Wear saris beyond special occasions, urges Vidya Balan

Actress Vidya Balan, who has flaunted the six-yard wonder on international red carpet events with elan, believes young Indian women should wear saris more often.

Vidya unveiled the collections of handloom saris of three designers -- Gaurang Shah, Bappaditya of Bailou, and Mira Sagar of brand Vaya -- here. She was impressed with the mix of modern aesthetics with traditional weaves.

"Vaya, Bailou and Gaurang are fashion labels at the forefront of a unique movement that endorses a fashion aesthetic that inspires the young modern Indian woman to don the sari, beyond those special occasions," Vidya said.

Talking about the new lines, she said: "Each sari is handcrafted using traditional Indian craftsmanship in tandem with a contemporary design philosophy that is inspired by life in the new millennium. Quirky, fun yet completely Indian, each piece is crafted with care and designed to appeal to the Indian woman of every age."

Bappaditya of Bailou works closely with weavers in Bengal to create experimental weaves such as a sequinned Jamdani while keeping intact this art form's unique heritage.

For Vaya, designer Mira Sagar has lent her creativity to Maheshwari and Chanderi saris; and Gaurang Shah is an award-winning textile designer and the name behind the label Gaurang.

Shah said: "The culmination of three unique labels is united by a common handwoven thread, showcasing their creations under a single roof, is an unique amalgamation of unseen Indian heritage weaves."

The exhibition is being held at Coomaraswamy Hall here.