Features: Magazine | Literary Review | Life | Metro Plus | Open Page | Education Plus | Book Review | Business | SciTech | Friday Review | Young World | Property Plus | Quest | Folio |

Swathed in grace

The six-yard wonder lays bare the essence of femininity, says Harjeet Kaur Allagh

PHOTO: RAJU.V.

RAZZLE-DAZZLE Embellished with sequins and motifs, the saris are up for grabs

Sari is an essential part of every Indian woman's wardrobe. Its novelty lies in the fact that it is not tailored but consists of a fabric, which is draped around the body in a graceful manner. Used as an everyday wear, it also makes a chic party wear, lending a touch of elegance.

Even as the women in city are getting ready to adorn themselves with designer stuff, a couple of enterprising women, Ranjana Sureddi and Krishna Kumari, have conceptualised and brought to fruition the idea of creating designer saris. The idea took root in February. This was followed by hectic discussions that continued for a few months to thrash out the themes around which the designs will be centred. The end product, however, took a definite shape after a month-long exercise. Their collection, like many other designs inspired by the nature, is that of the myriad colours of a butterfly. Hence, it got the name Butterfly Collection.

Myriad shades

Saris of different material like chiffon, crepe and georgette are bought from Bangalore and dyed with bright shades of yellow, pink, red, royal blue, fluorescent green and many others-all inspired by the delightful hues of the wings of a butterfly. Cotton mulls and handlooms are secured from parts of the State.

"Vijayawada is ready for designer stuff. But one must be careful in pricing it right, as people prefer to buy designer wear from other cities rather than patronize local talent," says Ranjana. All designs available with them are their own creations. The blocks meant for the block prints are custom made and are inspired by the motifs on the wings of the butterflies. Tie and dye prints, the zardozi-embroidered saris embellished with sequins, beads and tassels are Krishna's forte. The credit for the hand painted saris goes to Ranjana.

Each sari is a piece of art, while every blouse is exquisite and exclusive.

A lot of hard work and commitment has gone into each work. A unique blend of painting and embroidery provides an ethnic touch the saris, which continue to look vibrant and trendy. The tie and dye shades bring out the essence of live butterflies.

Matching accessories

On the sidelines, the two creative souls have also designed hand made necklaces, threaded with semi-precious stones imported from the United States and glass beads from Hyderabad - a fitting accessory for the effervescent sari collection.

The piece de resistance is a double-shaded sari of ovaltine and turquoise blue, an inspiration drawn from a butterfly of the same colour. "Our designs are not the run-of-the-mill type found in most shops," says Krishna. After all the hard work, the sense of satisfaction they derive from the end product is worth all the pain. Tags and carry bags that are made from recycled paper are added features.

With the sari finding acceptance worldwide what with celebrities using the drapery in different innovative styles, the duo is hopeful that their creativity will find wide approval too.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail