Of all the vibrant cultural fashions that India can boast, the humble unstitched Sari has to be the most overlooked and yet the most versatile and widely used fabric by the Indian woman.
And yet, it is taken for granted far too often. Rooted in the balanced mix of culture and modernity, The Indian Draping Company is a movement to revive the ancient wisdom in the traditional drapes and infuse them with a modern perspective. Each region has a native garment that evolves from local sensibilities, as well as the occupation and culture of the wearer. The garment adapts to suit the local context, weather, and geography. For those who haven't been acquainted with this talented, yet modest length of cloth, the Sari is an unstitched piece of fabric, typically ranging five to nine yards in length, with two ornamental borders running along the length and a ‘pallu’ at the outer end. Traditionally made using only hand-spun cotton, the Sari is unmatched in its versatility in design, aesthetic, and science. There are more than 100-documented draping styles across India with every state having multiple, diverse variations of its own. Spearheading this traditional renaissance is Niketa Malhotra, a self professed Sari Enthusiast and draping whisperer of the famous five to nine yards. Niketa's Sari journey began seven months ago when she attended a Sari workshop conducted by reknowned textile and Sari scholar, Ṛta Kapur Chishti. "The three-hour workshop with Ṛta at the Sari School, New Delhi changed the way I view the Sari. Today, I perceive the Sari as an unstitched piece of fabric with two borders that can be draped into any garment of need. And it is this changed outlook, this new freedom to drape the unstitched garment that I wish to share with the world", she explains. Inspired and infected by Ṛta’s love for the Sari, she incorporated the drapes in her regular wear be it for a formal or informal gathering or going for a rigorous walk. Niketa's mantra is that there is a drape for every occasion! An impromptu workshop conducted for the Online Global Sari Meet gave Niketa the opportunity and motivation to share her skills with other women. In September 2017, she worked with 18 wonderful women who learned and experimented with the different drapes of India. The ancient drapes suddenly seemed to get a new lease of life when the women draped them in a contemporary way and walked with confidence on stage. The impact of the show was profound and positive. The women not only felt more confident about themselves but also appreciated and incorporated the drapes in their regular wear. "That was my moment of inspiration", she says, "and The Indian Draping Company was formed." Gallery Gitanjali has always held fast to our mission of being a platform for an eclectic mix of the Arts- with a special emphasis on local and traditional art- and over the years we have evolved into a central cultural space, offering an alternative art studio and a conference/workshop venue. For this event, we wish to venture off the beaten canvas and into the world of traditional fabrics and fashion; we shall turn the spotlight onto the art of the Sari. Niketa's presentation is an interactive session on the evolution of the Sari through the centuries. The session will reflect on the science, design, and patrons of the drapes as well as the handloom Sari. Spread over an hour, the presentation throws light on the glorious past, highlights the current relevance, and seeks to imagine the future of the Sari. The style of the presentation is interactive, as Niketa includes a mix of pictures, videos, and anecdotes. Time permitting, she may conduct a few live draping activities, and conclude with an interactive Question & Answer session. To keep up with this thread of discussion, follow Gallery Gitanjali on Facebook and Twitter and like us on Instagram! Photo of Niketa Malhotra and group photo attached. Also attached is the poster for the event. Thanks & Regards Gallery Gitanjali E-212,31st January Road, Fontainhas,Panjim, Goa-403001 India www.gallerygitanjali.com