saris at ankita

DESIGNER
A sari is a must-have item on a lady's Eid shopping list. If you're looking for saris that are gorgeous and yet comfortable to wear, then look no further than Ankita, a special collection of Eid saris. Please note that this is not a boutique; the designer designs at her own house, but her collection is available at Gazi Bhaban.

The designer, Sharmeen been specialising in block-print since 1994. Initially starting off with shalwar kameez, she shifted focus to saris, and has been concentrating on these ever since. The saris are mostly made of cotton, but most of them are dressy enough to wear them to heavy-duty occasions like weddings. She also has a smaller collection of silk saris. Shalwar kameezes are available only on order now.

Sharmeen likes to view each sari like a canvas, on which she illustrates her thoughts and fancies. "Like an artist experiences changes of mood while he is painting, which are reflected in his work, I also change my mind halfway through working on my saris, and I'll often completely change the designs." This is what makes her saris truly different. She believes she has pioneered the 'patli-pallu' style of block printing in Dhaka. She likes to concentrate on the pleats and aanchol of the sari, using a combination of techniques including shade-work and block printing to create a look that is different. She now has her own weaver at Tangail, who makes the saris according to her direction.

With the winter nearing, her Ankita collection promises to be bold and bright, with warm colours to combat the cold of the season. The prices for the silk saris range from Tk 1000-3000, while the cotton saris range from Tk 350-1500. "I want my designs to be affordable as well as fashionable," the designer says.

So, if you want great saris at great prices, don't forget to check out the Ankita collection. Sharmeen's collection is available at Gazi Bhaban, 41, Nayapaltan, VIP Road.

By Sabrina F Ahmad