JOIN USBasava Ambara’s attempt to exhibit the best of Indian handicraft and weaves makes it a unique choice for saris and ethnic wear. Its ethereal collection has a lot to offer and one can also find rare forms of art displayed beautifully at the store.
A visit to ‘Basava Ambara’, which is located in Basvanagudi, is an experience in itself. An exquisite collection of antique furniture is exhibited at the store and this adds to the experience of shopping here.
‘Basava Ambara’ occupies the outhouse of a beautiful heritage home built in 1897. Run by Arvind Kashyap and Venkatram Reddy, its merchandise comes from a cross-section of textile visualisers, jewellery designers, leather craftsmen, antique collectors as well as contemporary designers.
“We have a handpicked collection of saris, dupattas, stoles and fabric from textile experts across the country. Some of these craftsmen are known for reviving India’s heritage weaves, embroideries and hand block prints. We are also involved with NGOs that work towards the welfare of weavers and artisans and organisations involved in empowering women and rehabilitating those who are underprivileged,” explains Cynthia, the store manager.
There is a collection of Kanchis, ikats and muslins handpicked from the best weavers in the country. There is Indo-western wear in khadi for women as well. “Along with garments, we also have ornaments, pottery and organic cosmetics which are sourced from the manufacturers themselves. All the garments and saris that we display at the store are sourced directly from artisans and weavers. There is no middleman involved and this helps artisans in more ways than one. We are also trying to revive some of the rare and dying forms of weaves and arts.
One such piece is the Kothakota silk from Andhra Pradesh,” adds Cynthia.
The brand has got a great response from people living in and around South Bangalore. Many like to visit the store again and again owing to its beautiful collection of saris. From bright hues to sombre shades, each sari has a different appeal and looks beautiful when draped.
The khadi collection is equally appealing and consists of short tunics, kurtas, trousers and jholas in different colours. It is this nice combination of different items that makes the brand an interesting one. To add to the look, one can mix and match the clutches, jholas and stoles with the kurtas and saris. Cynthia explains that the taste of people is changing today and many want to invest in good quality weaves and saris. “It is great to see that people are taking an interest in antique and traditional weaves. Most saris we have are very traditional and each has a different story to tell. We try to create an awareness regarding the ancient arts so that more people take an interest in them. The store has been designed keeping in mind the products that we sell,” she notes.‘Basava Ambara’ is also a destination for the connoisseurs of Indian art as there are a host of artistic products placed beautifully in and around the store.
Chandni, first-year student of fashion and apparel designing, Oxford College of Science, chose to wear a black and white chequered ikat silk sari with a broad border.
Punchline: “The look is feminine yet youthful. The blend of colours and design makes this sari the perfect choice for a party or traditional function. The sari looks even better when teamed with a nice pair of heels.”
Price: Black and white ikat silk with pink and green border - Rs 13,450.
Umme Sarah, second-year student of fashion and apparel designing, Oxford College of Science, wore a gorgeous checkered pink Kothakota silk sari.
Punchline: “I love the colours. They have been blended perfectly. This sari goes beautifully with my skin tone and what steals the show is its colour. It can be worn for any occasion and has a very ethnic appeal.”
Price: Checkered pink Kothakota silk - Rs 15,500.
Reny, second-year student of fashion technology, Oxford College of Science, wore a light pink khadi kurta and carried a khadi jhola to complete the look.
Punchline: “I like the fabric. It is light and yet, looks very smart. The kurta can be combined with a pair of denims or a bright skirt. The jhola adds to the look.”
Price: Light pink khadi kurta - Rs 1900, khadi jhola - Rs 900.
Esther, second-year student of fashion technology, Oxford College of Science, wore a blue khadi kurta and paired it with a wine-coloured stole. She carried a jhola for an edgy look.
Punchline: “It is very elegant and smart. The best part about this outfit is that it is very comfortable. I can wear it to college or a function at home.”
Price: Blue khadi kurta - Rs 1900, jhola - Rs 900 and silk stole - Rs 1780
Nishath, second-year student of fashion and apparel designing, Oxford College of Science, wore a gorgeous royal blue, mustard and grey thread work silk sari.
Punchline: “It’s an exquisite piece and looks fabulous. The best part is that it can be worn for any occasion, be it a party or wedding. The colour scheme is very regal and the thread work in the sari makes it beautiful.”
Price: Royal blue and mustard silk - Rs 12,870
Usha, final-year student of fashion and apparel designing, Oxford College of Science, went for a temple border off-white pink, orange and red Kanjeevaram silk sari.
Punchline: “It is a beautiful piece with a nice blend of many shades. The sari has a very dignified appeal and can be worn for many occasions. It will stand out when coupled with some traditional jewellery.”
Price: Temple border pink red and orange Kanjeevaram sari - Rs 15,250
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