Delhi gears up to host its first couture week in July, designers are excited to be part of it and say that it was long overdue.

'I think it is great. It was long overdue. It was me, Suneet (Verma) and Rohit (Bal) who have been working in this field from the beginning and it's good to see that more people are coming in,' designer J.J. Valaya told IANS.

Rohit Bal felt the timing was just right time for couture week with the onset of the wedding season.
'I think the idea is great. It is something that was being thought about for a long time. It has finally taken shape. We have some of the best couturiers and it is the most appropriate time with so many events and weddings happening,' Bal told IANS.

The Pearl Delhi Couture Week (PDCW) hosted by the Fashion Design Council of India will be held July 20-25 at The Grand Hotel in Vasant Kunj. Nineteen designers will participate in the event.

Said Gaurav Gupta of the event: 'Designers here are known for couture and Delhi is a major couture market. This was much awaited.'

After showcasing his collections in Mumbai, designer Suneet Verma says he is excited to be a part of the couture week happening in the capital.'It's wonderful. Couture is a celebration of craft, skill, talent and brilliance all over the world. For me, once you are given a platform like this as a couturier, it means you are considered to be among the best. Here you would not be competing with other designers but also with yourself,' Verma said.

Designer Manav Gangawani was also happy that the couture week has finally come to his city.
'I am really excited because I primarily do couture and I am really happy that it has come to my city,' he said.

Of the designers participating in the couture week, 13 - Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla, Anamika Khanna, Manish Malhotra, Gaurav Gupta, J.J. Valaya, Manav Gangwani, Pallavi Jaikishan, Raakesh Agarvwal, Rina Dhaka, Rohit Bal, Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Suneet Varma and Varun Bahl - will showcase their creations on the ramp.
The remaining six - Ekru by Ekta & Ruchira, Geisha designs by Paras & Shalini, Jaya Rathore, Monapali, Reynu Taandon and Puneet Nanda of Satya Paul label - will display special installations.
FDCI has already hosted two editions of the HDIL India Couture Week in Mumbai. The third edition is slated for later this year.

Credit :IANS

 

The top fashion designers of India have set their eyes to make sari the most desirable clothing of Indian as well as other women from all over the world. They are inventing new saree designs to go with the modern urban lifestyle. Just have a look at these new sarees called 'neo sarees' and know how latest sarees are modified without compromising with the basic unstitched spirit of the traditional sarees and changed the look of a saree restricting it not just to a 5 1/2mt drape but making it as prettier as ever.

 

Saree with Attractive Slim Belt - Tarun Tahilian

Fashion Designer Tarun Tahilian showcased innovative style sarees by using different kinds of belts embellished on the waist, thus adding a complete modern statement and youthfulness to the wearer's personality.

Tahiliani said: "Belts can be used over saris by slim and tall people. It accentuates the waist, looks sexy and adds style as well as youthfulness to the outfit."

 

Trouser Saree-Satya Paul

Satya Paul the designer who is known for experimenting beautifully with this 6 feet drapes in 2007 showed a line of sarees the Trouser Saree a pre- pleated saree with a trouser underneath. Since then designers like Anamika Khanna ,Sabyasachi, Wendell Rodricks ,Meera and Muzaffar Ali and Ravi Bajaj have all done their interpretations of saree. Sometimes edgy and trendy and sometimes easy- to- wear and comfortable the saree has transformed into many new avatars.

 

Poncho Sarees –Ravi Bajaj

Menswear designer Ravi Bajaj at one of his shows in Los Angeles show case Poncho Sarees 2009.There he made this six yard wonder more user-friendly, by mixing it with traditional Japanese design. The saree which was made has a pleated skirt, a neckline in the pallu, which goes through the head and falls back over the shoulder giving it an effect of poncho gown cum sari.

 

Pre-pleated and lehenga sarees -Jai-Parvesh and Hemant-Nandita

Jai-Parvesh and Hemant-Nandita who introduced pre-pleated and lehenga sarees that are easy to wear anytime and anywhere. These pre-pleated sarees resemble skirts with pleats that are stitched, while the lehenga sarees have a flowing silhouette below with a heavy pallu replacing a dupatta on the left shoulder of the wearer

Pyjama Sarees – Anamika Khanna

One of the very creative fashion designers, Anamika Khanna, recently showcased her pyjama sarees at the Lakme fashion week 2009. This new saree design has crushed muslin pallus and the petticoats have been replaced with pajamas. So, now if you said that you experience difficulty in walking with the saree tied all around your petticoat, no one's going to take it! Just wear a pyjama saree and walk as comfortably as you walk in trousers.

