Cool twist to the ol’ six yards!

Rich traditional saris find a fan in most Indian women. But what if these saris come with a twist? At the ongoing ­festival at Delhi’s Cottage Emporium, a unique concept of fusion saris is making waves.

Rich traditional saris find a fan in most Indian women. But what if these saris come with a twist? At the ongoing ­festival at Delhi’s Cottage Emporium, a unique concept of fusion saris is making waves. Traditional works of two ­different states are brought together to make one unique six yard drape. Crepes and chiffons saris, contrasted with intricate kanthas stitches from West Bengal, south silk combined with Benaras prints — this and much more on the same lines, is what sari lovers can look forward to.

The fusion is done in a way that it still holds the originality of a particular fabric or embroidery and yet it very beautifully blends with another style. Some saris even have motifs reflecting different cultures depicting Mughals, Mahabharat, folks, tantra, tribal collection, calligraphy, dancing ladies, peacocks and flying birds. Each piece is hand-made by national awardees and masterweavers at the emporium.

“This time, our collection features the best of Benarasi, Paithani, Ajrak, Orissa and Kantha saris with matching accessories, bags and shawls. The best part of the exhibit is that we bring the diversity in weaves from different states of the country. Each sari is a masterpiece woven painstakingly. No two pieces are the same,” says Alka Arora, managing director, Central Cottage Industries Corporation of India.

Titled, Weaves of India, the festival will also have Gadwal saris from Andhra Pradesh, Kanjeevaram from Tamil Nadu, Tie and Dye from Gujarat with Ajrak printed pallu. The price, starting at Rs 3,000, can go up to Rs 75,000.

And it does not end here. The festival is a perfect ­shopping destination if you want to get dressed ­traditionally yet chic this ­season. You can also mix and match beautiful cholis with the traditional, fusion saris that are on display at the festival. Also available are handmade bags and clutches to complete the look.