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The look of the traditional kasavu has been reinvented with a lot of mix 'n match, this Onam. Read on to know more...
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JUST WHEN you thought that the Kerala kasavu saris and mundu veshtis that take pride of place in a Malayali's wardrobe were in danger of being dislodged from their position by georgette and chiffon saris and salwar kamee, the traditional clothes are back with a bang.
The saris look much different from the usual kasavu karas. The ubiquitous salwar kameez too has been reinvented, complete with kasavu embroidery. So, someone who does not want to let go of age-old tradition and yet wants to don something trendy can invest in an Onakodi that's sure to make heads turn.
Karalkada has on offer kasavu saris that range from a couple of thousands right up to Rs. 15,000. While a sari with a plain kasavu border and kasavu stripes on the body costs Rs. 2,250, one with a temple design on the border with green and red stripes on the pallu costs Rs. 5,950.
The plain kasavu borders have given way to those with attractive designs of checks and diamonds. These saris are priced between Rs. 6,500 and 7,500. Saris with intricate designs on the pallus (Rs. 8,750), be it that of a peacock or a Kathakali dancer, are the in-thing.
Saris in a combination of coloured borders apart from kasavu thread are hot favourites. These cost around Rs. 7,780. Saris in tissue are elegant and cost between Rs. 12,000 and Rs. 15,000.
Set mundus have fewer designs on them as compared to saris. Those with coloured borders in two hues and interwoven with the kasavu border are selling fast. The film border set mundu resembles a film reel and has a border in kasavu and coloured thread with square motifs in a different coloured thread. Sets with multi-coloured borders costs Rs. 1,750.
At Czarina near General Hospital, the attempt is to give kasavu saris a look that's cool and trendy. Kasavu saris in red and green block-prints cost Rs. 1,200, while fabric-painted saris cost Rs. 1,500. You can match the traditional kasavu with the north Indian style of embroidery. Kasavu saris embellished with embroidery work such as zardozi and aari cost between Rs. 2,000 and 4,000. These can be customised to suit one's specifications.
Salwar kameez with zardozi and aari work done along the neckline and sleeve cost around Rs. 2,400. Czarina helps you match your mundu veshti with silk blouses that either have motifs on them or rich zardozi and aari work.
Suryakala at Killipalam too tries to give the traditional kasavu a new look -- Get your salwar kameez, sari or set mundu block printed for Rs. 150. For an elegant look, try getting it embroidered. It costs only between Rs. 250 and Rs. 450. Kadi printing can also be done on the neckline and the sleeves.
Maanasi, near the Overbridge, has salwar kameez with kasavu in various patterns. Those with cutwork on them are priced between Rs. 635 and Rs. 1,500. Salwars with kasavu around the neckline and on the sleeves with multi-coloured kara (on the sleeves) are also available. But for a change, try the ones with kasavu panels running down the front, with traditional motifs such as peacocks on them. Kasavu buttons add to the beauty.
Kameez with kasavu side panels and with temple designs on the bottom half can also be picked up. You could also opt for dress materials with motifs of peacocks on the front and coloured butis, which cost between Rs. 360 and Rs. 1700. Aiyappas has salwar kameez with gold thread embroidery done on the neckline and near the slits of the kameez (Rs. 1,180).
Salwars with full kasavu Magyar sleeves and embroidery on the neckline cost Rs. 1,350.
Those who love the feel of silk can pick up a gold thread embroidered salwar kameez that has kasavu motifs all over it. For those who would rather not see their purses become lighter by such huge amounts, there's a range available at around Rs. 700.
At V-Star Galaxy, salwar kameez with kasavu sleeves and multi-coloured thread woven into it costs Rs. 1,695. Short kurtas with gold thread embroidered necklines and side slits (Rs. 1,695) can be teamed up with jeans or trousers for a casual yet fashionable look.
The look of the traditional kasavu has been reinvented with a lot of mix 'n match, this Onam. There's a lot to choose from, be it saris or salwar kameez. So, why not go that extra mile to look different?
R. K. ROSHNI
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