperor's son that ended in tragedy when Anarkali was buried alive behind a wall. She was a legendary slave girl from Lahore, Punjab.

  Anarkali is largely inspired from the court costumes of Mughal Era with a fitted bodice and flared skirt made from A shaped panels attached to it at the empire line joint , usually adorned with precious stones and gold hand embroidery. Anarkali is conventionally made using Indian weaves like Brocade , Silk , Chanderi , Cotton etc.

Anarkali is usually worn with churidaar pants (Traditional Indian Drop Crotch pants with bangle like gathers at the bottom) and a Dupatta ,Traditional Indian Stole. Alternately it can be styled as an outerwear jacket (in its open front version) with  bohemian pants and Tunic/Blouse or it can be worn as a full length Maxi Dress as well.

I love the Anarkali Silhouette and especially when the silhouette shifts/differs with the use of different fabrics.