How to Drape Your Saree in Bollywood Fashion?

Bollywood Saree Perfection: Mastering the Art of Pleating and Step-by-Step Draping

The Indian saree dress is an iconic garment that personifies grace and beauty. Bollywood has played a significant role in popularizing various draping styles, showcasing the versatility of this traditional attire. This blog will guide you through several saree draping styles with a Bollywood flair, providing step-by-step instructions. Whether you wish to embody the timeless beauty of Madhubala or the contemporary charm of Deepika Padukone, we have everything you need. Let’s embark on a journey through the world of Bollywood fashion and uncover the myriad ways to drape a saree!

The Classic Style: The Mumtaz Drape

Thanks to the legendary actress Mumtaz, the Mumtaz drape rose to fame in the 1970s. This look involves folding the saree into pleats and firmly tucking it around the waist to let the drape flow over the shoulder. Follow these instructions to achieve this look:

Step 1: Begin by tucking the end of the saree into the petticoat and complete a full turn around the waist.

Step 2: Fold the remaining fabric into 6-7 pleats and tuck them into the petticoat.

Step 3: Bring the loose end over the left shoulder and let it fall beautifully.

Step 4: To secure the pallu (loose end) in place, pin it to the shoulder.

Step 5: For an attractive finish, adjust the pleats at the waist and allow them to naturally fall.

The Contemporary Diva: The Lehenga Style

The lehenga style is ideal for those seeking a contemporary Bollywood appearance. This look combines the grace of a saree with the aesthetic of a lehenga choli. Here are some tips for achieving this look:

Step 1: Start by folding the saree into pleats and tucking it into the petticoat, following a similar technique as the Mumtaz drape.

Step 2: Instead of draping the loose end over your shoulder, wrap it around your waist from right to left.

Step 3: Secure the pallu at the left waist using a fancy belt or a string.

Step 4: Arrange the front pleats in a way that they flow over the right shoulder.

Step 5: To achieve a stunning and modern appearance, adjust the length of the pallu according to your preference.

The Iconic Charm: The Bengali Style

Inspired by the vibrant cultural legacy of Bengal, the Bengali style of saree draping emanates sophistication and elegance. This design features a left shoulder pallu that is prominently pleated. To achieve the Bengali appearance, follow these instructions:

Step 1: Start by draping the saree around your waist and folding it into pleats.

Step 2: Ensure that the pleats face the left as you tuck them into the petticoat.

Step 3: Spread the loose end over the left shoulder and let it fall freely.

Step 4: After bringing the loose end from the back to the front, pin it on the left shoulder.

Step 5: Fan out the shoulder pleats for a more majestic appearance.

The Glamorous Drapes: The Nivi Style

A traditional draping method from Andhra Pradesh, the Nivi style has gained popularity because of Bollywood actresses. It offers a simple yet elegant look, ideal for many different occasions. To adopt the Nivi look, follow these steps:

Step 1: First, tuck one end of the saree into the petticoat before turning it completely around the waist, ensuring that the lower end is slightly longer than the upper end.

Step 2: Fold the remaining fabric into 6-7 pleats and tuck them into the waistband, slightly leaning to the left.

Step 3: Cross the loose end over your left shoulder and secure it with a pin to the shoulder of your blouse.

Step 4: Adjust the waist pleats to make them nice and even.

Step 5: To get an effortlessly elegant appearance, let the pallu fall gracefully over the shoulder.

The Regal Elegance: The Maharashtrian Nauvari Style

Women in Maharashtra traditionally dress in nine-yard sarees called nauvaris. It radiates power and grace, making it ideal for ceremonial occasions like weddings. The Nauvari drape is done as follows:

Step 1: Start at the front and tuck one end of the saree into the petticoat before turning the entire piece completely around the waist.

Step 2: With the remaining fabric, create 5–6 pleats and tuck them into the waistband, ensuring the front is facing out.

Step 3: Drape the loose end between the legs and tuck it into the rear of the waistband, bringing it from the back.

Step 4: Create pleats by bringing the loose end over the left shoulder and letting them fall naturally.

Step 5: Adjust the shoulder pleats for a balanced and regal appearance, securing them with pins.

Conclusion:

Undoubtedly, Bollywood has had a significant influence on saree draping trends, providing a wide range of options. There is a Bollywood-inspired saree drape for every event and personal preference, ranging from the traditional Mumtaz drape to the modern Lehenga style, from the regal Bengali drape to the glitzy Nivi design. Try out these looks, modify them to fit your own personality and physical characteristics, and witness the magic of Bollywood fashion transform your saree draping experience into a spellbinding affair. With grace and confidence, embrace the beauty of these draping techniques and present your own Bollywood-inspired look!