Rang Mahal from Bengal is back with a group of master weavers in Chennai to showcase the “Story of Bengal” at Chettiar Hall, ground floor, TTK Road from October 1 till October 12. Though saris comprise most of the display, there’s a range of dress materials too to choose from.
As 2009 has been declared International year of Natural Fibres by the FAO, every effort has been made to promote Bengal cotton as the choice for all seasons. Hence, a finer count of cotton has been blended with cellulose to make it durable. The fibres have been woven to recreate the Kota texture which forms a base for kantha work and block printing.
Gota is combined with a variety of stitches such as aari, kambira, banni and tilli, making the Hastakala range spectacular (prices are from Rs. 1,300 to Rs. 2,000). Shantiniketan block prints transform the Cool Kauton fabric into a work of beauty and it is the Rang Mahal Concept Sari for 2009.
Priced from Rs. 640 to Rs. 800. Also showcased are Tangail nakshi borders, Dhaka butadar saris (Rs. 400 and above), Jamdani saris (Rs. 800 to Rs. 2,000) and Baluchar embossed cottons.
The light weight woven saris in contrasting hues with blouses to match and duree cottons with colourful borders are priced between Rs. 580 and Rs. 640.
The dress materials come in attractive colour schemes and novel designs. Some have yokes or panels with extra fabric to suit different cuts and silhouttes.
