Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Savoir Faire Quote of the Day

“I'll go through life either first class or third, but never in second”

So said Cecil Beaton who I think never travelled third!

Sari Faire!

What can be said about an article of clothing that has been worn by women for centuries and basically lends an aura of glamour and savoir faire to all who wear it? It crosses the boundaries of class distinction by all who wear it whether rich or poor? It can be found in the poorest of villages or the most opulent palaces of the world, and worn by young or old alike. The sari of course! Here is a garment that can make any woman beautiful, with its sinuous elegant lines and gorgeous fabrics. The history of Indian clothing trace the sari back to the Indus Valley Civilization, which flourished during 2800-1800 BCE around the western part of the Indian Subcontinent. The earliest known depiction of the sari in the Indian subcontinent is the statue of an Indus valley priest wearing a drape.


So incredibly simple in its form (just a length of cloth on average of 6 metres long) when wrapped and worn the woman who wears it displays an elegance that is hard to beat. It can be made from the richest of silks or the most humble of cottons, in the most brilliant or subdued colours. It transcends all boundaries and is worn by some of the most glamorous and famous women in the world and also as a dress uniform by women in the armed forces of India. I love the fact even the poorest of the poor has the ability to look beautiful and elegant while wearing one.



Sonia Ghandi even though Italian looks essentially glamorous and Indian wearing a sari, and now it is her standard dress.

The Maharani of Jaipur (Who recently passed away) with Jackie O.

Saris have been the source of inspiration for many a designer, from Schiaparelli who elevated them to Haute Couture in the 30’s to interior designers who used the wonderful array of fabrics in decorating schemes.


This is a timeless garment that has been reinterpreted in many different forms, while retaining its originality and basic form. Designers have used the draping techniques to inspire them and created modern day versions with wit and tongue in cheek savoir faire such as the ‘google’ inspired sari below.
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