Sarees (or Saris) are one of the most recognised garments from
Traditional Indian garments. People instantly recognise the Saree as
Indian and if one took a straw poll of the garment that people think of
as most Indian, the Saree is most likely going to top the list!
Indian women have worn Sarees for many generations (and some speculate that even men used to wear Sarees in the past), but in recent times the Saree has been treated as a secondary or not-so-cool garment. This is a trend mainly in the larger cities, where the younger audience prefers more contemporary style of clothing. There was a time in Mumbai that some women were denied entry into a nightclub because they were dressed in Sarees!
Indian Designer Sarees
Indian Designer Sarees have been worn for special events and occasions like weddings, but the trend of wearing them for more casual or evening events is more recent. Indian Designers have created Sarees that are cheaper and lighter in look, ideal for more casual occasions. This is a great step to encourage people to buy quality Sarees at reasonable prices.
Designers have not stopped by just creating styles that are lighter and cheaper; they have also started to advocate the Saree as an important garment. Designers like Sabyasachi, has stated publicly that he is going to create Sarees with a more universal appeal and more accessible price point. Such initiatives by Indian Designers are clearly a welcome step in promoting this beautiful garment.
Indian Designers like Abraham & Thakore also create Sarees in a very contemporary style, not only in terms of the styling and colours, but also the drape of the Saree. These Designers have created a Saree in a style that is even showcased at the V&A museum in London. That the Saree is a popular and important garment was never questionable, but the fact that famous Designers are creating styles that appeal to a younger demographic is a very positive development.
Conclusion?
Do all of these steps mean that the humble (or not so humble Designer Saree) has made a comeback? In some respects yes, because the product is more widely available and has a broader age and income group appeal. In other respects no, because people's perceptions that this is a traditional and out-dated garment is tough to change immediately. Perceptions are formed over many generations and years, and it is going to need some time for these to change, despite the best efforts of the Indian Designers.
Indian women have worn Sarees for many generations (and some speculate that even men used to wear Sarees in the past), but in recent times the Saree has been treated as a secondary or not-so-cool garment. This is a trend mainly in the larger cities, where the younger audience prefers more contemporary style of clothing. There was a time in Mumbai that some women were denied entry into a nightclub because they were dressed in Sarees!
Indian Designer Sarees
Indian Designer Sarees have been worn for special events and occasions like weddings, but the trend of wearing them for more casual or evening events is more recent. Indian Designers have created Sarees that are cheaper and lighter in look, ideal for more casual occasions. This is a great step to encourage people to buy quality Sarees at reasonable prices.
Designers have not stopped by just creating styles that are lighter and cheaper; they have also started to advocate the Saree as an important garment. Designers like Sabyasachi, has stated publicly that he is going to create Sarees with a more universal appeal and more accessible price point. Such initiatives by Indian Designers are clearly a welcome step in promoting this beautiful garment.
Indian Designers like Abraham & Thakore also create Sarees in a very contemporary style, not only in terms of the styling and colours, but also the drape of the Saree. These Designers have created a Saree in a style that is even showcased at the V&A museum in London. That the Saree is a popular and important garment was never questionable, but the fact that famous Designers are creating styles that appeal to a younger demographic is a very positive development.
Conclusion?
Do all of these steps mean that the humble (or not so humble Designer Saree) has made a comeback? In some respects yes, because the product is more widely available and has a broader age and income group appeal. In other respects no, because people's perceptions that this is a traditional and out-dated garment is tough to change immediately. Perceptions are formed over many generations and years, and it is going to need some time for these to change, despite the best efforts of the Indian Designers.
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