Sari | Saree | Indian Sari

Sari never go out of style. And the festive season is just the time to reinvent those six sensuous yards, say the experts

IF there's something that has survived the fickle ways of Indian fashion, it's the saree. It's another thing that if your grandmother saw it she probably wouldn't recognise it as her good old six yards.

Indian Fashion Designers have let their creativity cascade down the folds and pleats of this traditional-yet-trendy garment Indian sari.

Pallu is the best part of a sari. You can embellish it in a variety of ways - sequins, zardosi, thread embroidery. Often the texture of a sari goes to make it what it is - it also asserts your personality.

The trendy types like georgettes and the intellectuals go for light silk saris. These days we see a lot of fabric combos, like velvets, prints and georgettes; or brocade, prints and georgettes; or kalamkari/ikats, silk prints and chiffon. Prints are really big these days in fashion circuits both nationally and internationally. Printed saris are in fashion all over India.

Also what's interesting is to do a border-base combo, like with phulkari sari and sequins sari , kasuti with patchwork sari or appliques or cutwork sari. It's all about mix and match in Indian Sari.

Team sari with a layered blouse of kalamkari, ikat or block print. In color combos, what's hot this season are brown-blue, deep purple-pink, olive green-maroon, maroon-gold/silver or black-black.

The sari that the young want to be seen in is anything but traditional. Even Kanjeevaram motifs and color schemes reflect the times.

The Indian sari has developed a silhouette and if draped around it well it could make you look slim and sensual. What can make it very interesting is what you team it with, like a corset, tunic, bustier or even a T-shirt.

Sari the most versatile garment. One look that's trendy is to wear a bustier with your saree and team that with a long sleeveless jacket. Even the way you drape the saree makes a lot of difference.

The color palette has also changed this season. Till recently the colors that ruled saris were fuchsia, turqoise and lemon, now the base colors for saris are weaker shades of browns and mustards.

The embellishments are much brighter - could be deep reds, burgandy or wine. Also what's caught on well is patchwork saris, particularly printed fabric applique.

Corsets, halters or backless cholis are big now. The other thing that you can do is split your saree into halves. The lower garment is worn around the waist with pleats.

The upper part can be worn like a dupatta or call it stole, anyway you like. The effect is great if you have contrasting colours for the two garments or have them in different fabrics.