JOIN USSari is one of the oldest garments and has evolved over the years in terms of colour, design and pattern. There are many trends in saris thanks to the constant innovation and experimentation by the designers.
One of the latest styles is the ‘lehenga sari’ which is the most convenient to wear. Given that they are without pleats, they are easy to drape and give one an ethnic look. A combination of traditional saris and ‘cholis’, they come in styles ranging from embroidery, ‘zardozi’ to bagh.
A half-sari is another type where one half, including the pleats, is in a different colour when compared to the other half that includes the ‘pallu’. Exclusive designer wear saris are also in vogue.
Imran Khan of Zaina, a couture store based in Bengaluru and Mysuru, says, “We get around eight to 12 enquiries a day for half-saris, saris with ready-to-wear blouse and lehenga-saris. Designer half-saris are very popular, especially among the youth.”
Virgo Boutique, which was started by Lakshmi Wodeyar and Priya Wodeyar, specialises in giving make-overs to the traditional Kancheevaram saris. Priya Wodeyar says, “We realised that most of the Kancheevaram saris we got were not practical to wear as they were either worn-out or deeply stained. Yet, they are precious. Hence, we started our make-overs. The youth prefer a modern look on traditional attire.”
Lakshmi adds, “We retain what is good in the sari, which is usually the border as it is made of pure gold and give them a modern look by using trendier silk fabrics.”
Ashwathy, a leading fashion designer, sees lace saris as the trend at all occasions, along with bridal or party wear. According to her, lace saris are elegant and extraordinary and can be designed with different kinds of lace materials in georgettes, chiffons and silks.
She feels that saris with a fusion of materials are also in fashion. “Theme-based saris are also popular, considering the attire and body silhouette of the person with the required colour combination,” she says.
Today, working women mainly prefer cotton saris, hand-looms and powerlooms with good prints and designs. Dilsha, a student of fashion and design, says, “Light-weight saris are in trend and will continue to be so.” Dilsha feels that the designs in saris that have traditional motifs like paisley or fusion saris, such as combination of chiffon and brocade, are trending.
Deepthi, a merchandiser, sees freehand designs on ‘kasavu’, ‘tussar’ silk and georgette saris as the ones in demand. Deepthi feels that the trend in future may be traditional saris with simple designs and partywear silk saris.