Available in a variety of textures, rich combination of colours and traditional designs exclusive to each State, the Indian saree has maintained its timeless elegance. A saree adds sensuality and grace to any woman when draped to perfection.
Saree lovers in Bangalore recently had more than one reason to cheer. The exhibition of Rajputana sarees in chiffons, held at the Vermilion House, and the week-long exhibition 'Weaves', which showcased sarees from across the country, at Hotel Lalit Ashok , drew women of all ages to add more to their collection. Lakshmi Kumari's exclusive collection of Rajputana sarees in chiffon was a great attraction. Sarees with simple and rich embroidery, tie-and-dye sarees and Bandhini sarees in an unimaginable combination of colours were sold under the name 'Heritage sarees'.
India is rich for its embroidery work. Be it painting, the bead work, brocade, mirror work, zardosi or a simple thread work, different styles and designs created by our artists and karigars are unimaginable and priceless. Lakshmi has identified many such skilled embroidery workers who create the magic on her sarees.
Lakshmi, who is based in Gurgaon, took up designing sarees, exclusively in chiffon, during her spare time after her children got married. She has been holding exhibitions of her collections regularly in Delhi and Rajasthan for the last couple of years. This was her second exhibition in Bangalore. Her collections include shadow work, embroidery in threads, sequins, zardosi, Arithara and those with Parsi borders, all in chiffons. "Rajputs mostly wear chiffon sarees. Since Rajput women are required to cover their head as a mark of respect, the chiffon material sits well on the head. Hence I get all my designs done on chiffon sarees," she says. Why are they called Heritage sarees? "My designs and motifs speak of the rich culture and heritage of Rajasthan; hence the name," Lakshmi adds.
Lakshmi's designs also evolve out of the feedback she gets from her customers. She also takes up customised orders based on the specific colours and designs one asks for. In addition to the embroidered sarees, her tie-and-dye sarees and dupattas are worth mentioning. Lakshmi gets her sarees dyed in different hues from a dyer in Jodhpur named Tayyab. "His colour combinations are so unique. The different shades blend so well," she explains. "Known for the graceful fall, chiffons can be draped elegantly. It looks truly enamouring on women of all ages," adds Lakshmi.
At Weaves, an exotic collection of sarees, dress materials, dupattas, stoles and home furnishings from various states across the country were on sale. Designer sarees in silks and cottons were the hot pick. In all, the colourful festival if Holi coincided well with these two exhibitions, where women went head over heels in making the right choice in rich hues.
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