Sari-torial splendour

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Recently a sari-draping workshop was organised in the capital by renowned author and textile enthusiast Rta Kapur Chishti to teach the various styles of wearing the unstitched garment. The writer says she aims to promote saris.

“The younger generation has almost forgotten how to drape a sari. Being an unstitched garment, sari offers many options to drape it in multiple ways according to one’s choice and convenience,” she says.
Since the festive season is round the corner, we spoke to the regulars of the Delhi social circuit and some designers to give their take on the timeless wonder. Exploring the array of choices available in the market, Nupur Kundu, a Delhi-based artist, who has already started shopping for the upcoming festive season says, “It is fascinating how a single piece of cloth can create that kind of radiance, beauty and elegance that a sari does! I term it an Indian woman’s most aesthetic attire. I personally like to wear it at the most formal of occasions. I am also proud to boast of a huge collection from almost all states of India.”
Pernia Quereshi, a young designer from Delhi, who runs an online store, Pernia’s Pop-Up Shop, says, “The garment has become so versatile over the years that people have started finding different ways to wear it. It has moved far ahead from being just a traditional wear. A lot of us would choose to wear the sari rather than western outfits because it looks stunning on all body structures.”
Socialite Ramneek Pantal, who is busy shopping for the festive season says, “A variety of colours, fabrics and innovative cuts are available in the market inspired by Bollywood actresses who now regularly make appearances in saris. I am looking forward to flaunting my sari collection this Navratri.”
Sanya Dhir, brand director of Go Jawaani, an online sari portal says, “Even as women in India look to the West for sartorial inspiration across the world, the sari continues to find an exalted place in Parisian designers’ sketchbooks, at international events and of course, men’s imaginations. Nothing exudes more power than a woman who refuses to wear a man’s pants to prove her place. I have recently bought a classy Benarasi sari with beautiful dull gold and pure kataan silk rang-kaat and I’m quite excited about flaunting it,” adds Sanya.