Chennai: Saree has always been a symbol of rich Indian tradition and culture for the past several centuries.
Recorded history tells us that sarees have been worn by ancient civilisations dating back as far the era of the Indus valley.
As we drive towards an age of modernisation, the designs of sarees have changed and so have the process by which they are made.
No matter how much advanced technologies we use to tailor clothes, they often tend to be ordinary if it is without a human touch.
But an exclusive shop – ‘Suja Silks’ in Mylapore in the city is doing its bit to revive back traditional handwoven sarees which are always a class apart.
Suja Silks started by Suja offers a plethora of sarees crafted by expert weavers. Some of the sarees they offer are traditional Kanjeevaram sarees, Kora Kanchi, Linen Kanchi, Pochampally Silk, Ikat Silk Cotton, Covai Silk Cotton, Mangalagiri Silk Cotton, Chanderi cotton, Linen sarees, Tussar sarees and Banarasi cotton to name a few. The price of the sarees start from as low as Rs. 650.
Speaking to ‘News Today’, Suja, said,”My parents were into this for several years. It was my dream to open up a retail showroom in Luz corner. After more than a year and a half of hunting for a space, we finally found a place here.”
She has been in this business since 2014. Suja Silks finally opened its showroom in the month of May this year. Suja, the founder has not only concentrated on the quality of the sarees they weave but also on good customer experience.
The showroom is designed with a touch of Karaikudi style. A giant granite statue of Lord Ganesha greets when you enter the shop while the dark floors, doors, shelves and chairs evoke an aura of Chettinad style. A traditional swing is also hooked to the ceiling in the corner of the expansive showroom.
The shop was opened along with the presence of all the weavers who make the sarees. “We didn’t invite any celebrities,: says Suja. “We wanted to open the showroom along with the weavers as they are the ones who put in a lot of effort.”
Suja explains how she gets ideas for designs. “We get inspired by artworks, artifacts and even architecture of century old temples,” she says.
“I also get ideas from the sarees my grand mother used to wear. Once the design is ready, we then share it with our weavers who then weave them.”
Suja says that the traditional Kanjeevaram sarees they offer are very much loved by the customers and they sell in highest number.
“Women who come to our shops to purchase bridal sarees prefer vintage, traditional designed sarees,” she says. “Middle-aged women prefer buying sarees that have a touch of modern design.”
She also added that a week ago they launched ‘Choli Couture’ – a brand of Suja Silks where they customize blouses, salwar, Indo-western dresses and also offer a wide range of designer blouse fabrics.
“We want to support weavers who are into handloom,” signs off Suja. “Hence we started Suja Silks to promote their works.”
The showroom is located at Suja Silks, 74/147, Luz Church road, Mylapore.