INDIAN OCCASION SAREE UK AND ITS BEAUTIFUL DRAPE

Source: Vogue India

Indian occasion saree UK derives its name from the Sanskrit word 'Sati' which means a strip of cloth.

This 6-yard strip of cloth in vibrant hues of green, gold, vermillion and blue has been the choice of attire for south Asian women from centuries.

From grandmothers wearing their saris with sneakers for evening strolls; to the women working in the fields, from functional workwear attire to glamour party wear; the sari is worn by one and all.

The Indian occasion saree UK is traditionally worn over an inner skirt called 'petticoat' and with a cropped, tight blouse. Draping this piece of fabric around the body creates a sublime sensual garment.

It is a very forgiving garment adapting quickly to different body shapes and sizes. Depending on how it is draped, the saree can manifest different auras.

While most women in urban India wear the Indian occasion saree UK in the familiar front-pleated style known as the nivi drape, there more than 100 iterations that exist across the country.

Related Read: Six Textiles Of India Prevalently Used In Contemporary Fashion

Following is a list of some of the most popular Indian occasion saree UK drapes and the region it originates in:
Nivi Drape – West Bengal

This drape is the most widely recognized style worn across the globe. Credited to Gyanodanandini Tagore who increased the sari's length in the 1860s.





Source: DinaUdupa
Seedha Palla Drape - Gujarat / Uttarakhand / Uttar Pradesh

This refers to the contemporary drape adopted in the late 19th century, with the pallu/ decorated end of a Saree draped over the right shoulder back to front.


Source: Vogue India and TheSareeSeries.com
Mohiniattam Drape – Kerala

Dancers traditionally wore this drape; however, it is now very prevalent amongst the younger generation due to the ease of wear as it's is all stitched and pre-pleated.


Source: TheSareeSeries.com
Bharatnatyam Drape – Tamil Nadu

The drape is typical of northern and central Tamil Nadu, requiring its pleats to be held together by rolling them into a 'pouch'.





Source: Pinterest
Kotapad Drape – Orissa

This tribal drape from southern Orissa is hands-free and often worn shorter depending on work requirements.





Source: The SareeSeries.com

Which is your favourite drape?

Dina Udupa is the designer of her London based eponymous women’s wear brand. With a career in fashion spanning the globe, she recently launched her luxury brand: a concept that combines a love of the opulent, mystical designs of my native India, infused with a passion for travel and cultural exploration. Dina Udupa is a celebration of luxurious fabrics in simple, elegant design forms.