The Offbeat Sari: Indian Fashion Unravelled

The Offbeat Sari explores how the sari has become a site for design innovation, an expression of identity, a form of resistance, and a crafted object carrying layers of cultural meanings. Designers are experimenting with hybrid forms, pre-draped saris, and innovative materials, and wearers are embracing it as a vessel for dynamism and a symbol of resistance. The exhibition will feature commissioned essays by notable Indian writers, expanding on the themes central to the sari's definition in contemporary India.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 22 June 2023
Publisher: Design Museum

The Offbeat Sari delves into the multifaceted transformation of the sari, evolving from a traditional garment to a vibrant platform for design innovation, a powerful expression of identity, a defiant form of resistance, and a meticulously crafted object steeped in cultural significance. In recent times, the sari has undergone a remarkable revival, captivating the hearts of urban youth who once associated it solely with formal occasions. Today, these same individuals can be spotted donning saris paired with sneakers as they navigate their daily commutes to work, defying societal expectations and embracing a more contemporary and dynamic approach to fashion.

Designers have taken the sari to new heights of creativity, experimenting with hybrid forms such as sari gowns and dresses, pre-draped saris, and innovative materials like steel. Wearers are embracing the sari as a vessel for their own unique dynamism, rather than merely adhering to traditional pageant norms. Moreover, individuals are wearing the sari as a bold statement of resistance against social conventions, while activists are using it as a symbol of protest against oppressive systems.

As the exhibition will primarily explore the sari in urban India, the accompanying book will follow suit, offering a comprehensive exploration of the sari's contemporary significance within this context. Comprising a series of commissioned essays by renowned Indian writers, the book will delve deeper into the themes that define the sari in modern-day India, drawing connections between the objects showcased in the exhibition and the rich cultural heritage they represent.

The Offbeat Sari serves as a captivating testament to the enduring power of the sari, a garment that has transcended time and geography to become a symbol of resilience, creativity, and cultural pride. Through its exploration of the sari's multifaceted evolution, the exhibition and book invite viewers and readers to appreciate the rich tapestry of this iconic garment and its profound impact on the world of fashion and beyond.

Weight: 422g
Dimension: 172 x 240 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781872005645