Haute Saree

Suneet Varma

Ok, I thought Manish Malhotra was the king of bling when it came to sarees, until I came across Suneet Varma. Oh goodness gracious me! This designer knows how to make a saree look regal, and unapologetically over the top. I will have more on this designer at a later time. 

For this Friday and the weekend I present Suneet Varma. Enjoy! And, if you can buy one, do so, and by all means visit the website. Of course, there is a book coming out in September with a retail price of $150 USD or $94.50 via Amazon. I'm sure the book is less expensive than a Suneet Varma saree.

What! No Everyday Saree!

The Casual Saree Controversy

After yesterday's post I realized I did not have an everyday, lay about the house saree. What! Seriously? Sadly, yes. How can that be?  

I have sarees for parties, sarees for work and sarees for worship, but, a saree to wear around the house. Nope. A saree to walk the dog around the neighborhood. Nope. A saree to check the mail. Nope. A saree to read a good book in. Nope. You get the picture, I don't have a saree to wear like a pair of well loved jeans and comfy t-shirt. Wha! What is going on?  

Am I following the trend of urban, middle class Indians? You know, a saree taken out for special occasions. In one word, yes. Oh my goodness, I can't do that to the saree, I respect it too much. Let's face it, it's clothes for goodness sake. I cannot betray a saree! 

So, what is a girl to do? Simple, buy more sarees. I'm serious, I have to buy a saree or two just for casual moments in life.  A saree that can take the wear and tear of dusting, cooking, playing with the dog-in no particular order-or dozing off. 

Claude Renault Photography

An elegant, cotton Naranyanpet saree.

Tie dye saree from Karishma Kimatrai.

Linen + Sarees

Anavila Mishra

Though the saree is still popular for occasional wear, the everyday aspect of the sari where one lounges in it is fading in urban India. But one designer wants to change that aspect. The handwoven Linen Saris by Anavila Mishra wills us to spend our days in them. The patterns are subtle and the use of colours is gentle. A sense of easy flow prevails.

Source

I have two questions: one, how much and two, where can you purchase?  

The sarees look so comfortable and light. You would want to lounge around the house in one, read a good book, talk on the phone or lay about.  Life is good.

Luxurious

Vikram Phadnis 

Often referred to as Bollywood’s ace designer, Vikram currently adorns the wardrobes of the biggest names in the glamour industry. Besides his passion for designing, Vikram is a stylist, making celebrities of today what they are.

Retailing from his flagship store in Mumbai and Delhi his label offers high end Indian and western wear, both for men and women. His creations are also available in South Africa and the United States (Chicago and NewYork). Concentrating on everyday realistic styles, this collection is high on practicality and elegance.  

His unique selling point is his bridal and prêt-a-porter wear. Today, Vikram has reached an epitome of success as he completes a wonderful and memory filled 15 years. In the fashion and film industry, he has created for himself a place, which can be filled by none other (source).

Talk about luxurious. That's the first word that comes to mind when one looks at Vikram Phadnis sarees. The second is a phrase, 'I know I can't afford it.' Believe me, it's not an insult, but a recognition of the quality of the garment. I still want one.

Vikram Phadnis (center)

Know Your Sarees

Narayanpet Sarees

The Narayanpet sarees are made from cotton as well as by mixing silk with cotton.The borders and pallaus (decorated endpiece) are very traditional. They are characterised by a rich pallau with a unique pattern of alternating red and white bands. The border is usually a flat expanse of deep maroon red or chocolate red thinly separated by white or coloured lines.

They come in contrasting colors with special pallus and simple borders. Double shade sarees with pink-purple and maroon-mustard blends. Cotton silk blends and light pure silk sarees are their specialty.

So, if you have a little weight on you and you love cotton sarees (which can be a no no since cotton put some weight on you), this can be a great saree to wear.  Let's not forget this will be fantastic to wear in hot weather. Isn't it dreamy?

Source: Visit this site. The sarees are so beautiful!

I Covet Thee

Sabyasachi 

Sabyasachi Mukherjee is a noted Indian fashion designer from Kolkata. Since 1999, he sells designer merchandise using label 'Sabyasachi'. He has designed costumes for Bollywood films such as: Guzaarish, Babul, Laaga Chunari Mein Daag, and Raavan.  

Sabyasachi's design philosophy is 'Personalized imperfection of the human hand'. Deserts, gypsies, prostitutes, antique textiles and cultural traditions of his home town, Kolkata has been a lifelong inspiration for this designer who believes that “clothes should just be an extension of one's intellect”. He uses unusual fabrics, texturing and detailing, 'fusion' of styles, 'patch-work' with embellishments in a vibrant colors.

Source

It's the weekend, so have a great and safe time!

A Princess or Queen for a Day

Saree vs Wedding Gown

You already know I'm not a fan of the western wedding dress. To me, it looks like the explosion of a white cake stuffed with confetti. And let's not forget about the impracticality of the flounces, and frills that make walking around to talk to guests a chore.

