The original saree (header pic; on the extreme left) was a Garad saree from Bengal, worn traditionally by married women when performing a puja. It is made of pure silk and has the classic traditional red border.
Priya Sen
I guess it borders (no pun intended) on blasphemy to meddle with the sacrosanct but for me it was tempting to try and add different dimensions to the Garad. So I added a border of an equally traditional design from Orissa. The pallav is a piece of embroidered fabric of uncertain origin, but I felt it bridges and unites the two styles quite effectively.
I had already asked the salesman to cut plain red fabric for the pallav but at the last minute, while standing at the cash counter, I decided to throw caution to the winds and be somewhat adventurous. I guess l went a little too far, but I am happy with the result. This is not said in self defense, but sometimes the photo can’t quite capture the actual look and effect.
The original saree was worn so often by my sister, Yashodhara¹, at home that it had a tired look.
A puja gift: My niece, Priya Sen, honours me by wearing the up-cycled saree I gifted her on this very special occasion… Mahashtami. My blessings and love to you, Priya. Sada Suhagan Raho.
Standing beside the idol of the Goddess, Priya Sen, dressed in this traditional attire complete with shaka and pola bangles, and blowing the sacred conch, says, “I had to do full justice to this gorgeous Garad saree gift and the immense effort Joy Mamu has taken for it. Tatudi I am sure is watching too and is happy.”
Model in the header pic: Radhika Nag
Concept up-cycling, styling and photography: Joy Bimal Roy
Location: The Roys Bungalow, Bandra
¹Yashodhara Roy designed costumes for films such as Govind Nihalani’s Hazar Chaurasi Ki Ma and Takshak.
