The Rise of the Saree-Dress!

Fashion and clothing has a lot of value. It is a visual representation of who you are and where you are from.  It is a combination of a sense of functionality and aesthetics. Karishma Shahni Khan views clothing as a medium for storytelling to celebrate multi-layered cultures and ever-changing social conversations.  She travels extensively to work with artisans in different parts of the country to bring together textiles, techniques and experiences explored in natural fabrics.

Nothing speaks louder than having modern forms to traditional textiles which makes life more comfortable. Karishma likes to keep trendy garments rooted in culturally rich tradition. Adapting to changing trends and lifestyle and still being able to wear what represents where you come from is just a marvellous innovation. “The saree-dress is what sells in Bengaluru. It is a cross between a saree and a dress. It’s A blend of modernity with classic backdrop to the whole attire. It is elegant and simple. Bengalureans  look for traditional clothing with modern twist. They use this combination with vibrant colours.  They buy one piece and like to style it up or down for various occasions.” She explains. ” she says.

Giving us insider tips on how to ace this trend is Angel Mua a fashion designing student who says that this  style is a contemporary clothing. “Adding a belt makes it look more Westernised, and a waist chain makes it look more ethnic. You could a wear saree dress on ethnic occasions. Though it’s a dress, it has a ethnic touch to it.  By adding belts and boots for a more Westernised look you can sass this up a bit. Don't overdo it! If it's checkered or has intricate designs, jewellery should be kept minimal.”  Heavy earrings and light neck piece or vice versa makes it all the more traditional and suitable for ethnic occasions.

Fashion designing student – Prerna Gautam would love to keep things casual. “You can choose to wear sneakers   for a trendy and casual  look and  for an ethnic look, Indian kolhapuri juthis is fabulous. You can also really style it up with stilettos. Sometimes, try it with ankle boots for funky fashionable experience.”

But, having said this, Karishma points out that fashion shouldn’t be pain. The key is comfort and Karishma reaffirms this saying, “Clothing should be comfortable and suitable.  It should never control you. It will never come in the way of the activities you perform daily.”

What you wear and where it comes from is important. How it is made and who makes it is what brings the garment its worth. What makes the work wide-ranging is the fact that the designers are from every nook and corner of the country. They all put individual as well as collective thought into making the garment by putting their own ideas on the fabric. Despite coming from different regions and generations the designers and Karishma adapt to new trends very elegantly. “The skill is what is important. We might get modern motifs, but we do not change the core skill of the textile. If we work with Chanderi silk, it comes from Chanderi. If we work with Maheshweri silk sarees, it comes from Mashewer. The authenticity of the work and the fabric is something we never compromise on.” She says explaining the authenticity of her clothes and how her makers are spread all across the nation.