THE SUSTAINABILITY QUOTIENT (TSQ):

1. Amber Charkha (non motorised) spun & Handwoven Cotton
2. Artisan Skill Enhancement: The motifs used in this saree are generally used by non premium work units for Viscose or Pure Georgette sarees. In their local language they called “Pure ka Boota” (meaning expensive motif). The motifs generally used for everyday Cotton Sarees are unskilled and are referred to as “chaalu kaam” (basic work) in their local parlance. The usage of this motif gave them an opportunity to work upon designs that they generally never get.
3. Azo Free Dyes

Khayal (moodboard):

“Since childhood the only Cotton Chikankari sarees I saw all around me were made in a non breathable thin stiff Cotton; it would be so heavily starched that some sarees could literally stand on their own. When mummy used to buy one and bring the saree home, she would get them washed at least twice to take off the industrial starch. The starch would however go only after draping and quite frankly the saree then looked limp, not really fluid & soft. Later I came to know that the fabric was Teri Voile Cotton. My mother in law’s older wardrobe revealed a Pure Voile Chikankari saree, & this fabric was clearly the new age substitute of that one. Actually it was the fabrics that made me not pick Chikankari while growing up. When I started Meiraas my dream was to create a Chikankari saree on Handwoven Cotton, a truly handwoven & handcrafted piece, but something that can be picked up for everyday wear. I was extremely happy when I could design them instead on Ambar Charkha Spun (non motorised) + Handwoven fabric. This is my humble attempt to better the base fabric of Chikankari sarees & make them more fluid & sustainable” – Vidhi Rastogi, Head of Creative, Meiraas

Poshaak (about the saree): We have named this saree Jamuni. This hue is one of the favourite ones in Meiraas. Jamun or Indian Java Plum is a fruit indigenous to Jambudwipa or India Subcontinent. We grew up on a diet of its lassi & shake that had this beautiful lilac colour, so pleasing and fresh to the eyes and senses!!

This is Amber Charkha spun (non motorised) & Handwoven soft Cotton from West Bengal.  It is embroidered with intricate Paan motif, an endearing motif of Lucknow, that is reminiscent of the favourite mouth freshener Luckhnavis are addicted to. Rest of the saree has small floral bootis all over.

It is a perfect light office/lunch/brunch/casual wear saree, yet one that will make heads turn. The drape is perfect for any weather.

P.S: This saree shade is soft very Pastel Lilac.