Say cheese...

I came across this photograph while researching on line. 

I love how they've still managed to smile whilst carrying all that load on their head!!

Picture taken in Madras, 1920. Originally from The British Library.

A tribute to Chantal Boulanger

Chantal devoted over a decade in India (1980-1996) conducting extensive research into learning and documenting Indian customs. As a cultural saree anthropologist one of her greatest contributions was her research into the different regional saree drapes of India. Her book, 'Saris: An Illustrated Guide to the Indian Art of Draping', is a priceless contribution to this art. In both an artistic and scientific manner she describes more than 100 ways of draping a saree. If it wasn't for her book most of these styles would have otherwise been forgotten.

Below is an example of how Chantal portrays the Tamil Pinkosu Drape. Pinkosu means 'pleats on the back'.

Indian Military Uniform Saree from 1945

How elegant?

Notice the sophisticated collar on the saree blouse.

The Art of Draping (with Barbie)

Draping a sari is an art. The saree is worn in in different ways in different states of India. The most common method is wrapping the cloth around the waist, making pleats in the front and draping the final length around the shoulder. My lovely assistant Barbie is going to help demonstrate these styles.

Gujarati way: Barbie stylishly wears this version, known as the seedha pallu way, by tucking the pleats to open on the right. The pallu is taken to the back and brought over the right shoulder. It is then spread across the chest, and the left edge is tucked in the petticoat at the back.

Bengali style: This style is worn pleatless; it is wrapped around the waist, brought back to the right side and the pallu is thrown over the left shoulder. The pallu is then brought up under the right arm and once again cast over the left shoulder. What a comfortable yet elegant style!

Maharashtra method: Instead of the usual five-and-a-half meters, the sari in this version measures eight meters. One portion of the sari is drawn up between the legs and tucked in behind at the waist, while another portion is draped as a pallu over the bosom. This allows greater freedom of movement.

the journey of the saree...

Dressed to kill
My grandparents on vacation.

The sari is an iconic garment. Traditionally comprising of an unstitched cloth (ranging from 4 to 9 meters), which women drape over their body in various styles.

Evolving from its initial purpose of simplicity and practicality, it has become an item that represents timeless elegance, and of course the costume that represents India internationally.