Basically, you're a princess. Why? Maybe it's daddy's little princess getting married and going away to live happily ever after. Okay, that's fine if that's your cup of tea.

Now a saree is another story (yes, I will admit there is a bias here). A saree makes a bride look like a queen, and a queen has no apologies for flaunting her beauty, which a saree accentuates. In other words, you look like a queen when you are in a saree.

So, the question is: Do you want to look like a princess or a queen?

Okay, I will admit the chosen wedding gowns are on the extreme side, but it is worn by many a bride.

Gujarati Style

Seedha Pallu 

I'm left handed and when I wear a saree Nivi style, guess what? The left arm is a bit hindered, and if I have to reach for something, oh boy, it's musical drapes for me. Also, I don't want to pin my saree, nothing worse than pin holes in a fine saree. So, after a bit of searching (good ol' Google), YouTube, and a book to clarify it, I have discovered to my delight the Gujarati drape.

The Gujarati drape or seedha pallu has a lot of advantages: you can admire your pallu, both arms are free to move around (yay!), the pallu doesn't get caught in doors, can easily pull it on your head, it's not that complicated to drape, and it's a different style from the well known Nivi. However, there's a drawback: it doesn't have the romantic flow of the pallu behind you as with the Nivi. 

Give the Gujarati Style aka Seedha Pallu a try, and, check out, or better yet subscribe to Hennafied's video on YouTube. It's a great, no, FANTASTIC video and gives step-by-step detailed explanations on draping styles!

Lace + Saree = Bliss

Shehla Khan and Shehlaa Label

Two things I love: lace and saree.  Can life get any better?  Yes, yes it can.  Well, in regards to Shehla Khan, I'm trying to find out more on this designer; however, it's a bit difficult.  

For what little I have found, one would notice, Sonam Kapoor is in the campaign for the designer (who happens to be a woman). I would like to add that the images are quite dreamy.

Shah's designs are delicate, lacy and uberfeminine with a retro twist to it. 

So, Ms. Shehla Khan, please get a website up, and if there is one, don't have it be so difficult to find!

Nauvari

The Nine Yard Saree

What called my attention to this saree were the books "The Whole Nine Yards" (which I hope to own) and "Sari: Tradition and Beyond" (which I do own, and more about it later).  

The book "Sari: Tradition and Beyond" presented beautiful saree drapes I wanted to try, and guess what, they were nine yard sarees.  Nine yards?!? I have six yard wonders, so far, and not one nine yard saree.

My initial search revealed that the Nauvari isn't in high demand (the draping is becoming a lost art), and it's worn by brides (red and gold) and older women.  Doesn't matter, my quest is on.  I want to own one. 

Oh you must enjoy AND save the versatility of the nine yard saree!

Non Desi and in a Saree

Dita Von Teese

She is a famous burlesque performer-to put it very lightly-in a Shivan & Narresh saree.  The designers say, "She is so comfortable with her body, personality and ideology. …" You can read more of the designers interview about their experience with the Burlesque Queen here.

The designers Shivan & Narresh are the minds behind the Bikini Saree. Pretty ingenious, I must admit, and that's the only way I would get into one. Go to their site to check out their designs here. The price for the saree bikini is around Rs 27,300 (approx. $474 USD).

It's the weekend. Yay! So have a great one!

Jeans and a Saree

Nida Mahmood

This designer is reputedly the “Queen of Indian Kitsch”. These sarees are from around 2011, they are colourful, quirky and full of personality-in other words they are fun and youthful. Mahmood's work continues that same personality which seems to reflect her. If anything, she proves you can wear a saree with anything.

Visit her site here for a sensory overload.

Know Your Sarees

Bandhej or Bandhani - Tie Dye of Rajasthan and Gujarat

I have to admit, at first glance I wasn't thrilled with this style.  It didn't make any sense,  but over time, and research, I have come to appreciate and respect it. Love it so much I have one in teal, and plan to add more.

The cloth is folded in on itself, and tiny knots are sewn into the folded layers. The color pallet favors light and bright colors given the monochrome landscapes of the region.

P.S.: I'm sure you have noticed there is one saree picture. Finally, I'm living up to the title of this blog. 

New To Me

Pallavi Jaikishan

More to come on this designer who has been around for more than 30 years! I have to admit that if it wasn't for the Web, I wouldn't have the slightest idea about this designer or many other Asian and South Asian designers.

Indian Design

Rocky S

Ooooh, I'm giddy with excitement! I love Indian and Southeast Asian fashion, and cannot get enough of it. Let's face it, I can look at Indian fashion for hours and never tire.  One can say I do that because I know that when I see a gorgeous saree, it will fit. No ifs, ands, or buts.

So, here's some Rocky S as today's eyecandy. For more of Rocky S, please visit the website.