Are you ready to set out on the saree trail?

The six yard story never seems to end! And Shilpi, always manages to come up with something new, from the recesses of ethnic India. This time round it is an exhibition of Telia Rumal Sarees at their store. You will find exquisite geometric patterns in dramatic combinations and sarees in jewel tones of emerald, turquoise, amethyst, sapphire and coral.

Telia Rumal sarees derive their name from the oil treatment used on the yarn. “Tel” means oil while “rumal” means a handkerchief. The sarees are known by their double ikat squares, using vegetable oils, indigo and natural dyes. The finished sarees have a characteristic oily smell. These sarees originated in Chirala, but are no longer made there. A few weavers of this art do exist in Puttapaka, and the government is trying to preserve this art by extending assistance and encouragement.

Telia rumal is the fast dying ikat tradition, and is probably the forerunner of the famed Pochampalli sarees from Andhra Pradesh. The Telia Rumal sarees can be easily distinguished by the way one or two motifs are repeated in the design. Shilpi is making an effort at reviving this dying art, by giving these sarees a place in the sun. On display, are not just sarees, but also tunics, dupattas and salwar kameez. The tunics and ensembles in ikat weave are embellished with mirror work and appliqué.

Shilpi
29, C.P Ramaswamy Road
Alwarpet, Chennai
Tel: 044 24997526

1, Ground Floor Gee Gee Minar
23, College Road
Nungambakkam, Chennai
Tel: 044 28282603