It's the Weekend

Eyecandy

A saree pic to keep you busy until Monday. Have a great weekend! It's been around the web, but a classic: Vidya.

Know Your Sarees

Chanderi

Is a super light sari with a soft translucence unique to the cloth. They are generally a very plain in muted pastel colors, narrow bordered piece with simple striped pallu. Others have small bhutties (areas of threadwork ornament suspended on a plain ground) through the field. 

The term Chanderi is often misused by sari sellers to describe any kind of light and see through cloth. Chanderi style cotton is highly prized for it's airy feel in the hottest days of summer. 

It's almost impossible now to find Chanderi in pure cotton.

Source

To Art Silk or Not to Art Silk? That is the question.

Anyone up for Art Silk?

Been toying around with the purchase of an art silk saree? Not too sure if that route is to be taken?

I'm not too sure myself.  You see, with art silk, one can, supposedly, have the beauty of silk and not the headache of  upkeep. Which is a huge plus since dirt is so attracted to me.  Also, which is very important, no creatures were harmed in the production of the silk; however, there's one minus, it's not real silk.

You get the picture. I'm not sure which way to go, but I do know that an Art Silk saree won't break the bank, but a handloom silk saree is an heirloom. Sigh.

Handloom Pure Silk

Orange Crystal Art Silk

Need To Know

Lulla is an iconic designer in India and abroad; however, to you Saree Neophytes this is designer you have to know. You may have seen her designs (since 1991) in the films Devdas, Khalnayak, and Jodhaa Akbar- to name a few.

Neeta Lulla is one of India's most successful costume designer and fashion stylist.  She is amongst the most awarded fashion designers in India having won the prestigious National Film Awards from the President of India on four occasions for Best Costume Design in a Film.

Source

As a side note, due to unforeseen circumstances, I wasn't able to post for a few days.  I'm back!

Shyamal+Bhumika

New To Me

I have seen the designs, but I haven't looked at the designs. What was I thinking! One word … Wow!  And for more awe, go to their website.  It will be a feast for the eyes.

In Praise of …

Cotton Sarees

I will admit I am plump (fat), and, of course, it is recommended that georgette and chiffon sarees are better suited for the plump body. Fine. But, they aren't cotton sarees!

Have you worn a cotton saree? It is heaven, and if it's a Bengal Handoom, then double heaven. Cotton sarees are perfect for hot days, your body breathes and isn't strangled by synthetic fibers, smooth against the skin, and simple in design.

Sigh. I think the Bengal Tant will be worn tonight.

No Rocket Science Needed

Fuchsia Tie Dye

Can you get away with this design as a western european gown?  Perhaps, think Versace, etc. etc.  But,  I doubt it would be able to go from office to an evening soiree.  

On a strictly personal note (a few billion people may agree), the saree is an attire that can go from day to night with little or no effort-change of jewelry and that is it!

I Don't Want to Wear White

Satya Paul Inspiration

It will be a red saree. Yes, a red saree to wear instead of white.

I Covet Thee

Ritu Kumar

For more on this incredible designer, please visit the website. It is a real treat for the eyes.

Know Your Sarees

Bengal Handloom Sarees 

Tant

Bengali handlooms are known for their transparent and crisp muslin like finish that is a joy to wear on a hot day. The lightness of the cloth, combined with wide and silky threadwork borders and elaborate pallus with supplementary threadwork ornament give the sari it's unique evenness of drape. The "tant" or hand loomed sarees of the region boast a tremendous range of styles and colors.

Jamdanies

A highly transparent cloth with supplementary threadwork ornament, which is "jammed" into the weft. Designs are simple and geometric tribal style, unique to Jamdani handlooms. Peacocks are a favorite motif in the style, as are bold vines and flowers.

Baluchari

Detailed figures, animals and architectural scenes are depicted on these sarees. The classic Baluchari has scenes from the religious epics of India. Wide borders feature repeat motifs from the pallu, often densely woven vignettes arranged in sections across the cloth. The classic Baluchari sari of Bengal was woven on the same cloth as the Tant sarees, but now with many regions weaving these style sarees, you can have Baluchari style sarees from anywhere. 

Source

Vidya Rocks The Saree!

Vidya Balan

No introduction is needed. Vidya is an incredible actress (see Kahaani for proof), and wears a saree with elegance and grace. More often than not, it's a Sabyasachi (more on the designer later).

Some may criticize her style, but who isn't picked apart in this day and time? In my book, she does no wrong in a saree. Vidya you rock the saree!

Tarun Tahiliani

Tarun Tahiliani is a noted Indian fashion designer.  He is best known for his ability to infuse Indian craftsmanship and textile heritage with European tailored silhouette.

Tarun Tahiliani's at WIFW'13

Black and red knit saree

Orange Georgette saree teamed up with a 

bright red shawl and yellow furry blouse

Orange sheer saree with a nude golden petticoat 

underneath and an orange velvet blouse

Muted yellow saree

Stone studded blue saree with a red pallu 

and an off-shoulder silk blouse

 

The designer among his creations.

 All of these images and more details can be seen at boldsky.com

Rabani and Rakha

'Rabani & Rakha' is the creation of the Rahul and Shibani Rastogi (husband and wife) and Gautam Rakha. It  began as a hobby, for the Rastogis, and was built into an innovative design house.  Some years later, with the addition of Gautam Rakha, who brought five years of experience working in the design studio of Tarun Tahiliani, the label has gained critical appeal from fashion insiders and elite clientele for their exquisite, distinctive clothes and intricate work.

The images collected here are from 2007-2011.  For current designs visit their website for a visual treat or make a purchase. 

 

New To Me

Rabani & Rakha

I stumbled across this label, thanks to Pinterest.  I'm loving what I'm seeing, and right now the website will not load. From the pics I've seen the label has been around, but they are new to me. I will find out more (for us non-desi)  and post pics of the latest designs.

The Saree Obsession

For the Love of Sarees

I love sarees. No. I am obsessed with sarees. Sure, this is a sentiment shared by many, and I am no exception. I love sarees, I dream about sarees, and I wear sarees about the house.  I can't go into the fine details about how this obsession with yards of fabric came to light, but it started simple enough- a wedding.

Some years ago, more than I care to recall, I saw my first saree at a wedding. You see, a good friend got married -to a bum, if I might add-and, no, she wasn't in a saree, it was a wedding gown. Yes, it was a beautiful gown fit for the beautiful person it was on,  but the clothes that stole the show was a guest in a simple, red silk saree. To be honest, there was nothing extravagant about it, no zari, no buti, no embroidery, no blingy jewels, but it was so exquisite and elegant. Sure the bride looked like a princess, but this guest in her red, silk saree was the queen of the ball.

I was in love and I never forgot that day.  Sure, being from a college town I have seen the Hari Krishna in handkerchief like sarees of soft pastels, but that red saree was seared in my brain. I fell hopelessly in love and searched for anything about it's history.

Over time I won a few auctions on ebay, managed to snag a magazine called Libas, purchased books, bookmarked websites, but it wasn't enough. I needed sarees. Then one day as I was browsing an ad for an internet store popped up. Let's say the rest is history and my wallet is lighter but closet filled with beautiful sarees. What a lovely tradeoff. 

So, I plan on searching the internet and posting images of this work of art for me and all to enjoy.  Maybe not everyday, but enough to be satisfied.

What about your saree obsession?