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Kashmir Loom x Border&Fall: The Sari Series

IMAGE: The series is a larger conversation about the sari, one that ideally makes it more accessible as an idea, an ideal, a drape, a textile, or an inspiration

While many have dedicated their careers to studying saris and their textiles, few have focused on the sari drape itself. The project acknowledges the contributions of those who have paved the way, particularly Chantal Boulanger, who in 1997 published Saris: An Illustrated Guide to the Indian Art of Draping, which includes over 80 drapes, and Rta Kapur Chishti, whose 2010 book Saris: Tradition and Beyond showcases over 108 draping styles. As the project’s Sari Advisor, Rta ji and her team at Taanbaan played a critical role in bringing the project to fruition.

IMAGE: Published works of Rta Kapur Chishti and Chantal Boulanger inspired the project

Launched in October 2017, after two years of work, the series was created with two primary objectives — to provide an accessible and comprehensive cultural documentation of India’s sari drapes through short films, and to shift perceptions about the garment.

These objectives are realized through over 80 "how-to" drape films, each around two minutes, showcasing regional sari drapes from across India. They are available online for free.

A non-profit initiative by Border&Fall, the Sari Series featured a Kashmir Loom Kani-weave Pashmina sari in Drape No. 28, the Gamthi drape from Gujarat.

IMAGE: The one-of-a-kind Kani weave Cashmere Sari is featured in The Sari Series, a project documenting India’s regional sari drapes through short films by Border&Fall. This Pashmina sari took over five years to weave by highly skilled artisans at our workshops.

The Sari Drape

This drape is similar in form and function to the No. 27 Chodhri. It is worn by rural communities and ideally suited for work in the fields.

VIDEO: Drape no 28, the Gamthi Drape from Gujarat, India, featuring Kashmir Loom

How-to Drape Instructions

Double knot sari at right waist with inner end in front.
Tuck outer end in at left waist
Bring to back lower edge of outer end between legs and tuck in at center back waist.
Tuck upper edge of outer end in at center front waist
.Bring remaining outer end anticlockwise and drape pallu over head and right shoulder.
Tuck edge of pallu in at center back waist. Adjust legs for length.

SARI LENGTH 5.5 meters / 6 yards
SARI Kashmir Loom
SARI DETAIL Kani, 100% cashmere
BLOUSE Handknit, courtesy of Krishna Nand
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER Good Earth

VIDEO COURTESY: TheSariSeries.com by Border&Fall