In Indian culture, the saree stands as an unrivaled symbol of grace and timeless beauty. And every Indian woman has a unique relationship with this attire.
For some, the saree embodies tradition, a tangible link to cultural roots and heritage. And for others, the saree becomes a powerful emblem of empowerment. It transforms into a symbol of strength, resilience, and the assertion of individual identity.
As for me, my journey with these six yards of fabric has been akin to a long and intriguing on-off relationship. Each fold, pleat, and drape tells a story, mirroring the ebb and flow of life's diverse experiences.
How it all Began..
A little me, wide-eyed and full of curiosity, peeking into my mom's wardrobe - that’s how it all began.
I can still vividly recall rows of sarees, a kaleidoscope of colors neatly folded in the almari, each one telling a tale of tradition and timeless beauty.
Growing up, my mom was my fashion icon. I'd watch in awe as she effortlessly draped a saree in less time than it takes to pick a show on Netflix.
The gentle rustle of the fabric and the rhythmic clinking of her jewelry – it was like a symphony of elegance that left an indelible mark on my young heart.
So, it wasn’t long before I tried to wrap myself in a long saree, trying to use one of my tops creatively as a blouse. I guess I was around five or six years old then. Well, as funny as I looked in a saree, it's still embedded as a core memory in my mind.
The Not-So Keen on Saree Phase
Fast forward to my college years, draping a saree always felt like a bit of a hassle.
While our moms and aunties effortlessly rocked sarees every day, I remember that we youngsters were all about the switch to kurtas and those trendy indo-western outfits.
I mean, come on, slipping into a pair of jeans or throwing on a simple dress was so much quicker.
And wearing saree was viewed to be very traditional, and saved for college events and such. Well, the appeal of sarees was yet to unfold its magic on me.
Evolving Sarees Into Favorite Outfits
It wasn’t until I started my professional life that my love for sarees truly blossomed. Suddenly, it became more than just a garment of tranquil threads; it transformed into my canvas for self-expression.
Saree stories from those years are filled with laughter, bold fashion choices, and a growing sense of identity.
Beyond the fabric itself, I started paying attention to the intricate details – the blouses and accessories that completed the ensemble.
No longer confined to traditional norms, I explored draping the saree in quirky ways and experimenting with unconventional pairings. The saree became my personal style playground.
Saree as a Symbol of Identity
Personally, putting together any outfit isn’t solely about looking beautiful. It was about letting the saree be an extension of my personality.
And sarees let me dance along the fine line between tradition and modernity, embracing both with open arms.
It's my way of showcasing the timeless appeal of the saree which transcends borders. As I changed jobs and houses, my love for the saree never wavered, nor did the sense of individuality it gave me.
The Global Appeal
In my 20s, if someone had told me I'd end up in the US, rocking sarees in a whole new land, I would've probably laughed it off!
Today, living 8,000 miles away from India, I never imagined I'd miss wearing sarees so much.
So, on my first trip back home, I made it a mission to pack my suitcase with a few beautiful sarees from India. And of course, I've turned every event here into a mini saree fashion show. Indeed, my Instagram wall is filled with quirky saree poses of my friends and me.
Who knew I'd be flaunting those elegant silhouettes so far away from where it all began?
The Saga of Saree Shopping
All that being said, waiting to go to India for saree shopping was a bit of a struggle. I kept searching for 'sarees online USA' every day, hoping to stumble upon the perfect store. But, no luck!
I couldn’t find stores that sold saree of my taste and shipped to my place. That's when I thought, "Why not do it myself?"
And voila, Muvva’s Boutique was born!
Muvva's Boutique was envisioned as more than just an online saree store. At Muvva’s boutique, you can not only follow sarees trend in USA, but also explore a curated collection of sarees, kurtas, dupattas, and more.
Being all about Indian ethnic wear, it was crucial for me that the store reflects the beauty of my country and its diverse styles. It's not just shopping - it's a little slice of India right at your fingertips.
So, What’s Your Favorite Saree Story?
Sitting down to write this article, I had to reflect on my saree history so far. I still can’t quite believe how my love for sarees led me to start a business, blending passion and work.
I am sure that reading through this, each one of you would have revived your saree memories too!
So, let’s get talking? what makes you love your sarees? Tell us more about it in the comments.