The connection between women and saree remains unscathed; rather, it has been growing stronger since the ancient times. As a matter of fact, the saree is the oldest unstitched garment that has successfully stood the test of time from the past. Over the decades, it has emerged as one of the most glamorous garments for women. As a timeless classic ethnic wear, the saree has become an integral part of today’s haute couture and is the most noteworthy attire for rendering a sensuous appeal to the figure of a woman.
From being draped around the entire body to wearing it from below the navel, saree is one attire that has always remained open to modernity and innovative influence. Today, saree is the only garment that is subjected to trendy improvisations by fashion designers around the world that have led to the creation of fashionable designer sarees. Whether it is a traditional occasion, marriage ceremony, social party or formal event, a woman draped in this six yards of pure elegance, is sure to make several heads turn!
Gone are the days when wearing a saree was restricted to traditional days only. Over the past few years, the trend of wearing a saree for any occasion is more prevalent than before. More often than not, women of all ages and walks of life prefer to dress up in sarees when they wish to look gorgeous and attractive. Fashion designers of today are creating sarees that bring to light a modern woman’s style statement. In this blog, we shall take a look at how some of the leading designers of the modern fashion world have given a whole new definition to the saree and blended modernity with an ethnic twist.
Sabyasachi Mukherjee
Kolkata’s pride, Sabyasachi Mukherjee is one of the leading designers who has a fashion label under his own name. He is best known for his exquisitely designed costumes for Bollywood films like Baabul, Raavan, Laaga Chunari Mein Daag, among others. His modern fashion ideology stems from his belief “clothes should just be an extension of one’s intellect.” His theory of design is based on “personalized imperfection of the human kind”. As a pioneering designer blending modernity in high-end luxury textiles, one can witness gypsies, deserts, cultural traditions, antique textiles, fusions of styles and vibrant colour play in his collection.
Agnimitra Paul
Another designer from West Bengal, India, Agnimitra Paul’s signature style in the world of modern fashion speaks of her 5 statements: Simplicity, Differentiation, Modernity in Gender, Cultural Ethos and Values. Be it her collection of sarees or other ethnic wear, her clothing label INGA is distinguished for her use of bright colours, custom formulations and innovative designs. That modern women can look glamorous in an ethnic ensemble is discernible through her collections. Her connection with Bollywood began with Sridevi and other celebrities like Esha Deol, Shonal Rawat, Sonali Kulkarni and many more. She has also designed for Swastika Mukherjee, Rituparna Sengupta and many more personalities. Her exclusive collection of sarees that showcased the use of heavy colourful prints had nailed the Lakme Fashion Week Summer 2013. In addition, she has also received appreciation from Hillary Clinton, the former US Secretary of State for her designer shawls and blankets.
Ritu Kumar
A Padma Shree awardee, Ritu Kumar is known for her pioneering journey in India’s modern fashion industry. Her fashion territory provides shelter to three main labels – ‘Ri’, Ritu Kumar’s premium bridal wear range, ‘Label’, a prêt-a-porter label brand and ‘Ritu Kumar’, a traditional and semi-formal designer label. Her ethnic designs are an amalgamation of traditional prints, natural fabric and various weaving techniques. Although she has fused Western concepts in her works, her traditional saree designs are regarded as the best in class even by her contemporaries like Sabyasachi Mukherjee. Her ethnic collection is a classic example of timeless styling and cultural beauty while exploring the various disciplines of art and craft.
Making a fashion statement wearing a saree has been into the game for a few years now. But are you aware of the popular draping styles that are grabbing the limelight? Here they are:
- Dhoti style: Did you know that you can drape your saree in a way that looks like a dhoti? This fusion look is making a big statement and thanks to celebrities like Shilpa Shetty and Sonam Kapoor who are popularising the dhoti drape. So, if you want to ditch the traditional look of a saree and make a new style statement, drape your saree in the dhoti way.
- Lehenga style draping: One of the beautiful ways to drape your saree is by wearing it like a lehenga. This is also a very convenient way to flaunt a lehenga without buying one! Just take the pallu of the saree and give an effect of a lehenga.
- Cocktail style: Have a designer blouse and want to wear your saree like a gown? You should be trying the cocktail style of draping. All you need is a bodysuit or a heavy blouse and a chiffon or georgette saree. Then drape it like a gown without much effort and pull the entire pallu to one side. The best part of this style is that not only it enhances the appeal of your blouse but also highlights your shapely figure!
- Pants style draping: Wearing your saree with pants is the dream look of any modern woman. If you are a lover of the Indo-western look, don’t think twice of replacing the boring petticoat with pants of the same colour as your saree. Drape it around stylishly to let your pants be visible enough.
- Bengali style of draping: You must have seen in many Bollywood movies having a Bengali theme where the actors are draped in this popular style. The entire idea behind this draping style is to emphasise on the heavy border of the saree. Bengali style is all about reverse draping and it looks excellent when done with a saree having a heavy border.
Conclusion: There is no doubt that sarees have occupied a major portion of the fashion industry. From Karisma Kapoor to Lisa Haydon, an increasing number of celebrities are reverting to draping themselves in sarees created by their favourite designers. As a consequence, a garment that was an all-time-wear for women is now used to enhance a woman’s style quotient. So, if you are confused about what to wear at a business event or your friend’s anniversary party, why not wear a beautiful saree and give a reason to admire your grace?