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Photo: R. V. Moorthy

Silky smooth Saris in rainbow colours

Festivity in India has become synonymous with silk garments. It is no longer the privilege of royalty or those enacting the role of the three Magi to adorn silk.

Alpana, Manager Fab India, says the season has seen a rise in the sale of their silk kurtas and saris. Drape yourself in yards of these exotic Tusssar and Chanderi silks and you are sure to win more than one glance. Saris are on the offering for Rs.2, 700 and upward.

The metro-sexual men are not far behind. Silk kurtas, both long and super short ones are popular with them (Prices begin at 1,200). Natural fabrics with vegetable dye prints like ‘kalamkari’ and ‘ikat’ are a rage with the international tourists.

True to its name, ‘Ethnic Weaves’ has an exclusive ethnic collection for ladies, young and old, this party season.

Earthy tones as well as vibrant shades in Khadi, jute silk, matka silk and tussar give you that classy look. There is an assortment of prints like ‘Dabu,’ ‘Bagh,’ ‘Kadi,’ ‘Kalamkari’ and Calcutta block prints to choose from.

Kunjumol, proprietor, says: “Mirror work on Pashmina with block prints and Rainbow prints on silks, the latest collections are a favourite among the ladies for parties.” There is also a rich array of the traditional ‘Kantha,’ ‘Badla,’ and ‘Bandhini’ saris and salwars. Saris are priced between Rs.2, 000 and Rs.4, 500 and the cost of salwars range from Rs.1, 500 to Rs.3, 500.

The sequins and bead work sans frills and glitter add a dash of glamour. Accentuate your stunning selves with the range of clay and beaded jewellery available here.

‘Zenana,’ located opposite Style Plus, is the ‘new-kid-on-the-block’ among the boutiques. Less than a month old, it is undoubtedly a breath of fresh air. It boasts of ‘Kantha’ and ‘Kashmiri’ work on silk as well as cotton saris and salwars.

Mable Mathew, Manager, claims that ‘Zenana’ clubs together elegance and the ethnic. Salwar pants, ‘patialas,’ and kurtis embroidered exclusively at their Kottayam branch are selling like hot cakes.

Cottons are priced between Rs.300 and Rs.2, 500 while silks range between Rs.1, 550 and Rs.4, 500. Hand-printed silk dupattas and wrap-around skirts are must-haves this season. You can juggle your way through their ‘mix and match’ collection to spice up your wardrobe.

Want to feel like a princess and you know where exactly you should head for. ‘Czarina’ is the one-stop shop for designer saris and salwars. “Fusion embroidery is the latest offering from this pioneer designer boutique”, says proprietor, Sheila James.

Experiments with a combination of different types of embroidery have ladies frequenting the store of late. In addition to the variety of silks there is a new range of chiffons and georgettes with hand embroidery as well as highlighted block prints. The cotton saris start from Rs. 600 and silks from Rs. 2, 500. All those brides-to-be shopping for their wedding trousseau don’t miss this one out.

So what are you waiting for? As a famous tag line goes-‘Shop till you drop’ and revamp your wardrobe.

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