Old Benarasi and other Indian sarees, reincarnated as curtains, bedspreads, quilts and what not, are adding a dash of colour to homes in the West in contrast to the traditionally minimalist décor there.
At Bloomingdales, the Christmas sale comprised sarees made into spectacular pairs of organza tissue and silk curtains/drapes in shimmering shades of maroon, ruby reds, sage greens, purple and lavender with exquisite swirling hand embroidered motifs in silver and soft gold and elephant motifs hand woven on the border.
It said Made in India, and for size 90L' X 41W', was priced at $182 from its original price of $354. “We have a lot of queries about these, and the old sarees in their new materialization are a rage here,” says interior designer Rachel Adams.
“Lots of stores in the West are stocking these ethnic creations made from old sarees because they add a hint of exotica with our pale colours and minimalist furniture,” Rachel said.
“In the West people are tired of plain pastels and soft sombre shadings. They want something to liven up things a little and ethnic fashion is quite a revolution. That is why furnishings get an extra edge of winsome vintage when the old Benarasi saree gets reincarnated.”
Saree borders are also finding buyers because they are used on belts, jackets and other apparel. “Saree borders make decorative embellishments on apparel,” Rachel says. “They add an extra panache and just change the whole theme. They are very popular at Washington DC as well as at Los Angeles and New York upmarket stores.”
marketing@alchempro.com
