Sometime in the mid 90’s I was visiting Bangalore on a work trip. The mall phenomenon had yet to start then, and Pune was still a sleepy pensioner paradise. Bangalore was by contrast very hot and happening. Kids Kemp and Saree Kemp were big names, and I managed to find some time on my last day to squeeze in a visit to Saree Kemp.

I still remember my experience vividly. Young models were walking the ramp showcasing the variety of sarees on display there, to the background score of Awaara bhavre. The theme for the day (or at least whatever time I was there) seemed to be kantha work, and I watched model after model in beautiful kantha sarees, and decided I was not going back without one for myself 🙂 Problem was, most that I liked I could not afford! I had just started working, earned a very modest salary, did not yet possess a credit card, and being the last day had exhausted most of my money!

The kind sales girl probably figured this out and showed me this sand colored raw silk piece with just the border, palla and few butties in hand embroidered kantha. With awaara bhavre still buzzing in my ears I jumped at this sober piece with a flower patterned kantha stitch, and that’s how #31 landed in my wardrobe 🙂

Interestingly, Saree Kemp also stitched the matching raw silk blouse for me in 30 mins. Of course I no longer fit into that one, so today I have paired the saree with this dressy black blouse whose koiri colors match with the flowers on the saree.