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I have always loved the sari, with its bright colours, elegant flow of fabric and glamorous embellishments that reflect its beauty and rich cultural traditions, writes Camille Jones.
What better time for me to finally wear one than Kala Niketan’s store opening at Kubra Al Qaseer Atelier last Thursday?
However, there was a bit of a problem; I didn’t have a sari or have any clue how to wear one. For those that are unaware, a sari is a long piece of cloth wrapped around the body, head or shoulder and often worn by women in India, Pakistan and other South Asian countries.
I paid a visit to the new Kala Niketan outlet and met the friendly staff, Rajal, Manish and Sobia Iqbel.
Sobia is working at the shop to earn money towards her PhD in mathematics. Yes, perhaps slightly overqualified but she loves her job and enjoys being a part of its esteemed design house team. I was later joined by Hiten Parekh, the current owner of the 73-year-old business, who graciously welcomed me in.
The team was very helpful and educated me, filling me in on all I needed to know about the sari. I think they were surprised by all my questions.
I was also overwhelmed because there were just too many styles and colours to choose from. I took the professional advice of designer Kubra Al Qaseer and selected a lovely Turquoise and pink combination. She explained it would suit my fair complexion and advised that it would be the best choice.
First thing I learned was that I needed to wear a petticoat (underskirt) and blouse before wrapping the sari. Fortunately, they have tailors on hand so I was measured for both items and told what colours would best match the sari.
The next day, I arrived to pick up the garments and was given a quick rundown on how to wear them. Rajal and Manish helped me out through a series of trials and errors which gave them comic relief, I’m sure.
The best part was Rajal watching me try and pleat the front of the sari. He looked so graceful and made it look so easy when he did it. I had him show me about three or four times but honestly I kept thinking: ‘Where is my friend Swayta when I need her? Fine, I’ll just YouTube it’.
I understand there are multiple ways to wrap a sari, but the way I was shown involves taking the undecorated corner edge of the sari in front of you underneath the navel and turn once around the waist while tucking the fabric inside the underskirt.
Next, bring the fabric in the front of you to pleat it. After that, drape the pallu (decorated end of the sari) across the right hip and then over the left shoulder. I wasn’t sure what to do with my hands, so Rajal gave me the options to pleat the pallu first or have it unpleated to show off the sari garment.
Okay, sure, after this tutorial you would think I had it down pat. Not the case at all. The night of the event I managed to make it look OK but the pleating was not at all sufficient. It was all bunched inside my waist and I looked far from elegant, more like I had just spun in a circle and someone had wound me up like a mummy.
After arriving, with panic in my eyes, I nervously waved Sobia over to the dressing room. She and Rajal came to my rescue and fixed my sorry attempt at my sari. I finally walked into the launch feeling confident and enjoyed the event while secretly admiring all the other lovely ladies in their fabulous attire.
Other deals Camille has been privy to:
Piazza Italia – Final reductions
I am – Buy one get one for free
Stradivarius – Final reductions (starting tomorrow)
Zara – Final reductions
Promod – Up to 70 per cent off
Bershka – Final reductions
Stradivarius – Further reductions
P&B – Final reductions only at BCC
Jules – Up to 80 per cent off
Oysho – Further reductions
Zara Home – Up to 80 per cent off
