Kanjivaram

Another Saree for the Wardrobe

Rekha in a jaw dropping Kanjivaram Saree

Rekha is known for white and gold ones, they are riding a wave of popularity (yay!), and, of course, they are worn to festivals
and parties. 

What is the "they" I write about, the "they" are Kanjivarum sarees.

A Kanchipuram saree(also known as a Kanjivaram saree) is a type of saree traditionally made by weavers from Kanchipuram located in Tamil Nadu, India. 

These are distinguished by wide contrast borders and traditional designs are temple borders, checks, stripes and floral (buttas).  

A single Kanchipuram saree can cost anywhere between US$ 39-1,600 (where can I find a 39$ one?) or more depending upon the intricacy of work, colors, pattern, and materials used like zari, gold thread etc. 

Since 2005, Kanchipuram sarees are protected by a Geographical Indication label, certifying their origin.

Source

As a side note-which is my own personal opinion-the sarees seem to come alive when they are worn. There is a beautiful glow that is cast about them, and oh how they pop with life when the camera is flashed. Don't believe me, just look at all the of pics of Rekha in a Kanjivaram Saree. You will fall in love with them.

Saree+Typography

That's A Lot Of Scribbling On That Fabric or What Does It Say?

Being in the design field, I have a crush on typography, and yes, my home is filled with books and other items graced with typography.  So, it would make sense that two of my favorite things in the world would come together to create something so beautiful.

Yes, it has been done with type and icons (think Masaba Gupta-more on her later) and I'm sure there are many examples floating out there on the Web, but this year's (SS2015) collection of Satya Paul's via Gauri Khan (yes, that Khan) is quite an eye-catcher.  It combines typography with an explosion of colour (me likey, likey) and nine yards of splendor. You cannot possibly complain.

I would love to see a movie heroine sporting these designs in a movie, at a gala or grand opening of some sort.

Mrs. Khan should wear one to a gala or movie opening ... wait a minute, she didn't wear a saree to LFW SS2015 ... blouse and short skirt!

Okay, something has to be done...

If I am not mistaken, Mrs. Gauri Khan
in one of her creations.

These colours really work for me.

Design as above, but a different colour combo.

Rocking the Tie Dye

(a.k.a. bandhej, bandhini)

c/o Flickr

If I lived near a saree shop, I would never have money!

Not sure if it was mentioned or not, but I'm gaga (not the singer) about bandhej sarees.  I'm already mad for tie dye and add a saree into the mix ... BAM! Pure bliss.  In western wear, tie dye isn't taken seriously, it's looked at as something for hippies or potheads.  That's not true of bandhej sarees.

They are distinct because of the bright colors and intricate patterns.  It goes hand-in-hand to create something so cool, yet go everywhere-home, office, and night on the town.

Of course bandhej isn't limited to sarees, it's also on turbans (for men) and flowing duppattas just to name a few items of clothes.  I'm sure it's on many more items of clothes and household items, but I'm in the USA, and can't go to Indian shops or markets ... yet.

I have a few bandhej, but want more, more, more!

Love this saree!

Red and gold-so perfect for a wedding.

Lakme Fashion Week 2015

Oh How I Wish I Was There!!!

Once again Lakme Fashion Week has come and gone.  Sigh. Well, it's a little difficult to be there, besides the fact I live in Florida, USA, and it takes place in India-where else would it be?

Okay, enough self pity and onto the show!

It looked pretty nice and a lot of Indo-Western wear. As for the sarees there wasn't a riot of colour-boohoo-but rather "adult" (I wasn't there, so how would I know???).  Okay, I digress, now the standout collection, in my very, very humble opinion, was from Gauri Khan.  Yes, that Gauri Khan. It's pretty bold and I wanted a few to add to my wardrobe. As a side note, I had to reread who the collection was from because I couldn't believe it, and yeah, she got some design skills.

Here's a few pics I gleaned from the internet, and maybe, just maybe, one day I will be in India covering the show.

I can dream can't I?

Gauri Khan

Vaishali S

Gaurang Shah

Mandira Bedi