Six yards of festivity
The Hindu :
Bright fuchsia pink with burnt polka dots, electric blues on georgette with silver streamers running down and black silk pin-stripes are some of the designs Seema Bagaria and Archana Kanoria of Iksenya have woven on saris with textile designer Pragat
ti Toshniwal.
‘Six Yards and Counting’ feature saris with unique blends of gota, zardosi, fabric strips and old brocades. And it is still ‘counting’ as it indicates that the designers have experimented with different weaves and fabrics, from Angora wool and organza to silk yarn. And what is unique about this limited collection of 100 is that they aren’t heavy to wear like most glamorous saris, but light and comfortable to drape around for the festive occasion.
Each sari is not the same.Green shreds hang from the pallu of one like bright blades of grass and silver foil bands stream across the pallu and pleats like a happy birthday party.
So the two self-taught designers have used bright, cheery tones with traditional motifs and silks to give the saris “a new lease of life”. Gota, zardosi and brocade have been woven into the fabric to give it a natural combination.
While each sari took seven to 15 days of manual labour, the entire line took four months and a lot of detailing and thought for the designs to take the look and shape that they have.
For the urban woman, young or old, who like a little bit of glitz and shine, this is a collection catering to their tastes.
And there is something for everyone — for the refined but experimental look, there is the lovely delicate red, black and white Kanchipuram sari with an organza pallu for the “less-bulky and feminine feel”. Perfect for a cocktail party is the black silk sari with interesting kantha and pin-striped impressions. The bright pink with copper wire interwoven together with an upholstery velvety look and tassels falling from…More
