There is no dearth of exquisite craft in our country. Each time I look at a particular Indian art, I am completely flummoxed. This time, I was attracted to the 500 year old Bidri Handwork or Bidriware of Karnataka. Technically, it is called the Encrusted Metal Ware, which sounds so unromantic and matter of fact! I am sure you have seen these pieces in various touristy stores in the bigger and smaller cities. Have you however, wondered how these aesthetic inlay work is actually done?   The Beginning It is believed that Bidriware, was introduced to Indian in the 14th and 15th century under the B ..read more

While writing another blog post, it set me thinking as what other than things can jewellery be made of? Indeed, I am not referring to gold, silver or other metals. Nor do I mean handmade jewellery made of fabric, paper, jute and the others in the sustainable space. We do know of jewellery made of stone and bones by primitive man. But did you know that jewellery was also made of animal skins, feathers of birds, sea shells, and even hair? Frankly, the last one came as a surprise to me. Have a look at some of the not so known yet fascinating things jewellery could be made of.   Natural Birch Tree ..read more

A gentle lady in her mid-thirties came to our ‘Experience Centre’ a while ago. She loved a Tussar silk saree. As is the norm, we lovingly helped her drape it and admire herself in our King sized mirror before she decided on her final purchase.  She loved the colour. She loved the fall of the fabric. However, she noticed small knots at two places and showed her apprehension. As always I explained with a smile that since it is a handloom saree, such knots and slubs are common. In fact, it was a mark of a true handloom saree.   Pure Handwoven Linen Saree Frankly speaking I do not know if she was ..read more

I have always been fascinated with jewellery in general and handmade jewellery made from fabric and recycled paper in particular. With a reasonably good collection of both, these pieces have been great conversation starters in mundane get-together. When I decided to begin my own initiative of working closely with artisans in the handloom space, nothing could stop me from also housing some not so common handcrafted jewellery.   Handmade Jewellery The scope of converting, recycling and up cycling old or leftover fabric from blouse pieces, suit material, bed covers, pillow covers, worn out dupat ..read more

And don’t we love the wheel of fashion! What goes, comes back with a bang. I am talking about checked sarees! It indeed is time to skim through our mother’s and grandmother’s wardrobe to take out those timeless beauties in pure handloom checks! And if they refuse to part with them, which is highly unlikely, just go out there and treat yourself to a brand new checkered 6 yard drape. The other day, I had worn an oft repeated Kanjeevaram gifted by a friend almost a decade ago. It has delicate and minute checks in zari. The number of compliments I received that day made me write this post today! B ..read more

Kalakshetra is synonymous with Bharatanatyam dance maestro and theosophist Late Shrimati Rukmini Devi Arundale. And sarees from Kalakshetra have always been a dream for all Bharatanatyam students far and wide. PC Kalakshetra Archives Rukmini Devi Arundale Rukmini Devi, was as passionate for traditional South Indian handloom sarees as she was for the classical dance form. A keen eye for a beautiful saree, she was known to admonish a student who did not wear something that seemed fit to the dance gurukul environs.   Rukmini Devi Arundale A weaving centre was thus established by her at Kalakshet ..read more

The versatility and popularity of the Indian saree is evident from the Bollywood celebrities who wear it on a more or less regular basis for events, festivals, and weddings. Film personalities showcasing the best of drapes! Here is a look at some of the celebrities we love to see in a saree.  Deepika Padukone The saree diva. One doesn’t need words to explain why she is the favourite of all. Elegance, élan, and that sensuous look all rolled in one. Forget the menfolk, we women cannot take our eyes off her.   View this post on Instagram A post shared by Deepik ..read more

Do you love the idea of wearing a saree but can’t seem to get around to draping one? To put an end to your woes, here is a list of ten bloggers who make this timeless garment their own! Classic drapes, contemporary drapes, styles for the brave-hearted, styles to take an average day from passe to ooh-la-la - these bloggers will make sure that you find the perfect saree and drape it too! Sumitra Selvaraj - Sarees and Stories   View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sumitra Selvaraj (@sareesandstories) on Nov 12, 2019 at 2:06am PST   Sumitra Selvaraj i ..read more

Whether it’s Raveena Tandon’s sultry orange saree in Tip Tip Barsa Paani, Sushmita Sen’s saucy silver saree in Main Hoon Na or Aishwarya Rai’s red and white saree of the Dola Re fame – Bollywood sarees are a gift that keeps on giving. But, now there is a new kid on the saree block and we cannot get enough. Yes, we are talking about bloggers and these wonderful women who conduct workshops on tying a saree! They have taken the traditional saree and made it their own with quirky drapes, t-shirt blouses, and so much more. From the hallowed search section of social media, here are some of our favou ..read more

Consider me biased if you wish, but the fact of the matter remains that a saree is any day a better option than a lehenga for your wedding day. Yes I have reasons that might convince you too. And I shall waste no more time of yours and begin enlisting the reasons why a traditional saree handwoven with love by an Indian artisan is the best wear for your special day. 6 Reasons To Choose a Saree Over a Lehenga For Your Wedding 1. A Saree Always Remains in Fashion   No one can argue on this one. Fashions come and go. Ghararas give way to shararas and lehengas give way to heavy salwar-kameez but ..read more