A Book on Indian Saris

Image by youngrobv (Rob & Ale) via Flickr

The book 'Design for India: Indian Saris' is celebrating the meaningful engagement of contemporary Indian design in saris with the
traditional handloom industry of India.

It is penned by author Vijai Singh Katiyar, Senior Faculty, National
Institute of Designs, Ahmedabad. He researched for two decades on the
visually delightful book which rediscovers the handwoven sari, an
iconic traditional product of India for its conceptual strengths that
are relevant to the contemporary scenario.

Katiyar informed that sari exports account for 7 to 8 per cent annual
growth, adding, the garment has registered a growth mostly in the UK
and USA where there is a sizable NRI population.

Baroness Shreela Flather formally inaugurated the book at the Nehru
Centre yesterday describing it as a "real feast". The book launch
coincides with the 'London Book Fair' where India is the theme country
this year.

The book is co-published by NID and the Wisdom Tree, New Delhi.

Saree - Fashion Statement of Indian Women

Saree is an Indian Women’s statement to the world. This four to nine metre lengthy cloth-piece, called Saree is the core of Indian Fashion wear and is draped over the body in various styles.

The most common style is for the sari to be wrapped around the waist, with one end then draped over the shoulder baring the midriff. The sari is usually worn over a petticoat (pavava/pavadai in the south, and shaya in eastern India), with a blouse known as a choli forming the upper garment.

Saree is for all purpose - party wear, daily wear, bridal wear and has retained its beauty over centuries, by far the most elegant wear on planet.

It is versatile, multi-purpose and has retained its innocence through its original form but it has evolved in tremendous variety. A more feminine dress has never been seen anywhere.

They may be made in any textile and in many forms, most popular being Silk, Cotton, Crepe, Printed, Chiffon and Embroidered.

It is worn or draped in different styles in various regions of India. Like North Indian style is very different from South Indian style and Coogri style is daringly worn without a choli and with the pleats in front.

Indeed, saree stands out as most wonderful costume of Indian Women.