Refashioning the classic 9-yard wonder for the modern lot

Chishti feels many young Indian women have dropped saree for western clothes, but she is convinced they can wear saree in a contemporary way. 8220;Sari can be constantly refashioned,8221; she says.

Editor of Random House India Chiki Sarkar recently attended the first class at the school. 8220;I knew Rita was one of the foremost experts on sarees in the country, and I thought attending her class would be a wonderful way to learn more about it,8221; says Sarkar.

During the class, one can closely examine the numerous sarees Chishti exhibits in her studio. Besides, she makes it a point to tell stories and legends behind the sarees worn in various parts of the country. 8220;It8217;s a way of learning about the country through textiles,8221; she says.

Inspired by the first class, Sarkar now plans to attend more. 8220;The theory was interesting because I did not know much about sarees. And then it was so much fun learning new styles of wearing sarees,8221; she says.

Now, to promote the saree among the younger generation, Chishti is planning to organise a theatre dance presentation inspired by different saree styles of India.

Designer Anjali Kalia hopes the school will draw public attention towards the richness of Indian craft. 8220;We8217;ve been copying the West,8221; she says. 8220;It is time to recover and reinvent what we already have.8221;