A property with over 140 years of history in a little settlement called Siddapura is where Latha Puttanna holds court. Inside the confines of this ancestral home, complete with wooden pillars and antique wooden accents, time stands still. It sure is the perfect setting for Latha’s 25-year-old label, Srishti, which offers handwoven saris and salwar kameez sets. “My factory, studio and store are located here,” says Latha, who is all set to introduce a line of blouses for the very first time, to mark the 25th year of Srishti. “I very rarely repeat patterns or designs. So to celebrate this landmark year in my career, I decided to create a line of blouses with design elements borrowed from my work over the past 25 years,” explains Latha.
The pop up, to be held at The Arts Village features 100 blouses showcasing kalamkari work, ajrakh prints, applique and aari work on Chettinad cotton, tissue and knit fabric. “I’m self taught and over the years I’ve perfected the aari technique. So there’s a lot of thread, gold and silver work showcased in the collection,” she says, adding that her clients sometimes pair her blouses with skirts and trousers as well.
For someone who’s been doing this for a long time, Latha has a refreshing take on the growing interest in reviving the sari. “It’s not just about owning something. It’s much bigger than that. Where else in the world will you find a garment that’s basically just wrapped around the body?,” she says, signing off.
Rs.4,000 upwards. Today. At St Mark’s Road. Details: 7338335169