Desi Girl

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).

Silk Sarees at dispaly | Source Drescodes.com

In Mumbai, these are some stores that have a delightful collection of silk sarees:

PAARTHVI, Malad West

VAMA SILKS, Dadar T.T. Circle

PANNALI, Dadar East

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!

RAJKAMAL, Malad West

ELLA, Vile Parle West

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.

Pallu of a Kerala Sari | Source Drescodes.com

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.

Dhakai Saree in Silk | Source Drescodes.com

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. Follow our website for more updates on shopping and fashion.

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