Ritu drapes Deepa Mehta in Benarasi for Oscars

The Oscar style alert is out. Fashion pundits are betting on which star will wear which designer’s outfit. World-famous designers are more concerned about who wins the fashion Oscars rather than who will carry away the coveted statuette. Recently, Donatella Versace said, "The red carpet is a runway." This year, news is out that Indian style will be showcased by Deepa Mehta, who'll wear a Benarasi saree styled by Ritu Kumar.

The Oscars are the pinnacle of fashion and glamour. And amidst the eye-catching gowns, the sarees worn by Deepa, her daughter Devyani and actor Lisa Ray, will be one-of-a-kind stunners pairing elegance and individuality.

The priceless Benarasi saree is a legend in itself, and has a historic relevance to Benaras, the city where Deepa’s film Water is based. Says Ritu, "The connection to Benaras is sensitive.

Deepa wanted to showcase a craft that was being lost in Benaras. She wanted the world to admire the forgotten art of the naksha loom. Deepa will be wearing her mother's 70-year-old gold and silver tissue saree, with a pink patterned Benaras woven silk blouse styled by me.

For the post awards Vanity Fair party, she's wearing a black saree which I've especially designed for her!" That's not all, walking the red carpet will be Devyani Saltzman, Deepa’s daughter and the author of the book Making of Water , who also has done the sensitive stills for the movie.

"Devyani will wear a white crepe saree with tiny zardozi embroidered motifs. And for the Vanity Fair party, she'll wear a drop dead glamorous black and khakhi saree," adds Ritu.

The makeover and revival of the Benarasi saree by Ritu has been her special project. "When I was writing my book, Costumes and Textiles of India , I discovered the Benarasi brocade.

For Deepa, I've given it modern, crepe pleats. The Benarasi brocade is part of our rich heritage. Now, both Deepa and I want to revive and showcase the Benarasi saree as a historic fashion garment." Global designers will be watching the stars closely.

The idea is to stand out. Wearing something unexpected can make the press go crazy. Every gown for the Oscars takes weeks to make. The designers try to give their stars the dress of their dreams.

SOURCE : THE TIMES OF INDIA