Bai Lou collection at Rithihi’s this November

Thursday, 8 November 2012 00:09 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

This November, Rithihi features a special collection of sarees from the Bai Lou Studio. Titled ‘Free Flying,’ this exclusive selection will be available at the Rithihi store from 9 November to 15 November.

‘Free Flying’ encompasses a range of sarees in luxurious soft colours and soft fabrics – all featuring the signature Bai Lou weave. These handwoven sarees woven using traditional Bengali weaving techniques, experiment with colour and texture, turning out sarees perfect for the ‘contemporary woman.’ Bai Lou sarees are well known for their trademark weave, consisting of a blend of techniques and vibrant colours.

The collection will feature a set of sarees woven to replicate the royal looms of the Bengali aristocracy – the Zamindars. This heirloom collection will showcase exquisite sarees, marrying ancient forms of weaving with new, contemporary fashion.

Sarees woven using the ancient Japanese shibori technique, fused with Bai Lou textures is available in silk, the Abir Jamdani collection, complete with its new look of geometric and floral jamdanis, Teliasarees all the way from Andhra Prades and the Naga collection inspired by the Angami Tribe will all be available at Rithihi this November.

The Bai Lou studio was set up in March 2002. Bai Lou is derived from the store’s name ‘Bailoom.’ Its founder, Bappaditya Biswas, initially started off the business as a small outlet selling scarves and wraps. The store has now grown into one with a steady, elusive clientele – with its primary customers being the ‘modern, contemporary woman.’

Rithihi has two meanings: it can mean a mode, manner or style and alternatively implies an uninterrupted flow or stream. It is with these two senses in mind that the name Rithihi came about for this exclusive women’s boutique.

Situated at Alfred House Gardens, Colombo 3, Rithihi was started with the aim of presenting traditional women’s garments – saris, dupattas, kurtas, salwars – both as a wearable wardrobe in today’s fashion context as well as artistically beautiful representations of a stylistic continuity which can be traced back centuries.

Drawing mainly upon a vast spectrum of sub-continental design imagery,

Rithihi’s collections range from South Indian Kancheevarams to Bengali Kantha saris and from Gujarati Bandhni and Patola saris to Upaada work from Hyderabad. Rithihi selections emphasise the aesthetic appeal of traditional weaves and embroidery combined with the beauty of cottons and silks.

Alongside the stock gamut of Indian heritage garments, Rithihi now increasingly offers a new line of saris and jewellery created by Sri Lankan designers with local weaves, techniques and fabrics.