Saree Gown -Wendell Rodricks

Yet another very talented fashion designer, Wendell Rodricks, has introduced the sari gown. During the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week (WIFW), his backless red sari gown was a rocking hit! It looked sexy and trendy on model Jesse Randhawa who walked the ramp wearing it. According to Rodricks, “they are extremely comfortable and designed to stay in place no matter what.” The built-in choli and split pallu of saree gown has been so liked by the celebrity ladies that they have flooded the designer with its request.

 

Jersey Saree –Wendell Rodricks

Wendell Rodricks  has designed yet another new saree- the jersey saree. He displayed this fabulous saree design at the Lakme Fashion Week. Jersey is fast becoming the number one choice of young generation due to its breezy, sexy and casual looks. What impresses the young the most is that jersey could go with all- tops, tunics, pencil skirts, dresses- and now Rodricks has modified it to be a saree too! This jersey saree has a built-in choli and the pallu is split in one section, which gathers to a halterneck. The other half loops into a 'kimono sleeve pallu'. It really looks trendy!

 

Jeans and Saree -Nida Mahmood

This is a deadly combination introduced by the youngg innovative fashion designer Nida Mahmood- Jeans with saree! Jeans is the most sought after and the popular womens western wear. Saree is the purest of Indian womens wear. So, when east meets west, the result is going to be a big hit indeed. In fact, what Nida displayed in the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week (WIFW), is the net, georgettes and chiffon sarees draped on jeans in a trendy manner. The saree is draped without its initial round- or the traditional tucking in of saree's one end all around the petticoat. The sari draping starts with making pleats and tucking them in front portion of the jeans and then making a pallu out of the other end of the saree. The saree blouse designs remain the same as worn with traditional Indian sarees.

Nida Says: "The idea of wearing saris over jeans is my interpretation of wearing a sari in a trendy manner. This is a trend that youngsters can follow for any casual party. It looks very good, especially if you are carrying the outfit with the right accessories and look,"

 

 

Chotu Sarees –Sabysachi Mukherjee

Yet another innovative new saree design has been introduced by the talented fashion designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee- the Chhotu Sarees. These short sarees- that are short by six inches than the traditional lenghth of a saree- are inspired by the tribal women clothing. With a length that doesn't touch the feet and thus is comfortable to walk with, this chhotu saree can prove to be trendy women's office wear. The chhotu saris are handloom sarees made by the rural craftsmen to whom goes a part of profit from sale of these sarees. Therefore, these sarees well go with todays youngsters who are trendy yet socially aware!

An Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi and South Asian woman knows it very well that blouse can make or mar the looks of a gorgeous Saree. As such, they are more than simply cautious about their blouse style. While in the past, low cut midriff baring blouses were the only blouse patterns, in the recent times, designer blouse is the hottest fashion trend among the girls and women’s.

Design Patterns can be made with different type of work on it some popular type of works are

• Embroidery work
• Patch work
• Floral work
• Lace work
• Bead work

The embroider Sarees can be divided into two categories:

1. Hand Embroider Sarees

2. Machine Embroider sarees

Hand embroider Sarees is a result of the efforts done by the

craftsmen. In such type of Sarees the embroidery work is not embellished with threads only. There are many decorative items that can be embroider along with the thread like sippy, stars, beads, moti, gungroo, laces, stones and jewels etc.

In machine embroider Sarees, the main component of embroidery is threads of different colors and fabric like cotton, polyester, silk, resham, silver, gold etc. Machine embroidery has limitation but it has better look than the hand embroiderSareesl.

