Fashion: Holi Chic’s new Prana Yoga line
HoliChic Prana Leggings
Written by: GAAYATRI
I’m always searching for the best of both of my worlds. Though Yoga is an ancient practice originating in India, there are few options for Yoga fashion that allows me to truly express myself as an Indian-American Yogi. Now, finally I have something that allows me to express myself fully on the mat.
First of all, Holi Chic is an innovative company blending Indian and American fashions together based in NYC, collaborating with partners in Jaipur and beyond in India. It aims to bring together the best of the East with the best of the West. It is a daunting task, but so much needed in this day of blended identities and multiculturalism. That being said, it is not limited to only Indian-Americans, and opens up Indian fashion ideas to all who wish to sport them.
Having worn and tried out many of the clothes, my overall favorite product is definitely the Holi Yoga line of Prana leggings and Yoga tops. They are incredibly well fitting and hold you in place for exercise - although the size guide happened to be a little off for me, as I got a size too small at first. They are sweat resistant, and compare with any other good pair of Yoga workout clothes I have purchased, if not better. I love that the Indian designs are subtle, and add a little golden touch inspired by traditional ideas through the patterns, but are still minimalistic and feel very zen. This is definitely the first step to the exploration of this genre of clothing.
Why might it matter you might ask? I’ve always had two separate closets. Half my identity would stay locked inside the closet. There would be American me, with my Western wardrobe, or Indian me with my Indian wardrobe depending on the event or occasion. The two would never be allowed to touch. Not only did this mean half of my identity was always hidden away, it also meant that I would never really fully fit in anywhere because no matter where I went, only half of my story was ever allowed to be told. How could I dream of finding complete connection when I couldn’t even express myself completely?
I am always on the lookout for ways I can express an integrated version of myself, as both of these sides are me. I am incomplete without both sides of this expression. I have a Western aesthetic when it comes to comfort, design, and experience. I have an Indian aesthetic when it comes to content, meaning, and ideas. Finding ways to bring these two aspects together I feel can give rise to a beautiful, strong, togetherness that if adopted in the world, could empower us all to unite. It would mean the end of East vs. West, and the beginning of a One World teamwork era. I am truly looking forward to what that brings.
In the meantime, I look forward to being an example of what I think that could be, and hope others find inspiration and fellowship in knowing they are not alone in this struggle. I look forward to seeing more examples of integrated living from all of my wonderful fellow divine souls interested in exploring what this could mean through their eyes as well. Here’s to finding integrated unity through integrated expression.