How about wearing a sari to the beach or donning a knee-high mini version to the club? Indian designers are spunking up the six-yard classic to appeal to young women who may see it as “yesterday dressing”.

Gojawaani.com, an e-commerce website that launches today, has come up with a range of sexed up  saris targetted at the youth. The collections include Da Ping, meant for corporate women who can wear a sari over formal trousers, OMG —  short saris and saris with side slits meant for clubbing, and Anti Behenji, a line of smart casuals. There’s also the Oye…Teri Behen Ki range with irreverent slogans. These can be worn with a ganji instead of a blouse.

“Sari is a beautiful garment; it’s sad to see young girls shunning it thinking it’s not functional for daily wear. We want to make the sari a global fashion phenomenon such that it hits international fashion stores soon,” says Sanya Dhir, brand director, Gojawaani.com.

Designer Anupama Dayal has also come up with a range of resort-wear saris called the Sarini — a pre-stitched pleated sari tucked into hot pants. “When I meet women abroad, they seem to be fascinated by sari, but think they can’t wear it. So I want to make saris that can be worn by everyone.”

Designer Nida Mahmood says, “I have a good clientele for my jean-sari, which is trendy and comfortable.”

Puneet Nanda from Satya Paul says, “We’re doing saris where the pallu is split from the shoulders and tied round the neck as a scarf. The idea is to make it functional.” Young women look forward to the change.

“Saris seem impractical for office but let’s see if the new lines are easy and cool,” says Ria Vij, 25.