A doctor by profession and a passionate sari lover, Rupali Basu decided to drape a range of beautiful silk saris, exclusively for a t2 shoot. Silk was the yarn of choice as silk resonates a perfect understated coming together of rich design, rare colour and royal fabric to leave a lasting impression. For the shoot, Rupali chose traditional saris from different states of India, to create a beautiful melange.
“I have been captivated by the six yards of elegance since my growing up years, seeing my mother looking beautiful in the attire. When I became a doctor and later a CEO, the same love got mingled with dependence as the sari was most attuned to my profession, be it attending hospital duty or seminars, business chambers or board meetings. My penchant for painting and artistic sense pushed me to speak to designers and then design saris myself. Today I am 60 and I feel the love affair with saris will sustain for the decades ahead of me,” said Dr Rupali Basu, managing director and CEO, of Woodlands Multispeciality Hospital.
1,2,3- Mauve silver-gold pure zari Benarasi: Pure zari Benarasis stands out with the fine threads of gold and silver woven in fabrics, primarily silk. Craftsmanship of the highest order is a prerequisite to give shape to a design so intricate as exhibited in this masterpiece. These saris are famous for intricate patterns and elaborate designs. The purity test for zari is to scrape it a little. A red thread underneath shows a real zari. If not pure zari, the thread will be white.
Black crepe with Kashmiri hand embroidery: This is another handwoven beauty. The silk here is Italian with the weave done on the border in the Kashmiri tilla style with vibrant detailing that contrasts with the dark monotone of the body. A must in every Kashmiri bride’s trousseau, tilla embroidery is complex but beautiful, having a rich and luxurious effect and commanding very high prices.
Gold-green Assam muga silk: This is a variety of rare and wild silk from Assam. Previously the adornment of kings and queens, muga silk has a rich, shimmering quality as can be seen here. The material has a natural golden yellow hue, a glossy texture becoming of royalty and is known to be durable.