:: Indian Sari Culture ::
Thanks to the influence of Bollywood movies with its pretty actresses, I have decided to attempt to sew a sari for my doll.
The Sari from the Indian Culture is probably one of the oldest piece of clothing still worn today. It is a very long piece of cloth which measures about 1m by 5.5m. ( One size fits all!)
What is wonderful about the Sari is that it is not a costume reserved only for traditional festivals or ceremonies. Irrespect of caste, religion or customs, the sari is still worn by Indian ladies going about their daily chores.
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My first Sari is draped according to the Nivi style, popular with Indian ladies in Southeast Asia.
> Click on picture to enlarge
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:: The Sari Legend ::
No historians can give a full account of the origins of the Sari. It was found on several sculptures dating back to 2000B.C.
A legend tells of a weaver who was dreaming of an alluring lady, her silky long hair and her teardrops. This inspired him to weave a long and beautiful fabric for the lady. When his work was done, he was very pleased with himself and smiled.
:: Unstiched! ::
Though tailored clothing arrived in India a long time ago, the unstiched Sari still remains the mainstream fashion. The reason so is because Hindus believe that clothing pierced by needles is considered impure.
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Taken in a Sari Shop along Singapore's Little India
> Click on picture to enlarge |
:: Different Draping Styles ::
For a country as varied as India, there are distinct differences in the ways that a Sari is draped. The Pallu is the throw of a Sari, the outer end of the Sari with elaborate designs.
Nivi Style
This is a popular style of draping a Sari. The Sari is pleated in front facing the left, and the Pallu is thrown over the left shoulder.
Gujurati Style
The Sari is pleated in front facing the right, and the Pallu is draped in front on the right shoulder.
Bengali Style
The Sari is draped around the body without any pleats, due to the influence of strong traditions and a simple lifestyle.
Coorgi Style
The Sari is pleated at the back, and forms a fan at the rear. A small section of the Pallu is tucked in front over the right shoulder. |
Cheyanne (left) is dressed in a Sari draped according to Gujurati Style, the Pallu is brought to the front and formed a fan shape. Almond (right) is dressed in a Sari draped in Nivi Style.
> Click on picture to enlarge
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:: Accessories to Compliment ::
An Indian lady will always wear some accessories to compliment her elaborate wear.
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Earrings
Earrings are worn on girls since a very young age.
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Nose Stud
Normally worn by married women, it is worn by single ladies these days.
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Bindi
Worn on the forehead as an auspicious symbol for protection, it was use to symbolise marriage. However, it is now worn as a decorative item. |
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Bangles
A very popular accessory, it is made of gold, silver or glass sprayed with a kaleidoscope of colours. It it worn to symbolise a woman's guard over her husband.
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Anklets
The anklet is worn around the ankles and makes a "clinking" sound as the lady walks. |
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Hair Ornaments
This is a hair sticker of an Indian motif mainly use as hair decor. |
Necklace
Another adornment which decorates the outfit and displays wealth. Gold is also a precious metal because it is associated with the purifying power. |
:: Designing the Indian Sari ::
I guess the toughest part of creating the Indian sari was the sourcing of appropriate and authentic materials.
Each "Little India" (town dominated by Indian settlers outside of India) is unique in their own distinct way, with different sort of product offerings.
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To complete this Sari project, I had to source from 4 different "Little Indias", namely KL's Masjid India, Selangor's Brickfields, Penang's Kings Street and Singapore's Serangoon Road. |
