TREASURE ISLAND



Nadia in her Pochampally wedding saree

Cousins, chai and a closet full of vintage sarees, fabrics and outfits. A recipe for the ultimate laid-back afternoon that transported us  to another time. The venue, my cousin, powerhouse actress and fellow malang Nadia Jamil's cosy guest room where, she, Gull and I drifted through her most treasured and magnificent collection. 

Cupboards full of the most stunning and eclectic pieces, mysterious potlies of fabrics, carefully wrapped boxes, bags and hangers piled the room, as we rolled down the river of memories.  Every fabric was a weave full of emotions, as Nado recounted the wonderful stories associated with each heirloom.

We started the journey with her favorite, the exquisitely understated, Pochampally wedding silk saree with gold thread that took six months to weave, with a gorgeous blouse designed by Bunto Kazmi.

 



Qamar, her late nani , in the orange gota saree





 

Nadia's most prized processions are her late nani’s sarees, that had her in tears.  From the orange gota sari, that she wore and danced in on her mehndi, to the Chinese silk saree with Cherry blossoms that her nana specially designed for her nano, every saree is special.

 



Her exquisite Bunto Kazmi Valima gharara that was borrowed by Yash Chopra, to be inspired for Priety Zintas's wedding outfit for Veer Zara. Her mom, Nuscie’s 70’s vintage wedding gharara that is still so cool!  The elegant printed chiffon sarees her husband Ali bought her that she loves to wear. The delectable collection of cotton sarees from India and Bangladesh that she wears every day.

 

The 100 -year -old Kashmiri Doli ka dupatta that belonged to Ali’s great grandmother’s and was handed down to her by her mother- in- law and that she matched with a Sublime shirt by Sara Shahid. Her gorgeous Kantha and Tussan sarees that she’s got from Dhaka. The Chantilly lace ones that she’s bought from Saleem Fabrics. The gold net sarees that she adores from Nickie n Nina, and her beloved blouses that she had made only from Kamiar Rokni and Bunto Kazmi.  The collection of Banarsi silk sarees, from which she’ll give to her daughter in laws!  It was a journey of endless laughter, fun and superb storytelling.

 

The value of old age old fabrics, the appreciation for its craftsmanship, the art of keeping them well,  the tradition of passing it on and keeping the memory alive of our loved ones.. Let’s hope the next generation can keep this fabric of life strong forever.

 


 

 



 

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