Draped in tradition

FROM THE narrow gullies of Banares, perhaps the oldest pathways of urban civilisation, comes one of the world's most ancient weaving traditions. Conjuring up unmatched weaves in colours of the rainbow and in all six shades of white, woven with motifs encapsulating the aesthetic evolution of an all-embracing eclectic culture and in finest fabrics. From mushroo, himroo, tanchoi to cut-work, 'jaali' work, from magnificent tissue to delicate silk, Banares still stands unchallenged as a metaphor for India's finest weaving skills.

And bringing a slice of it to enchant Chennai's summer evenings is 'Shilpi', a trendsetter in presenting evolving patterns of traditional saris and textiles to the city's cognoscenti. Shilpi's 'Banaresi Exotica' presents saris ranging from sherbeti hued tussars to koras, both pristine and blended, tanchois, georgettes and crepes as well as some truly breathtaking bridal lehenga sets. Owned jointly by Bhamini Narayanan and Arundhati Menon, Shilpi has been in the forefront of reviving languishing textile skills.

Banarasi Exotica opens up a treasure trove of pastel tussars and koras with the magic of Banares cut-work motifs all over. The motifs in silver create couture magic on sherbeti colours or stronger shades. While kora silks and blends in beige, pink, turquoise and white dominate, georgettes with cut-work or woven motifs and spectacular borders give a touch of sheer elegance to the collection. Also on display are satin silks in deep jewel like shades, bordered, blended tanchois with exquisite floral patterns and gossammer thin tussars with ' minakari' borders.

'Banarasi Exotica' also recreates nostalgic vignettes of the sari's journey. Fine georgettes in softest oranges and blues with silver cut-work motifs capture the magic of the 50's. Equally evocative are elegant crepes with gorgeous woven borders. There are also a few jute silk sarees with floral and vine motifs. One net jute sari is sheer poetry with gold motifs all over.

The bridal lehenga sets in kora and tussar are a sensation. White and gold lehenga sets with 'jaali' cut work, rich pink and cinammon coloured tissue with brilliant floral motifs, soft beige and pink tussar highlighted with intricate woven designs the list is endless...According to Arundhati Menon, the innate design and colour sense of the traditional weavers are incredible. "I have merely chosen from the wealth they create. It makes my every journey to Banares worthwhile, getting down at Mughal Sarai, trudging the gullies, and seeing all that incredible heritage..."

'Banares Exotica' can be experienced at Shilpi, C.P. Ramaswamy Road, Alwarpet and No. 1, Gee Gee Minar, 23, College Road, Nungambakkam.

PUSHPACHARI

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