Julie Kagti wants to be remembered for “making beautiful saris. When I dress up a woman, everyone should turn around and look at her. If not the woman, then at least the sari!” says a smiling Julie.
Julie Kagti is a well-known Indian textile designer who teaches weaving and embroidery to unskilled women. She also offers skilled craftsmen a space to market their goods without the interference of middle men. “I grew up in Assam and learned weaving from my grandmother. When I was a child, weavers from all over India used to come to my house. It was from these gatherings that I developed a passion for handicraft textiles. I went on to study textile designing from Sophia Polytechnic.”
Last week, her “Sari Trunk Show” showcased a range of hand-woven Banarasi and cotton saris. The saris came in interesting colours from rust to pale yellows and different designs of jamdanis, brocades, tussars, maheshwaris and georgettes. “I love the vintage charm of the Banarasi and that's what I want bring to my sarees.”
Saris apart, scarves and specially-designed accessories by designers Deepti Sudhindra and Akshatha Rao were available.
The cotton saris were priced between Rs. 1,600 and Rs. 5 lakhs, silks started from Rs. 6,000 and went up to Rs. 15,000 while scarves were priced between Rs. 1,200 and Rs. 6,000.
“We've always got a very good response. Colour plays a big role. We've had our glamour moments when actors have chosen our saris. It is good to see young girls try out our saris and buy them.” Future plans include a show in Chennai next month.
