Saris are surprising paradoxical.
The long unstitched stretches of jewel-hued fabric appear easy to wear, but in reality, there is no one way to define an Indian sari, considering that this garment can be styled in more than 100 different ways; each, reflective of the regional differences of the women who have worn it, from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.
“It is laden with unwritten language: the way you tie it, the length, the fabric, the way the pallu is draped over one’s shoulder, the under blouse, the accessories, the posture. It is a very grand statement, and finessing that is crucial”, states Jessica Frazier, about the importance of getting the details of each style correct.
So, to put in the plainest terms – for those of us who don’t know how to drape a sari, the struggle is real.
Bengaluru-based digital publication and creative agency Border & Fall, is bringing out a series of short films to showcase the beauty and versatility of the sari. It will also create the “first ever comprehensive digital library of every sari drape through 84 clear, short and attractive ‘how-to’ drape films,” to make the art of wearing the sari more accessible to a global audience and encourage experimentation, comfort and individuality with the garment.
Slated for release in the first half of 2017, the films will be free of charge and will be made available on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and Border and Fall’s website as well. The company is raising funds for the series through a Kickstarter campaign.
Through the sari, the women of this subcontinent are woven together, whichever region we come from, and through this digital library, our ‘ties that bind’ may just become a little bit easier.
Want to know more? Check out the website, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter accounts for more information about this project.
Featured image source: Quartz
Written by Priya Unni
