Georgette Sarees: A Versatile Fashion Staple
Georgette sarees are a stunning choice for women of all shapes and sizes, from petite to not-so-slim. These elegant sarees can be worn by young and old alike, as long as the wearer has a fairly good figure. The quality of georgette sarees can vary greatly, with superior quality ones being quite expensive. The market offers a wide variety of georgette sarees, ranging from plain to those with zari borders. Printed georgette sarees are less in demand, as they are better suited for hand embroidery. Binny, a renowned brand, was known for its exquisite georgette sarees, both plain and with zari work, which were popular as nightwear, party attire, and for weddings.
The Art of Georgette Sarees: A Legacy of Craftsmanship
The Mysore Silk Factory, a small yet notable manufacturer, produced stunning silk and georgette sarees with gold and real zari. Visitors to the factory had the unique opportunity to customize their sarees by selecting the booti, border, pallav, and color from different sarees. If one stayed at the factory for a few days, they could even pick up the finished saree themselves or have it sent by VPP. In the mid-1970s, a georgette saree with a nearly 2-inch gold border and a good pallav could cost between Rs. 360 to Rs. 400, depending on the workmanship.
Georgette Sarees: A Fashion Icon Across India
Georgette sarees are manufactured in various locations, with Karnataka being particularly renowned for them. These sarees can be found in both printed and plain varieties. Jamnagar is known for its beautiful tie-and-dye work on georgette, which is a finer fabric than chiffon. Rajasthan also produces tie-and-dye georgette sarees, though they may not be as fine as the Jamnagar variety. Georgette, while not as delicate as chiffon, is a versatile fabric that can be worn by people of all economic backgrounds.
It is a popular choice for summer wear and is easier to maintain than chiffon. Georgette sarees are also well-suited for various types of hand embroidery, such as zardozi, salma sitara, and Mukesh work. This adaptability has contributed to the enduring popularity of georgette sarees, particularly among the young ladies of states like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
The Future of Georgette Sarees: A Legacy to Cherish
While georgette sarees are not as widely embraced in the South, the modern Indian woman’s fashion choices know no bounds. It is hoped that both chiffon and georgette sarees will continue to thrive and have a long-lasting appeal.
