If you are new to my blog and landed on this post as a first, please read
Part I to know more about the unrivalled Himanshu Verma! Dont miss out on this!
The Man & His Saree
Saree shopping is one art I am yet to master since forever! Since I met the
Saree Man, I grew breathlessly impatient to know his perspective on the same! Pleasantly surprising, the logic was similar but the interpretation was passionate! Besides his own events, he shops for sarees mostly while travelling! There is no occasion attached to it as such, except when he is at his lowest! Even the toughest cookie has a gooey heart! Furthermore, he goes out and randomly collects sarees from generic, but probably exotic places. Himanshu's love for sarees can only be measured by the butterflies every time he finds a saree he cant resist! Only, days would have passed by the time realization hits hard. That saree haunts him so bad, so he goes back and gets hold of it! He says, "
We go through a lot and lot often, but there is that saree meant for you! You just know it!" What a relief to know that the Saree Man is no exception to temptation, either! Himanshu loves Dastkar and swears by Delhi Nalli for their wide range. He finds their range not-that refined, but very affordable and competently priced.
Delhi Nalli has a better range, especially Pochampallys and Gadwals. Its his second home when in doubt!
Being the Saree Man and the captain of Red Earth, it is understood he is associated with a plethora of designers. Both established and emerging ones, but not necessarily the big daddies of the fraternity! He loves working with the younger lot who represent compact and independent brands! Well, I agree big things start small!
Cant get enough of it, sigh!!!
I believe everything Saree Man does has a cause and effect! I wanted to know his take on handloom and the powerloom industry! As much as I thought, he loves handlooms!
"Its the speciality of India. Its really a marvel where people can create magic with their hands. Earlier, I was into curating painting but curating textiles is an undervalued form of art. Its a piece of art! Even till date, we have access to a wide variety. As of powerloom, we cant ignore the market dynamics. Considering it is a personal choice, but fun experience!"
That's the nerve, Himanshu!
Undoubtedly, Himanshu is well-versed in the saree zone! I couldn't stop myself asking how quick can he drape a saree! Amazingly, 3 to 4 minutes! Let's say, under 5! It takes him a little more than a kurta or jeans! He says, "
Over the time, you just know how to do it!" Personally, I find the drape clumsy especially mastering the pleats! Thanks to the geographical constraints! I authorize my statement, but the Saree pundit says "
I cant get over when women say the drape is so cumbersome!" Ahem...
Himanshu is entitled to be negligent with the drape while at home. At times, he is not happy with the drape and apparently has to do it again. Welcome to the club, Sweetheart! But once he is out, seems it stays comfortable till the end of the evening. He says something I dont want to hear!
"I can manage!" Drat!
Thanks to the mass movements every now and again, I never understood why the Saree is blown out of proportion when it is pretty much here! Why do we need carnivals to promote something which has been a part of our ethnic identity since forever? Himanshu says, "
Unfortunately, Saree is not an ethnic identity! Not any more! Its a frightful scenario especially with regards to culture, religion, clothes and education. Sadly, its not a part of urban India. Even in the rural aspect, its changing drastically by women adapting salwars. Younger generation, no girl wears a saree today! Its totally not fashionable any more! Its just not a mainstream culture, especially in the urban context. We, The Saree Combatants, are trying to make difference in a small way and connect back. As of numbers, its a small fraction. Yes! We need more initiatives to make Saree fashionable. We are excited how popular the culture is, but the promotion is a full minority situation yet. Who wears Saree to a mall ? Only the older generation! In art community, there is no place for the Saree. See West Bengal and South India. There are more sarees, especially in the rurals!
Inspite of the identical yardage, Saree is sophisticated to some and ordinary to some! I wondered what defines the difference! Himanshu believes it all boils down to the usage! Its accepted that working class in rurals like farmers live in saree every day! They use it to its most advantage! Urban context, power sarees are adopted and probably confined to service-oriented industries like Corporate and Hospitality! The numbers are sprinkling, though! Himanshu wants Saree here, there and everywhere! To him, its elegance what really defines the difference!
No offence! Saree was, is and will always remain a personal statement to me! To Himanshu, its the other way around! Its connected with the culture and tradition. He recommends to choose the drape and the garment that works for you. Himanshu prefers Saree for any occasion as long as its not his cousin's wedding! He gut-wrenchingly says,
"Who wants to scandalize the family? Sadly, because you are a man!"
Navrang Man!!!
Imagery Courtesy - Himanshu Verma
Does Himanshu see Saree as another hash tag for the day? Is it going to stay here forever, "dif tor heh smusma," (Vulcan for LIVE LONG AND PROSPER) contenders like him! He doesnt see Saree as another hash tag for the day, Although getting others to wear the saree as they like is a real evolution, he finds certain campaigns silly. As long as the so-called campaigns are not gimmicky, he assures its a journey of who they are! He finds those initiatives great!
"I may not love all of them, though! Saree is here to stay and is not going anywhere. The numbers are tiny, but its still cultural and aesthetic in mind!"
Rest, to be continued...
