If you hear someone saying they are looking for ‘leg of mutton’, don’t rush them to find an online meat delivery service. And, if you hear someone say ‘I love butterflies’, don’t assume they are a nature lover. They are probably talking about the sleeves of the saree blouse. Not just the sleeves, but the necklines and fits are also becoming innovative with fashionistas opting for boat necks and belted blouses.
As Indian festive wear becomes increasingly imaginative, it can be overwhelming to pull together a flashy look. Many Indian saree stylists are voting #unblouse on Instagram. Don’t panic. They are not suggesting that blouses be abandoned, but are instead innovating and experimenting with styles. For example, the leg of mutton is a sleeve that is flared over the shoulder with a straight, fitted finish on the arm. Then there are the royal-looking gathered sleeves, hats, or even power shoulders that add an edgy look to the ensemble.
Blouse, now, tell a story. It could be the embroidery on the back or the sleeves which completely transforms your look. Blouses available online are all about ‘one blouse, many saris’, and can also be used as crop tops with skirts and sporty denims.
blouse by parma
Made from materials ranging from cotton to silk, they can cost anywhere from ₹1,500 to ₹5,000. The white saree collection on the website of handmade apparel brand Chidiya features a blouse with a closed neckline and pleats. There is a versatile wrap blouse with intricate kutch embroidery on Okhai and another one called Lal Mahamaya In organza and silk from Kolkata’s independent fashion label Param Ghosh.
“Try a georgette sari with a ruffle sleeve blouse,” suggests Hyderabad-based designer Shravanthi Anand, “or a chiffon sari with a front-tie-up on a sharp V-neck”.
Ashwini Narayan
Mumbai-based sari stylist Ashwini Narayan almost never wears her traditional nine-yard blouses. Instead, she opts for anything from a shirt to a leather jacket. She says, “Why wait to wear your favorite saree because your blouse is not ready? Or why put off trying on your grandmother’s saree because the blouse won’t fit?
Ashwini says that she pairs saris with jackets, tops and shirts and feels that the blouse is as important as the saree. “So don’t settle for a traditional look, unless the situation demands it. Contrast is a great option for those who aren’t willing to experiment. Don’t hesitate to pair a blouse with multiple sarees. Buy less, wear more,” she says.
Parma – who started retailing blouses with heavily embroidered backs in 2015 – is considered an ‘OG’ by many contemporary sari drapers. Her collection, she says, is influenced by modern-cut blouses and Victorian lace and frills, and is an extension of her personal style.
As an advocate of traditional drapes, says Parma, ‘sari should not be seen as strictly conservative’ Lady‘ dress. “It’s a traditional outfit and deserves a fun and funky look,” she says.
Shravanti Anand
The lace and frills in her collection, says Parama, is a tribute to Jnandanandini Devi, who was related to the Tagore family. She states that Jnanadanandini started the tradition of Bengali women wearing blouses during the British rule. “She was a pioneer in fashion,” says Parama, whose Athangudi blouse collection is inspired by the designs on handmade tiles.
Addressing how fast fashion brands have taken the cue and introduced corsetry-inspired crop tops that can be worn with sarees as well as denim, Shravanthi says that she brings together all modern styles and cuts of traditional wear. are for “When the sleeves or straps of the blouse are interesting, it is difficult to find anyone who would say no to a saree.”
blouse by param
Anisha Pal of the bird agrees. She says the tank top and noodle strap add an interesting, new dimension to the saree. “We’ve paired saris with buttoned shirts and peplum tops,” she says, adding, “Celebrity necklines, wrap-arounds and blueson tops are trending with young wearers.”