Fashion trend cycles often turn like the steady hands of a well-worn clock. Yet beneath their constant movement lies a quiet rhythm of nostalgia. When the noise of fast-changing styles becomes overwhelming, there is a natural pull toward the timeless. It is in these moments that fashion returns to its roots, grounded in cultural memory rather than seasonal whims. Tradition does not simply resurface; it reclaims its place, reminding us that style can be both deeply personal and a thread that ties generations together.
This festive and wedding season, vintage jewellery has found its way back into the spotlight. The revival is shaped by a longing for simplicity, enduring beauty, and a renewed admiration for the elegance of past eras, an appreciation often inspired by celebrity style and family heirlooms. From attigais and kaasu maalai to koppu and bullaku, the fascination is broad and heartfelt. While the aesthetic brings to mind the glamour of the 1970s and ’80s, its roots stretch further into history, echoing the timeless grace captured in Raja Ravi Varma’s late 19th-century portraits. In nearly every portrayal of a Tamil woman, such as the iconic Lady Playing the Swarbat, these jewels stand out with extraordinary presence.
Advertisement
Among these revived adornments, the bugadi also known as koppu in Tamil holds a special place. Traditionally worn in the helix of the ear, the bugadi is cherished for far more than its beauty. Its origins trace back to ancient Indian civilizations, where it symbolised status, cultural identity, and feminine elegance. Over time, different regions embraced it in their own unique ways, most notably in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. The ornament also carries spiritual undertones, believed to influence energy flow by stimulating nerve points associated with balance and vitality, an idea rooted in Ayurvedic principles.
Simple yet profound, the bugadi is more than just jewelry, it's a legacy. From wedding trousseaus to contemporary fashion statements, this piece beautifully bridges the past and present.
Some trends may come and go, but the classics? They’re here to stay!
Source / Image Credit : artefacttattoos , piercing_studio_banglore , Aham Jewellery, தமிழ்த்துளி , Macsjewelry
