Handwoven sari connoisseurs, here’s a chance to add to your collection. Bengaluru-based portal, The Good Loom by GoCoop, is hosting a pop-up this weekend, where one can shop for Ilkal weaves. Talking about the origins of this handwoven fabric, Siva Devireddy, founder, GoCoop, says, “The Ilkal cluster was formed around the quaint little town of the same name in North Karnataka and its history dates back to 8th century AD.” Traditionally, one can distinguish an Ilkal sari by its checks, thin stripes and a plain maroon border. However, the ‘Good Loom Show’ will attempt to offer sari lovers a reimagined version of Ilkal, which is wearable on a daily basis.
These saris are woven in art silk and cotton blend and the ones that will be available at the exhibition have a monochrome twist. So expect black, grey and white into a pure cotton sari. Laxmavva, a weaver from Ilkal Cluster informs, “It takes around two days for two artisans to weave our redesigned Ilkal sari and two-and-a-half days for a traditional Ilkal.”
There are 200 plus women weavers in the society of Ilkal cluster of which 80 women weavers have been trained for Ilkal project. Apart from these weaves, this time, one would also be able to choose from an array of maheswaris, linens, chanderis, tussar and matka silk saris.
From September 28-30. At Saptaparni, Banjara Hills.
Saris from Rs 2,500 onwards.