The Saree Revolution

Innovation and modernization has brought about a Saree Revolution in the fashion world. Saree is a female clothing accessory that was developed and became popular in India. It started when an Indus Valley priest wore a drape like clothing in the early days. Since then, Indian women were seen wearing a single piece of fabric while the top part of the body is partially exposed.

The saree is a special kind of fabric about 6 to 9 yards long, enough to wrap around the woman's body in a very fashionable way. The sheer and silky material is wrapped around the waist forming between 3 to 4 pleats in the front, and wrap around the shoulder, while the remaining parts are draping and falling behind. The saree draping is an art and is done in various styles. The style of draping depends on the form and length of the fabric. It is a fashion in India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Nepal, Burma, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Among the various styles and form, the ‘Nivi’ style had the most popular way of draping. The Nivi drape is done by tucking one end into the waistband of an undergarment like a plain skirt and wrapped to cover the legs. Some pleats are formed just below the navel and are also tucked and secured into the waistband of the undergarment. A saree is worn on top of a backless or a halter neck blouse or ‘choli’.

Modern sarees have various colorful designs, sophisticated and more erotic. Many celebrities in the entertainment industry have popularized the new low-rise saree with a tight-fitted top and a thin drape. At present it has an international image with Lady Gaga wearing a Tarun Tahiliani saree in her Indian Grand Prix concert and the US First Lady Michelle Obama wore a glamorous gown with matching wrap in the first state dinner with Indian Prime Minister. Many educated upper-class women are wearing thin, transparent, chiffon or silk fabric as elegant attire for special event. The wearing of the saree by the airline flight attendant and stewardesses has also brought a saree revolution in the international level.