There are many embroidery styles have been used in India since long time. some of them are listed here :

• Aari Bharat Embroidery
• Ahir Bharat Embroidery
• Banjara Embroidery
• Banni Embroidery
• Bidri Embroidery
• ChikanKari Embroidery
• Kantha Embroidery
• Kathi Embroidery
• Kashmiri Embroidery
• Kasuti Embroidery
• Mirror Embroidery
• Phulkari Embroidery
• Rabari Embroidery
• Soof Embroidery
• Zardozi Embroidery

1. Introduction to Saree
2. Trends In Sarees
3. Sandalwood Saree
4. Different Styles to Wear a Saree
5. Tips to take care of Silk Sarees
6. Tips on Wearing a Saree
7. Mix & Match Saree and Blouse
8. How to drape a Saree in Coorgi Style?
9. Tips to select Blouse Design
10. Blouse Sleeves Guide
11. Blouse Necklines Desgin Guide
12. Halter Neck Blouse

Off-the-Shoulder Necklines (one edge, nearly linear)
This neckline is similar to boat necklines in that they generally cut across the figure nearly horizontally, but significantly lower, below the shoulders and collar bone. Such neckline usually pass over the arms but, in the strapless neckline, may pass under the arms. These necklines accentuate the shoulders and neck of the wearer.

The bridal saree is customarily red in color, but current couturiers make use of other vibrant hues by using Bandhej, the traditional art of dying.

Particularly for wedding events, more types of base materials and embellishments go with their contemporary designs as well.

All types of silk like Handloom Kanchipuram, Pure Apoorva, Kanchi, Crepe, and so forth work well with handwork of stones, sequins, crystals, pearls, coins and beads. Eye-catching embroideries, special weavings, and contrast patchwork beautifies any design and materials.

An exclusive collection of designer sarees is also available in the market. The affluent and the celebrities in India show off wearing fabulous signature bridal outfits, yet anyone can be the center of attraction when complemented by sarees in lehenga-style pattern.

A bride can definitely win the heart of her groom with a captivating bridal saree and enjoy a lifetime remembrance of her wedding day.

Wearing Indian bridal sarees are not only for the inhabitants of India. Foreigners may as well try them and be a trendsetter with this line of clothing.

An air of sensuality and sophistication best describes what mood it may give to those who wears them and to those who beholds them.

With the rich array of accessories to highlight a saree, the wearer's beauty will surely emanate from within and any wedding can be timeless like the wedding sarees that set apart the lavish and impressive tradition in India.

Precious moments like uniting in wedlock call for precious Indian sarees that fuse together a treasure of ingenious designs, perfect artistry, and a diverse culture.

In Indian tradition saree accompanies women in all different stages of her life, in marriage and motherhood as well as many other human experiences. It also represents her mood and tells about the occasion for which it is worn. The way in which it is tied tells the woman’s social class.
Every area of India has its own way of weaving it that explains the skills of its weavers and of those who tainted it.

Different types of sarees from Andhra Pradesh of India.

Venkatagiri sarees:

The Venkatagiri sarees from AP have graceful strains of gold all over. These sarees are available in cotton and silk, with pure silver zari and brocade designs in the border. The bright Venkatagiri saris have pleasant colours with golden dots, leaves, parrots or simple geometrical designs.

Dharmavaram Sarees :

The Dharmavaram sarees from AP is famous for silk sarees all over the world. They have simple, plain borders without much contrast. The borders of these sarees are commonly broad having brocaded gold patterns. The borders also have butta and the pallus of the sarees have special designs. These sarees are woven with tussar silk also.

Gadwal Sarees :
Gadwal sarees from AP are famous all over the world for its beautiful weaving. The body of the Saree may be cotton or silk whereas the border and pallu are in silk. The cotton and silk fabrics are woven separately and then attached together. Rich traditional designs adorn the pallu and the border. The mango motif is usually used in the designs. Yellow, parrot- green, pink and beige are the colours used most often.

Mangalagiri Sarees :
The Mangalagiri sarees from Ap are made from Mangalgiri cotton.



Pochampalli Silk & Cotton Sarees:

Pochampally is famous on account of its exquisitely designed silk & cotton sarees. The designs are uncomplicated geometricalpatterns based on lkat process of weaving.
The Pochampalli textiles are made using the tie and dye method of yarn. Different coloured yarns are woven into geometrical designs.

Check out some buzzwords and facts about Sarees which might be helpful on your next Sari Shopping Trip





Kanchipuram pattu: Hand woven from hand-spun silk yarn.





Pure silk: Woven on a power loom from twisted silk yarn.





Crepe silk: More slinky silk woven on a power loom from twisted yarn.





Vairoosi: Silk shot with gold. The warp is silk thread, and the weft is one jari thread for every few silk threads.





