It’s over 5,000 years old, not more than nine yards and celebs and fashionistas the world over are going gaga over it with renewed passion. Yes, you guessed right – it’s our very own eternally elegant and classic sari.
As the wedding season comes upon us, who better than Dolly Jain to tell us what it is about the simple garment that is wowing all.
Dolly Jain, is a celebrity sari- draper/stylist who holds the world record for draping saris in 325 ways and is the fastest sari draper to make a Guinness record of 18.5sec.
Highly personable, with a great eye for style, Dolly’s work was featured in the Limca Book of Records, Asia book of Records, world record, Coca-Cola awards and many others. Jain, a simple homemaker from Kolkata used to get complimented for the way she wore her saris and soon she started helping brides get the drape right. Designer duo Abu Jani and SandeepKhosla were impressed and so was the late Sridevi, who encouraged her to convert this niche hobby into a full-fledged profession. The wave of hi-fi weddings in 2018 has drawn the focus once again to saris.
What was common in the wedding outfits of Sonam, Deepika, Priyanka and Isha? No, it was not the designer, but the common draper, Dolly, who is a hot favourite even with netas – the late Jayalalithaa and SmritiIrani. During the wedding season she is booked for almost two to three months in advance and she shares 10 different ways to drape the sari.
Saris can be formal, fun, traditional and so much more but wearing them in one style can make the most interesting and expensive look a tad boring. How about giving this six-yard wonder a different draping every time you step out?
Sari as a gown: This style is comfortable yet very chic. It gives a classy look that can be a perfect choice for a cocktail outfit. These sari gowns are for those who do not want to tuck in and drape saris the traditional way. Even if you step over the pleats and tucks, the sari-cum-gown stays in place.
Sari over pants: To look more trendy, you can opt for the pant style sari. For this, you would need a pair of jeggings or leggings, crop top or choli and heels. Just start by pleating one end of the sari as you would want to drape it, pinning it up and tucking it into your pants at the centre and then the other end can be draped as a chunni across the shoulders in various ways.
Sari over lehenga: Like a traditional sari, one can wear a lehenga-style sari over a skirt along with a beautifully designed blouse. This look is achieved with the help of several pleats tucked around the waist giving an illusion of a lehenga. This is an outfit for ladies who are not comfortable with the usual draping and pleating that the regular sari demands.
Mermaid style: This style is suitable for almost all body types especially for the ones with curvaceous figures. This kind of drape gives a slimmer look to the wearer. The lower portion of the sari is draped in such a way that it looks like a skirt and there are only two pleats made in front. Pick a sari with a heavy pallu or embellished border for the mermaid style look.
Sari in Paithani style: It’s also known as the sari style of Maharashtra. Paithani style is different from other traditional drapings preferred by Indian women. The sari is also longer and no petticoat is required. Pair this look with a nose ring and some jasmine flowers for your hair!
Saree with dupatta : After all, it’s all about unleashing your inner creativity. This sari- draping style, created by Dolly Jain, gives an elegant and royal look. While a lehenga sari spruces up your entire look, a dupatta drape adds some much-needed royal drama. The most timeless and elegant draping in the book, this style of draping lends panache and elegance to your entire look. All you have to do is drape your sari normally and tuck one end of the dupatta on the right side of your waist, then go ahead and drape it from under your left arm and throw it over your right shoulder like a sari pallu. The perfect style for all in every close-knit family wedding function. Plus, it’s also a celebrity favourite.
Traditional drape with two saris and one dupatta: If draping your sari with one dupatta was not quite as dramatic, say hello to draping your life away with not just one but two saris and a dupatta! While this is the most unique draping style created by Dolly Jain, it can get really tricky. Choose two saris before proceeding with this kind of styling. Drape the first sari the regular way, but make sure the pallu is left in the front on the left side. Next up, pleat and drape the other side from the back on the right side. While one sari is pleated on the right and draped in a conventional way over the left shoulder, the other is pleated on the left side and draped over the right shoulder, thus giving the attire a super voluminous effect.
Sari draped over kurta : This draping style created by Dolly Jain is for all our Gen Zs and millennials. Either opt for matching hued kurta and sari or simply bring together two contrasting colours, and watch the outfit magically set in place. Perfect to make a power-packed statement at all your office parties. It’s all about the art of mix and match!
Sari with culottes or palazzos: Never been a fan of the good ol’ jeans? Die-hard lover of the culotte and palazzo trend? Then, all you need to do is substitute your jeans for your favourite palazzo and drape it the exact same way. Works brilliantly for all your family Puja ceremonies.
Double cowl sari drape: The best way to add a little glam quotient to your sari is to give it the cowl drape. Start by tucking your sari at four points (front, back and on both sides) while you wrap it around in an anti-clock direction. Pleat it as you would normally do, but the difference is, instead of throwing the pallu over your left shoulder, draw it over your right shoulder, that too from behind. Finally, take the left tip of the pallu and secure it to your blouse with safety pins. Might sound a tad bit complicated, but practice can make just about anyone perfect. Works like magic for any outdoor or dreamy destination weddings.
The top saree styles trending these days include:
Sari gown
Ever imagined sari as a gown? Well, the sari-gown typifies the fusion of tradition and modernity. With a simple yet attractive design, this unique sari style is woven in the form of a gown, so you can easily wrap it around and carry yourself with grace. Sari gowns top the list of the 2019 styles for Indian women for their sheer elegance, sophistication and simplicity.
Half-and-half sari
Add a spell of elegance to your ever-charming looks in this half-and-half sari.A highly trending draping outfit among the modern Indian women, the half-and-half sari is a modern take on the classic sari style. The apparel is not restricted to specific designs and comes in an array of patterns that will amp up your style. A definite favourite for 2019, the half-and-half sari looks a classic modern attire with a widespread global appeal
Lace sari
Among different sari styles, lace is one of the classiest materials to drape yourself in. With its timeless appeal and plenty of design patterns, it will never leave the trend circuit. An extremely popular detailing pattern for the modern woman of today, the intricate lace designs create a sophisticated look. Nothing flatters your curves like an elegant and graceful lace sari. Match the lace designed sari with a flattering patterned or floral blouse to complement the soft lace texture and balance your overall look.
Banarasi sari
A modern day must-have,theBenarasi sari has a timeless appeal that needs no introduction. It is a dream outfit for the Indian women, including the modern fashionistas. Loved for its intricate detailing and lavish brocades, the world-famous Benarasi fabric has widespread appeal among the young generation as well as with their mothers and grandmothers, bringing ultimate grace to a woman. Traditional Benarasi silk designs are characterised by elaborate brocades, fine zari work along borders, and floral motifs.
Sheer net sari
Among the new sari styles of 2019 is the sheer net sari that adorns your personality. An increasingly popular option for the 21st-century woman, this style is lightweight and easy to carry yourself around.
Get set to become a show-stopper draped in a sheer net sari, for this ensemble promises to create an ethereally feminine look and turn heads.
Lehenga style
Radiate with beauty in a lehenga-choli style sari, a more popular option for the modern woman. An equally popular choice of brides for engagements, lehenga-saris are a definite addition to your ensemble if you are looking to make a style statement.
