Indian gowns for women come in five main families: the anarkali gown, the jacket gown, the cape gown, the drape gown and the lehenga-gown. Each one joins an Indian fabric or craft to a gown's one-piece ease, and at House of Daisy on Golf Course Road, Gurugram, most women who walk in for "a gown" leave knowing which of the five is theirs.
What is an anarkali gown?
The anarkali gown has a fitted bodice and a skirt that flares out from just under the bust or at the natural waist, built from many kalis (panels). It is the most traditional of the five and the most forgiving: the flare skims the body rather than hugging it. It usually comes with a dupatta and can be worn on its own, without churidar. Good for festive dinners, pujas and family celebrations. See our anarkali collection for the shapes we carry.
What is a jacket gown?
Here a gown, often a simple A-line or straight cut, is worn under a separate jacket. The jacket can be short and cropped, or long and open down the front, and it is usually where the embroidery lives. The appeal is flexibility: take the jacket off and you have a lighter dress; put it on and the look turns formal. Jacket gowns suit winter evenings and corporate events where you want structure.
What is a cape gown?
A cape gown pairs a gown with a cape, either attached at the shoulders or worn loose over them. Capes can be sheer and floaty, or embroidered and stiff. A cape gives cover to the arms and back while adding movement, which makes it a favourite for women who like a sleeveless gown but want more coverage at a family event.
What is a drape gown?
A drape gown builds a saree-like drape into the gown itself. A length of fabric is stitched in from one shoulder and falls across the body or down the back, so you get the line of a saree without pleating or pinning. It reads modern and graceful, and works well at cocktail evenings and receptions you are attending.
What is a lehenga-gown?
A lehenga-gown looks like a lehenga from across the room, with a full, heavy skirt and a defined bodice, but the two are joined. Some come with a separate dupatta for the full lehenga feel. It is the choice when you want lehenga drama with gown convenience.
Which one should I choose?
- Most traditional: anarkali or lehenga-gown.
- Most flexible: jacket gown, because the layers come apart.
- Most cover with drama: cape gown.
- Most modern line: drape gown.
- Easiest for dancing: anarkali or a light cape gown.
If you are unsure, try one of each. The difference in how they move is clearer in a mirror than on a screen.
Are they ready or made to order?
Gowns, anarkali gowns and Indo-western styles are part of our ready range at the showroom, and you can see current pieces in our gown collection. A ready gown can be altered in length, waist and sleeves, and a cape or dupatta can be added, usually within about a week. Any of the five can also be made to order, in the fabric and colour you choose from our shade cards. Pieces we make to order are made to your measurements and hand-embroidered in our atelier, with crafts such as zardozi, gota patti, mirror work, chikankari, dabka and aari. Your first design consultation is free, the designer shares a sketch before anything is made, and you approve an embroidery sample before the whole piece is made. Order a made-to-order party gown 3 to 4 weeks ahead; pricing is based on fabric, embroidery and hours of work, quoted after the sketch.
Where can I try them?
Our showroom is at Shop 226A, 2nd Floor, DT Mega Mall, Golf Course Road, DLF Phase 1, Sector 28, Gurugram, open every day from 11 AM to 9 PM. Walk-ins are welcome to see pieces; read visiting House of Daisy for what to bring.
Common questions
Which Indian gown is easiest to wear?
Most women find the anarkali gown easiest, because the flare is forgiving and there are no extra layers unless you add a dupatta.
Is a jacket gown warm enough for winter?
A jacket in velvet or silk adds real warmth, and full sleeves on the jacket make it a good choice for December evenings.
Can a cape be added to a gown I buy ready?
Yes. A cape or dupatta can be added to a ready gown at the showroom, usually within about a week.
Do you make drape gowns to order?
Yes, any of these gown styles can be made to order, made to your measurements and hand-embroidered in our atelier.
Lehenga-gown aur lehenga mein kya fark hai?
Lehenga-gown mein skirt aur bodice jude hote hain, toh dikhta lehenga jaisa hai par pehnna gown jitna aasaan hai.
Written by the House of Daisy studio · Ask us anything on WhatsApp (opens in a new tab)