Saree is almost
synonymous with Indian women. This 5-9 yard long piece of cloth has been
mentioned in ancient texts like Mahabharata, Kadambari and Natya Shastra.
Sculptures and statues from Indus Valley Civilization, Gandhara and Mathura
also have early versions of this garment. Although the saree was initially worn
as it is, that is, without a blouse, in today’s time the blouse itself is a
fashion statement!
Depiction of Saree in Mahabharata | Source Designemporia.in
Being a
Bengali, I’ve been wearing sarees since childhood. Weddings, Saraswati Pujas,
Durga Pujas and even other family functions had us girls clad in sarees.
Personally I love wearing them, they made me feel like a grown up when I was a
child and now I find them accentuating my body type.
Innumerable
bollywood songs have been dedicated to sarees, their beauty and desi-ness.
Sarees have seen “bad publicity” too. Many controversies have revolved around
sarees (or lack of them)!
When we think
Indian wedding, we imagine brides wearing red sarees with brilliant zardosi
work. Nevertheless now the design, fabric and even the colour (pink, orange,
maroon, brown, yellow, blue and green) are seeing various modern modifications.
Sarees are also bought in bulk during weddings as they are the gift of choice,
given to all close female relatives. In Mumbai, Dadar Market is the hub for
wholesale sarees. Simple to gaudy, traditional to modern- all kinds are
available here! VALKAL NX is a store
that sells sarees at wholesale prices.
Here are some
sarees that have gained popularity in recent times:
1. SILK SAREE
Silk industry
is one of the oldest industries in India. Naturally, there are many creations
that have silk as the base fabric material. Various regions across the country
have their native type of silk sarees. Some traditional silk sarees are-
Kanjeevaram sarees (Tamil Nadu), Banarasi sarees (Varanasi), Mysore silk sarees
(Mysore), Paithani sarees (Maharashtra), Baluchari sarees (West Bengal),
Pochampally Ikat sarees (Telangana), Chanderi sarees (Madhya Pradesh).
In Mumbai,
these are some stores that have a delightful collection of silk sarees:
2. DESIGNER SAREE
These have
gained popularity amongst the youth in recent times. Weddings and even college
functions almost appear like designer saree fashion shows, isn’t it? But what
can I say? The zari work, the crystals (yes expensive crystal studded sarees
are also available), sexy net designs and chiffons look stunning!
3. BANDHANI SAREE
Native to
Rajasthan and Gujarat, this is a type of tie and dye textile decoration. It is
a skilled process that requires many techniques. Yellow, red, blue, green and
black are the colours that are used predominantly and have a great demand
because of its casual look. PURPLE BHANDHNI is a store located in Malad West
that is famous for its vast collection in bandhani sarees.
Bandhani Sarees | Source Bandhanisaree.in
4. BANARASI SAREE
Banarasi Sarees
are one of the finest sarees, known for their beautiful gold, silver and zari
work. They are often a part of bridal attire and wedding wear. Colours vary
from plain and pastel to bright and dark ones. They are visually appealing and
pretty expensive but in my opinion, totally worth the amount! VIVAAHA (Malad
West) and PRATIP STORES (Lalbaug) are known for their Banarasi Saree collection.
5. PAITHANI SAREE
It is a silk
saree, characterized by oblique square designs and pallu with peacock design.
These are available in vibrant colours. Having stayed in Maharashtra for more
than a decade, this hand woven silk saree is one of my favourite! If you are
looking for a paithani, you must visit PANNALI (Dadar East).
6. KERALA SAREE
Kerala is a
vacation hotspot and almost everyone who visits Kerala buys one of these
(including me). It is a cultural attire that is a variation of the mundum
neriyathum. They have been depicted in the famous paintings by Raja Ravi Verma.
Kerala Saree has a sober look with the plain white base and golden border. This
is a piece that should be a part your wardrobe.
7. DHAKAI SAREE
It is a unique
hand weaving technique that is native to Dhaka, Bangladesh. Traditionally in
cotton, they are also available in silk. Dhakai saree designs range from
abstract shapes to even plants and stars! If you love collecting sarees, you
must have at least one of these.
Our favourite
desi celebrities have started wearing sarees to International Fashion Events.
Foreigners who visit India seem to love this attire and Indians who reside
elsewhere always carry a dozen of sarees. Well, I am sure everyone will agree
that there is something really attractive about this ancient (yet evolving)
piece of cloth. Whether you are short or tall, plump or thin, fair or dusky, a
saree will always give an elegant yet sexy look.
Priyanka Chopra in "Desi Girl" | Source ibnlive.com
Check out the
collection of TRADITIONAL TRAITS to know more about stores
that have amazing traditional attires in Mumbai! If you have got some
additional tips or you want to just say “hi”, mail us on support@drescodes.com.
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