If you thought that the saree added elegance, enhancing the charm and beauty of a woman, you were right.
If you thought that the saree was the only garment in the world, which could be worn by any woman, regardless of age, height, weight, culture and ethnicity, you were right.
And if you thought that draping a saree was one of the easiest things to achieve, you could not have been more wrong.
For, not only does the saree lend itself to different styles, it also challenges the wearer to a certain uniqueness that must be experienced, not just read or heard.
Of all the dress materials worn by women in the world, the Indian saree is unique in that it is the only garment that could be worn by any person, anytime, anywhere in the world.
The Saree is also perhaps the only garment that could be worn to preserve the traditional values of a religion or society or reflect the modern trend of exhibitionism and glamour.
Stated to more than 5000 years old, the Indian saree (also known as the sari, seere or sadi) has been mentioned in the Vedas as a form of draping to extol the virtues of a woman. The saree has undergone a revolution in colour, texture and quality, with its price ranging from Rs 30 ($1) to Rs 300,000 ($10,000). Some sarees, specially made for the opulent and for film stars in lavish productions are said to have cost more than Rs 500,000 (about 18,000) each.
Sarees can be of simple cotton material or intricate in design with gold and silver linings, embellished with mirrors, pearls, diamonds and other precious and semi-precious stones.
The Saree length varies from five yards to 9.5 yards tied loosely, folded and pleated or set to special styles.
Reshab D Parikh Productions, organiser of beauty pageants has gone a step ahead in organising a ‘Saree Draping Contest’ as a part of the India Fashion Week (arguably the first of its kind in this country) due to be held from October 25 to 31 in Auckland. It would be open to all ethnic groups, regardless of nationality. The only condition is that the contestant should be a woman.
The contestant or his or her model should conform to rules and regulations of the contest, one of the most important of which is that it should conform to the Indian classical style.
“There are a number of dos and don’ts that must be followed, “Dharmesh Parikh, Director of the event said.
Indian Newslink will bring additional information in an ensuing issue.
For further details, visit www.indiafashionweek.co.nz
Photo : Any ethnic woman can participate in the contest
