The Sari Story

Tahiliani’s strategy thus,is to keep the statement pieces of the collection away from keen eyes for at least a few more hours,when a select clientele of her store would come in for a preview. Jain,of course,didn’t feel the same way as the Thai ikat sari had the story of Buddha woven into it. With motifs of a mandala and animals surrounding it,the apple-coloured sari was a masterpiece in the art and design of storytelling.

Another highlight of the collection,on display at the entrance,is a salwar-kameez fabric with charcoal painted figures of Ram,Sita and Lakshman going into exile,with Telugu script woven across the cloth that describes them on their journey. The collection also includes pieces from her second label,‘Projekt M’,in collaboration with Milind Soman.

Besides,the store has in stock another salwar-kameez fabric that depicts a Raja Ravi Varma painting,an artist from whom Jain has drawn a lot of inspiration throughout her career. Pieces such as these are what make Jain — with no formal education in design or experience — a name to contend with. Be it saris,anarkalis or churidars,the designer’s consistent support of the crafts is what sets her apart in an industry that has only recently started turning to traditional forms of art.

Over the span of her career,Jain has reintroduced her elite clientele to Nakshikantha,a form of quilt from Bangadesh,bamboo-based textiles and Dhaka muslin,in addition to being a big supporter of ikat and kalamkari. “I’m quite fortunate in this regard because my family has always been a big supporter of Indian textiles,which is where my knowledge comes from,” says Jain,adding,“This collection is inspired by and represents everything I have created in the last 25 years.”