Sushma Reddy, Mandira Bedi and Smita Jaykar, three uber-stylish women with completely different body types, reveal their secret to looking gorgeous
It’s arguably the most difficult and yet the most sensual six yards to carry off. But the good news is when it comes to the saree, size doesn’t really matter. All you need is an honest understanding of your body structure and loads of kickass attitude.
Your tricks to draping a saree perfectly?
Sushama Reddy, model/actor: Pump up what works for you and tone down what doesn’t. I have a longer upper body, so I always concentrate on my upper half. I always make sure that my blouses have a sexy cut. And since sarees are not fundamentally for thin people, I find that tiny, half pads stitched in the blouse give me that oomph factor.
Mandira Bedi, TV star: It all depends on the fabric. Even if you go wrong with georgette, chiffon or crepe, it will still look good on form. Crisp, cotton sarees look great, but only a very few can carry if off well. Also, I hate when drapes are pleated all the way up to the shoulders - it looks like a uniform!
Smita Jayakar, actor: I believe to look sensuous in a saree, you shouldn’t reveal too much. Hence, I don’t like wearing low necklines or showing off my navel. Also, I hate when the saree and the blouse are matched totally. I like odd mix ‘n’ matches.
Kinds of sarees and blouses that suit your figure?
Sushama Reddy: I hate kanjeevarams - I feel really old in them. I like fabrics that flow well on my body like chiffon and georgette. As far as colours are concerned, I like pink, red and turquoise. I’m not too much a fan of embellishments; I rather accessorise with jewellery.
Mandira Bedi: When it comes to blouses, since I have broad shoulders, tubes, bikini tops, halters etc., suit me best. I love cap sleeves, but would never wear magia sleeves as they make my arms look heavy. As for colours, I like orange, fuschia and turquoise, and also a combination of all three.
Smita Jayakar: I love ethnic sarees like maheshwaris, kanjeevarams and paithanis, especially the former which are easy to maintain and are available for all kinds of occasions. I even like tussar silks. Stiff fabrics, which make one look like a box, are complete no-nos. As for blouses, I don’t mind plunging backlines, but no spaghetti straps or halters for me. I prefer the traditional look.
Your most innovative drape?
Sushama Reddy: I don’t experiment much with drapes, but I’m willing to try stunts with blouses and fabrics.
Mandira Bedi: I call it my own drape - I first pleat it in a regular fashion, put the pallu across my shoulder right upto the elbows, and then display it open in my arms. That way, my blouse is very visible.
Smita Jayakar: I haven’t experimented much, but I love the Bengali way of draping a saree.
Favourite saree in your wardrobe?
Sushama Reddy: A Ranna Gill one that I bought two years ago. It goes from light to rani pink and has mild subtle stones. I always get compliments when I wear it.
Mandira Bedi: I have two - one’s a Ritu Kumar, which I wore for my wedding, and the second is a Satya Paul saree which has black waves throughout except across the chest, which is red. It’s really sexy.
Smita Jayakar: Too many too mention. I collect sarees which are regarded as heirlooms like Parsi gharas, patolas, etc.
Who do you think looks good in a saree?
Sushama Reddy: Kiron Kher looks stunning.
Mandira Bedi: Rekha looks brilliant!
Smita Jayakar: Hema Malini, Madhuri Dixit, Aparna Sen and Sonia Gandhi look gorgeous.
g_sheree@dnaindia.net
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