Why do Indian women have their nose pierced? There’s no one answer to this! The practice probably came into India around the 16th century, along with the Mughal invaders. According to another theory, the Sushruta Samhita, an ancient Ayurvedic...
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Summer is the time for ice cream, sun, and swimsuits. But if you’ve been paying attention to style trends the past few years, you may have noticed the emergence of another warm-weather staple: the kaftan. Available in a number...
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Whether worn as an amulet on a necklace or kept as a token in one’s pocket, humans have always relied on the power of good luck charms. Every culture all over the world has a special symbol, icon, or emblem...
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What is a Kurti? A kurti is a long-sleeved, collar-less tunic worn by women throughout Southeast Asia. The kurti, which usually rests just past the hips, is a slightly-shorter version of the kurta, which falls to the knees. Kurtas...
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Once upon a time, dyes ruled the world. Okay, not literally. But dyes and textiles did play a major role in international trade and economics. And one of the most vital dyes was the color indigo. In fact, traders...
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You may have spotted them in décor magazines or even on the runway: textiles with bold geometric patterns of color that, upon close inspection, appear to bleed into one another. Used for everything from rugs to jackets, this fabric...
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Looking to shake up your wardrobe? While any time of year is a good time to play with color, the newfound energy of spring can fill you with an extra zest for trying out new shades and hues. Here...
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Venice isn’t the only destination famous for its stunning waterways. In these metropolises, canals cut through the landscape, creating breathtaking city scenes (and in some cases, replacing roads with water). Check out these five gorgeous canal cities to put...
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Kenya’s Maasai people wear beautiful bead jewelry. Read on to learn about the story and history behind traditional Maasai beaded jewelry.
Boasting warm hues and striking patterns, Kuba cloth is the traditional fabric made by the Kuba people of central Africa.