Passing on Heritage of Six yards (We call it Saree)

  

Indian woman's elegance is woven in the six yards of beauty called Saree. 

Draping a saree is an art into itself, which can transform the personality of the wearer from traditional to contemporary. Originated from the Sanskrit word "Sati" which means strip of cloth; a saree is traced back to Indus Valley Civilisation. 

Cotton was first cultivated and woven in Indian subcontinent around 5th millennium BC. Dyes used during this period are still in use, particularly indigo, lac, red madder and turmeric.Silk was woven around 2450 BC and 2000 BC. So interwoven is the saree with the life and traditions of the Indian people that each region of the country has developed a style of its own. 

A saree can be a perfect day wear, business wear, casual wear, evening wear, cocktail wear or bridal wear depending on the choice of fabric, colours, design, embellishments and the style of draping. Let's go through few interesting learning points about this "Vastram".

Choosing Appropriate Saree: As an Image Consultant, I strongly believe that our attire should be appropriate for the occasion and the surroundings including weather. Thus choose your saree based upon the colour, texture and fabric. Office wear sarees should be easy to manage and pleasant to the eyes. Also they should not cling to your body. 

On the other hand, a traditional occasion or festival is the best opportunity to flaunt the rich fabrics with decorative detailing.  

Basic elements of saree to be considered are Line and Shape: Silhouette of saree should compliment your body type and figure. 

Colour: Traditionally warm colours (red, orange, pink and yellow) are favourites in festive seasons as they bring vibrance and are also meant to be sacred in religious occasions. 

Every Colour carries a certain meaning. Yellow is perceived as cheerful and energetic, yet mellow and soft. Just like the mid summer sunshine, it portrays hope, happy times and used as a way to grab one's attention. 

Orange is a friendly, vital, inviting, energetic and playful color.  

People often think of the color as daring, warm, dynamic, bold and sexy. 

Green is the color of nature, and everything that goes with it. It has been described as refreshing, healing, soothing and prestigious. 

Blue is a very stable and dependable color. 

Purple reflects elegance, sensuality, spirituality and creativity. Purple is perhaps the most complicated and rare color, hence referred to as a majestic and royal, fit for kings.

For daily routine/business occasions, you should opt for subtle colours and minimal accessories.

Fabric and Texture: Usually heavyweight fabrics are used for rich “pallu” of a traditional saree. Some fabrics such as raw silk and velveteen add visual weight to the “wearer”. Whereas thin or visually lightweight fabrics such as chiffon and georgette may create an illusion of slimmer figure ! The threads used in saree add texture and shine to the saree. Current trend of adding jute threads to silk sarees is very welcoming. 

Saree Draping and Blouse Style (Modest or Sassy): Your appearance speaks 1000 words about who you are and hence please pay attention to the message that your appearance sends out. Whether you want it to be graceful or sassy ? A saree is associated with modesty in every indian household. Over the centuries, the Indian saree has kept evolving in terms of fabrics, colours, designs, draping style. But its fundamental concept of wrapping a length of five and a half meters of fabric around the body continues to be the same.

Keep reading our posts for more helpful facts and styling tips. 

You know that your image is result of people's' perception of you and your business, but more importantly how you feel about yourself. Image consists of your appearance, attitude and actions. The Author, Neha Ratnakar is an Image Consultant, soft skill trainer. Email to neha@splendidconsultant.in and experience change in the way you look, feel and shop, forever.