Tissue: Silk shot with more gold, so that it shimmers. The warp is silk, and the weft is entirely jari.





Brocade: Silk with heavy jari woven on a Jacquard loom.(Many shops use words such as "art silk" or "fancy silk", material which may have nothing to do with a silkworm. If something doesn’t look silky enough to you, keep moving.)





The jariPure jari: Silver jari thread that is plated with gold. These saree should be dry cleaned the first time and then carefully hand washed. For long-lasting saris, don’t buy any other kind of jari.





Tested jari: Copper jari coated with thread. Dry clean only. It is usually not worth the trouble and you are better advised to stick with the pure stuff or silk thread work on the borders.The cottons





Madurai "chungudi" cotton: A smooth cotton woven on a power loom, sometimes tie-dyed. Look for a high count (close weave) if you want a long-lasting sari with an easy drape.





Kanchi cotton: Handloom saris with a more open weave.Chettinad cotton: Earthy handlooms, the most popular being checked or striped. Buy the closer weave. The colours and weaves





Double colour: The warp thread is one colour and the weft another.MS blue: Double colour of ink blue and black threads, named after M.S. Subbulakshmi.





Mustard: A muted gold.Ramar blue: Teal blue.





Ramar green: A green that is deep, but not as dark as bottle green.





Two-tone border: The inner edge of each border is one colour and the outer edge another.





Ganga-Yamuna: The upper border is one colour and the lower border another.





Ganapati temple border: Simple peaks at the junction of border and body.





Gopuram border or thazhampu: Jagged peaks at the junction of border and body.





Self border: A border that has no band of contrasting colour, only the jari design.





Lakshadeepam: Dense jari motifs all over the body.





Kalakshetra: Pattu without jari. Not to be confused with the proprietary designs of the Kalakshetra Foundation in Adyar.Minakari: Motifs or borders with red and green silk spots highlighted in the jari, resembling minakari enamel work.





Vanasingaram: Pattern of forest animals or Rama and Sita.

Saree reflects style, grace, sense and elegant. Saree enhances and increases the beauty and personality.
It is important to drape a Saree in proper manner to look perfectly dressed. Properly dressed Saree has greater appearance.
Few Tips on Wearing a Saree: -
Slim women:Wear Cotton Saree , Tissue Saree , Tussar silk Saree , so that they may look beautiful, attractive and Healthy.
Healthy women:Wear Georgette Saree , Chignon Saree , Mysore silk Saree , or Chiffon Saree so that they may look beautiful, attractive and slim.
Shorter women :Wear the Saree with small borders or no borders and in dressed position the lining on Saree, if so,they appear horizontal to the earth and may look beautiful, attractive and tall.
Longer women: Wear the Saree with big borders and in dressed position the lining, if so, Saree should appear parallel to the earth so that they may look beautiful and attractive.
Fair complexion women :Wear dark color Saree so that they may look beautiful, attractive.
Dark complexion women:Wear light color Saree so that they may look beautiful, attractive

Denim Saree
It is a pure silk saree that gives the look of denim, at the same time retaining the soft feel of silk

Hamsa Damyanthi

Hamsa Damyanthi is a silk saree, in which the famous painting of Raja Ravi Varma is woven into the pallu. 26 different shades are reflected in the saree, which have been achieved by the use of around 80 different types of threads.

The saree has been around for many millennia, but it's been quite hard to track the change it has gone through. It's believed that the saree has only undergone ornamental changes as its six yards (or nine) of fabric is so versatile and can be worn in many ways,After looking at these turn of the century pictures from India and Sri Lanka , It's only in recent years that the saree has gone through any kind of major makeover or face lift.Whatever the century, this woman demonstrates that it's your attitude, carriage and confidence that will get you noticed more than anything else! She's rocking that saree and check out the 'odiyanam'!

That saree looks like it could be worn today and no one would even guess that it was a hundred years old.

A silk saree worn with a long sleeved blouse. Traditional ornaments haven't changed much, in fact I think these ornaments look better than some we have now.


I think this is a good example of how enduring saree styles can be. This traditional style of saree draping has survived to this day

That saree looks costly, especially compared to the ones in the other photos.

This style of saree draping is still in today!

Sarees for little girls seemed to be common at the turn of the century and they're coming back now.