In conjunction with the launch of Poh Kong’s Bombay collection that is just in time for Deepavali, Poh Kong also hosted a saree styling workshop with popular saree guru, Joseph Rakesh.
Saree styling is a traditional, intricate art and takes a lot of practice before it can be perfected. Sadly, many people nowadays do not know how to style a saree and do not find the importance in knowing how to do it. Hence, when we got the chance to learn the basics from an expert, we knew it was an opportunity not to be missed.
With a saree blouse, underskirt and pins in hand, we listened to Mr. Rakesh carefully while attempting to style the saree on our own. It really is not as complex as you would imagine it to be. Here are some of the basics that we have learnt.
You’ll need:
– A customized tailored saree blouse
– A saree
– An underskirt
– Pins
Step 1: Tie a small knot at the right top corner of your saree and tuck the knot into the underskirt at your right hipbone. The ‘plain’ end is always the base of the saree while the other end typically has more intricate designs and it is known as the pallu
Step 2: Turn around anti-clockwise once and then tuck the saree back to where the knot was. Next, tuck the saree into the underskirt just like how you tuck in your shirt
Step 3: Take the other end of your saree nicely (pallu) and fold it into small pleats
Step 4: Take the pallu and circle it around your body anti-clockwise. This will create a nice layer effect at the bottom. Next, place the pallu onto your left shoulder
Step 5: Spread out the saree nicely on your upper torso
Step 6: Gather the corners of your saree and pull it towards your right hip. Secure it with a pin. You will then have a big pocket towards the right
Step 7: Pleat the saree pocket nicely and secure the pleated saree into your right hip area with a pin
Step 8: Finally re-arrange the pallu nicely and pin it on your left shoulder. Then, rearrange the pleats and pin it to your shoulder
You may pair this look with dangling gold earrings and gold necklaces.
Alternative 1
1. Follow steps 1 – 7
2. Gather a handful of the saree on your shoulder and tie the saree with a rubber band. Open up the material to spread it into a flower
Alternative 2
1. Follow steps 1 – 7
2. Shape the pallu in an L shape and pin it at three angles. Pin the first and second pins where the hands are and the third pin below the bust
2. Take small little pleats for this style (3 to 4 inches broad) and pin the pleats on your left shoulder
For these two styles, layers of gold necklaces are perfect to glam up the look.
The price range of the special Bombay collection is RM2,000 onwards and the collection is only available at selected Poh Kong outlets. For more information on the collection and its availability, check out Poh Kong’s official website.
