Fashion is cyclical and fashion in India is never dated. Especially at our big fat weddings. The silks from each state invariably top the charts, and some recent film star weddings in the richest drapes in traditional hues have brought back the somewhat fading allure of these exquisite works of art. Art yes, because each handwoven piece is a testament to not just nimble fingers but a legacy of thousands of years.
The banarsi, kanjeevaram, tussar, bhagalpuri, muga are familiar names but how many would know about the ilkal, the khandua, the baluchari, or even the paithani? The ilkal is from the town of Ilkal in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka, and Ilkal, says Wiki, has been a weaving centre since the 8th century AD! You can get it in both artificial and pure silk.
The khandua or the maniabandi or kataki is a type of ikat from Odisha worn during weddings and a special type often clothes the state’s presiding deity Lord Jagannath.
Try and figure out the rest!
Suffice to say that each of these sarees have a distinct weave, motif, pallu, border, and of late coming out of powerlooms, making it difficult to identify the original from the artificial.
Now how to ensure that you do not get duped while buying an ‘authentic’ silk product? Ask for the Handloom Mark, the GI tag or Silk Mark.
While this certificate of authenticity makes the product a tad more dear, what you could also do is ask for a thread and burn it. Invariably a pure silk thread will combust and leave behind a crumbly black residue, smelling of burnt hair, a synthetic thread will melt with a distinct plastic odour.
Saree done, what about the blouse? Unless the attached blouse piece adds to the saree, use only the border or the body to a contrasting colour or a hue from the same family. Experiment! Play around with the neckline and sleeves according to your body type, try the angarakha-style frock top or shirt blouse, a short versatile kurti or a straight kurta with deep slits higher above the waist on either side. Simply play!
Make them work as separates once the wedding is done, the saree with a traditional blouse to work, and the top wear over a skirt or even denims!
So, this wedding season look ahead with pride and wrap yourself in the saadi, as you would say in Sanskrit, in any of the 100+ ways that you can, including a gown, lehenga or dhoti!
What say?
