A journey through the folds of tradition
The Sari Series, conceived by Malika Verma, embarks on an exploration of India’s iconic garment—the sari. With a focus on authenticity and accessibility, this project delves into the regional and technical intricacies of sari draping, crystallizing knowledge into a comprehensive archive. Featuring eighty-nine draping techniques across fifteen Indian regions, the series offers a vibrant tapestry of culture and artistry.
Malika Verma and the inspiration behind The Sari Series
As the founder of Border&Fall, Verma bridges the design worlds of India and New York City. She began the project over a decade ago to document this enduring art form. Her favorite drapes, such as the Boggili Possi from Andhra Pradesh, demonstrate not only personal preference but the rich diversity of Indian textiles.
Visual storytelling through draping videos and films
The first output of The Sari Series includes detailed draping tutorials. Models demonstrate each style, providing insight into traditional techniques and the materials used. The Venukagundaram Drape from Andhra Pradesh, illustrated by Naga model Carol Humtsoe, highlights this synthesis of culture and craft.
The series also features short films capturing the aesthetic and cultural essence of the sari. This visual anthology showcases the garment’s timeless beauty and its evolving narrative.
Redefining perceptions of Indian craftsmanship
Verma emphasizes that casting in The Sari Series was deliberate. Choosing Humtsoe, who hails from Nagaland, was pivotal in shifting perceptions about Indian heritage and craftsmanship. This reflects the project’s broader mission to celebrate and democratize cultural knowledge.
For insights into captivating visual stories through art, explore how Andrew McIntosh creates haunting worlds with fire and shadow.
Draping as both art and conversation
Each draping video begins with the model and a length of fabric—its dimensions precisely detailed. Through meticulous gestures, the sari transforms, sparking discussions about its use, origins, and history. Verma’s personal experiences, along with studies like Rta Kapur Chishti’s “Saris: Tradition and Beyond,” and Chantal Boulanger’s “An Illustrated Guide to the Indian Art of Draping,” underpin this educational journey.
A growing legacy and community
The project emerged in a context where the practice of draping was limited, primarily seen in Bollywood and special events. Over the years, a new generation of drapers has risen, inspiring over 11,000 Instagram posts under the hashtag #TheSariSeries. This vibrant online community reflects a global interest in the sari’s versatility and beauty.
Collaborations with designers like Sanjay Garg of Raw Mango have been crucial, underscoring a collective effort to preserve and propagate this tradition.
Through The Sari Series, Malika Verma invites you to explore not just a garment, but a living, breathing art form that continues to captivate and inspire across the world.
See how Jaehyun Kim creates narrative worlds using art, aligning with the visual storytelling theme in The Sari Series.
Source: designboom.com