Vibrant Sarees of Bangladesh

Bibi Russell

Who is Bibi?  Well, you will have to go online to find out about this ex-model, fashion designer from Bangladesh. Russell has been around and about the fashion industry, and her sarees ... well, they are an experience in themselves. To say Russell sarees are not shy about colour is an understatement, the sarees revel in bright, brash hues that seem to embrace life. Honestly, I smile when I see a Bibi Russell saree, they look so "happy."  Is that possible?  Yes, clothes can have a happy look.

So, enough reading, now for viewing.

Taant-alizing

Bengali Tants

I'm in love with Bengali Handlooms. If I was rich, I would have a Tant Shop, just tants and nothing else. There's something about the softness of the cotton, and the simplicity of designs.

It all began with a movie, Devdas (2002). Oh, how I fell so in love with the sarees-and let's not forget the acting of SRK, Ash, Kirron Kher and, my fave, Madhuri Dixit-Nene. I can go on and on about the movie, okay, I digress, back to the sarees.  It's all about the tant-lightweight and simple.

When I was able to get one, I purchased a black and gold.  Sure, it's not traditional, but neither am I.

So, let's have the sarees do the talking.

Bengali drape in the traditional (festival) colours.  Also make up and jewelry is on point.

Tant draped Nivi style.

Tant draped Nivi style, and I just adore the colours and big border.

Bengali drape, for a tutorial view this video from, one of my fave YouTuber, Hennafied.

More About Fusion Wedding Looks

For the Non-Traditional Bride, Continued


It's almost the peak of the wedding season in the United States, and brides will be walking down the aisle in white, fluffy gowns (a.k.a. exploding wedding cake dresses)  Sure, brides have chosen their gowns; however, have any ever thought about a saree?  Seriously. We're not talking about appropriation here, we're talking about an item of clothing that makes anyone and every body beautiful.

Of course, the bride has to have an open mind to go the saree route, and, more often that not,  it's the quirky bride-someone who always thought outside of the box, you know, the fusion bride.

So, for those who will rise to the challenge, I give you more sarees to feast on.  Also, I'm going to do some shameless advertising here.

Hint: If you're looking for a "fusion look" saree just go to the party section of commerce sites.  Traditional bridal sarees are typically silk with colours of red and gold, but that isn't speaking for the hundreds of bridal colors of India.

You can find this saree here, but currently out of stock, or similar one here.

Anyone for Batik?

The Batik Sarees of Sri Lanka

My wish list of sarees I lust for will continue to grow, and my wallet gets smaller. These sarees are from Sri Lanka and will do all of the talking for this post.

I'm going be broke but look beautiful.

Guarang Shah

The Hero of Handlooms (Part Two)

Who doesn't swoon at the sight of a well designed saree?  Look at the designs of Manish Malhotra, Masaba Gupta, Sabyasachi and Guarang Shah, just to name a few of the designers from India, and tell me their work is not extraordinary!

One designer I want to, no, love to shine the spotlight on is Guarang Shah, a self-taught designer that focuses on, well-deservedly, handwoven sarees.  Shah, a self-taught designer, saw a need in the traditional handloom community. He took up the challenge to revive the art, and bring handweaves back into fashion. A bring them back into fashion he did!

Of course, this is the second time I have focused on Shah's sarees, and it looks like I need to purchase one for my wardrobe! So, the search is on for a Guarang.

I'm not going to waste time on words, let the pictures speak for themselves.  And, don't hesitate to visit the Website, and if you live near a shop, please take a look for yourselves.