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‘There’s something sassy about this’: the reinvention of the sari
The sari has gone through many changes over its 5,000-year history. A new exhibition in Melbourne, the Offbeat Sari, celebrates the garment in its contemporary form
TL;DR
- Tarun Tahiliani designed a radical, glamorous sari for Lady Gaga using foil jersey and Swarovski crystals, creating a 'concept sari' that was stitched into its draped form.
- Raw Mango uses digitally printed flowers on silk twill and a rich emerald green sari reminiscent of Bansari style, typifying new energy around colourful saris.
- Mashru silk, traditionally woven for Muslim communities using a mix of silk and cotton, is experiencing a revival, aligning with the 'progressive sari movement' focused on handmade elements.
- Ashdeen Z Lilaowala updates the Parsi Gara style with a vibrant, untraditional deep purple colour on silk crêpe, incorporating intricate embroidery influenced by Chinese, Indian, and Persian motifs.
- Some contemporary saris feature pleats as part of the fabric for a rigid structure or turn the pallu into a 'sari sleeve' for practicality, made with materials like organza dyed using Shibori.
- Designers are using unconventional materials such as parachute nylon for cooler weather, and recycled plastic bottles and X-rays for sequins on pre-stitched saris.
- Rimzim Dadu creates saris using thin stainless steel wires, silicone, paper, and acrylic, evoking 'molten gold' with surprising movement and softness.