Wonder of six yards

Gurnaaz Kaur

Just a while ago, there was this noise that the saree has lost its prominence; the culprit of course was western-wear. Well, the saree is making a comeback and how! A staple again, especially for the urban women, the six-yard wonder has a special place in their wardrobe.

Designer Shruti Jamwal says this time around the saree is being worn in multiple avatars, thus proving to be a versatile garment. As a new-age outfit, it’s chic and fun. “Nowadays, you can see young women wearing sarees in the most Bohemian style with a lot of junk jewellery in silver. They wear it to their workplace and causal get-togethers. These can be worn as half-sarees, sarees worn over jeans and draped with dhotis.”

For designer Shruti Singla, a saree is a classic. “A saree with sequins, a simple chiffon saree with a slight self-border; a Benarasi and a Kanjivaram; they are a must-have in every lady’s wardrobe and can be worn forever.” While Shruti Jamwal says you can play up the blouse to make it more contemporary. “Choice of blouses is aplenty. One can don a collared white shirt with a solid coloured or print saree for that wonderful look.”

Corporate take

Women in the corporate world can be seen in styles that are awe-inspiring. According to Shruti Singla, “We see women wearing it with blazers; a cotton saree with a cropped shirt works very well for women in powerful positions who like to wear sarees. Young girls wear their mother’s sarees with denims and t-shirts. We also see printed sarees with simple sleeveless blouses everywhere.”

At the same time, saree remains that elaborate piece of clothing apt for wearing at traditional ceremonies. “Sarees are now worn with long jackets, dramatic drapes and statement blouses, which amplify the whole look. We also do a lot of saree gowns these days and this beautiful six-yard blooms at its best.”

Loveleen Dhaliwal Singla, a practicing lawyer at the Punjab and Haryana High Court and a mother of two, has collected close to 50 sarees in less than two years. “I have recently found the inspiration to see this gorgeous garment as something you can wear gracefully as an everyday-wear, as well as look stately and elegant when you wear it for special occasions. I used to be a person who would wear a saree maybe once a year or less, but now I end up wearing the incredible saree at least once a week, if not more.”

Youngsters love it too

College going girls love sarees; as much as their jeans and tees! Neha Dhiman is 24 and pursuing B.Ed. On any given day, she says she would pick a saree. “I love sarees for their elegance and grace. I use my mom’s sarees very often and I feel comfortable, beautiful, confident and graceful in them. I started collecting sarees recently and have been saving for them. So far I have 10 sarees in my collection.”

Seeing her grandmother dress up in a saree every day made Yashasvika Bhardwaj, 25, believe she can do it too. “Sarees are a childhood fascination and Bollywood movies added to the passion. If you ask me, I would wear it every day. Saree is my go-to option for a wedding. I dream to become a professor and flaunt my grandma’s old silk, chiffon and georgette sarees. Personally, I love wearing plain sarees; they look so classy. Just team it with a neckpiece and you are ready to rock.”

For the global women

Celebrity designer Abhinav Mishra has styled the likes of Kareena Kapoor Khan and Sonam Kapoor. For him, this timeless Indian garment can never go out of fashion. He says women these days are experimenting with silhouettes and pushing the traditional boundaries. “The saree can easily be an everyday wear these days. We see young girls donning sneakers under their sarees or using a broad leather belt to make it edgy. Sarees with frills and ruffles or pre-draped ensembles lend a playful yet glamorous tone. Saree-gowns are also another chic interpretation; perfect for the 21st century global woman.”

Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.