FASHION

Draped in Elegance

Sarees is one of the riches of our tradition and culture. Be it down south or up north, every region and state have something unique to offer for our mutual love for sarees. The nine-yard beauty is something all women hold close to their hearts. When we drape a saree around us, we don’t just drape a piece of cloth, but we also drape and immerse ourselves in centuries of tradition, emotional connect and elegance that comes along with it. Have a look at these Boss Ladies, personifying grace and elegance with their looks!

- Asna Abdul Haq

Kanjeevaram

From the region of Kanjeevaram, comes the Silk Queen of Sarees. Traditionally woven from silk, this saree is rich in colour and texture. They define grace and elegance, all in one drape. No wonder the style icon of Bollywood, Rekha, always opts for this beauty. And nothing less will do for our dainty Indian classical dancer, Sandhya Raju, as she always looks beautiful and poised in an alluring Kanjeevaram saree. Instagram: @sandhya_raju

If you’ve ever been to Lucknow, you will know that Chikankari is exclusive to this town. Though it’s woven traditionally on a muslin cloth, it’s now available on almost all kinds of fabrics, without altering its charm. Along with being an excellent work of craftsmanship, this saree will add finesse to your look, like it does for Deepika Padukone here. Similarly, entrepreneur Priyanka Chigurupati looks serene and poised in a white Chikankari saree, paired along with bold silver jewelry, completing the aesthetic look.

Instagram: @deepikapadukone ; @pchigurupati

Designer Drapes

Throughout India, saree is considered a quintessential garment, and so every region has its preferences in terms of fabric, design, style of draping and so on. Many of these regional styles have been adapted by designers into innovative, cutting-edge patterns that express sensibilities of modern women. Hence, the introduction of Designer Sarees. With these tremendous varities, one can come up with infinite combinations of colors and patterns. Like here we see the ravishing Shilpa Shetty wearing a dazzling sequined saree with ruffles around the Pallu, creating a fusion of edgy and grace. Similarly, entrepreneur Anika Khara looks stunning in her exquisite designer looks, combining tradition, style and elegance in one drape, carrying the look ever so gracefully.

Instgram: @theshilpashetty ; @anikamkhara

Phulkari

Phulkari is the darn stitching method which was earlier done on khaddar and cotton, but now is used to decorate and beautify any type of fabric. It’s known as the Rainbow Art from Punjab, as the illustrious handicraft is done with multiple-colored threads. Dia Mirza looks absolutely stunning in a simple cotton white saree with pastel phulkaris done on them. Interior Designer Sripriya Reddy, on the other hand looks radiant in an Organza saree with colourful phulkaris and magnificent necklace.

Instagram: @diamirzaofficial ; @sripriyareddy

Sizzling Silk

The Indian silk sarees are known for their lustrous beauty and incomparable grace. Though traditionally worn by Indian brides, silk sarees are now a popular choice for everyday wear, due to their aesthetic beauty and glamour. Shruti Haasan, here looks gorgeous in a golden brown Silk saree, with a poised fall of fabric, giving the outfit a flowy look. And our very own Sushmitha Bommidi, Celebrity stylist, looks dainty and exquisite in a shaded silk saree, that’s been embellished with intricate Zari thread work. Pairing the outfit with simple yet dainty gold jewelry completes the traditional look.

Instagram: @shrutzhaasan ; @sushmitha_bommidi

Zari Silk:

One of the reasons to stock up your wardrobe with traditional beauty is that it will never lose the charm and exquisiteness. Other reason being the intricate metallic threadwork that instantly elevates the look. The glistening zari work adds to the glamour and gives it a Royal touch, as it does to the ravishing Anushka Sharma. And though this saree is a good party wear, Celebrity stylist Shweta Malpani shows us how this saree can also be a worn comfortably around the home and still look chic, by pairing it with a statement neckpiece.

Instagram: @anushkasharma ; @6shweta