Draping those six yards of fabric is almost a rite of passage in some Bengali households — and the blouse remains quite key to this experience. It’s almost an unsung hero that lets you flit around your comfort zone.
While indigenous fabrics and details like zari and patchwork are always in demand, finding the right ready-made blouse can be quite an ordeal, especially if you’re in a time crunch. While Gariahat, Dakshinapan or New Market are famed for their classic selections, some independent labels in the city are switching things up and producing some fierce, ready-to-wear picks that have everyone’s attention, from fashionistas to A-listers.
Parama
Parama Ghosh left a decade-long career in law to establish her eponymous label in 2015 and it’s certainly paying off. Parama’s sarees are nothing short of art on fabric and even Tollywood is quite taken with the brand.
“On a blouse, you get about 50cm of space to tell a story and that is very challenging. It is very easy to tell extraordinary stories, but I wanted to tell the stories of the mundane and ordinary things that we see everyday,” shared Parama. The label is best known for its cheeky Bengali pop culture motifs and texts.
One of her recent edits (made in collaboration with Chhapa) is an ode to celebrated women and features the spunky Malala-inspired hoodie blouse that lets the wearer cover their head, like Malala.
Store no.6
If you’re looking for last-minute ready-made blouses, this Instagram boutique is where you should look. Almost all their blouses come with pre-fitted cups that ensure proper fitting. You’ll also spot some dramatic sleeves, audacious deep-necks, dreamy florals and tie-up blouses in gorgeous fabrics.
Dora by Phoenix
Kakali Biswas and Priyama Chowdhury’s Dora by Phoenix focuses on Bengal handloom and the label’s spunky cocktail blouses are already a hit. You’ll also find some classic picks that are pairable and can save a lot of time in fashion emergencies.
“We believe a blouse can make or break a saree. A well-matched or one, in contrast, can completely change the look of any saree,” says Biswas.
Aranya
This Dakshinapan store is already a cult favourite with saree lovers. Aranya offers a diverse, contemporary selection and most of their blouses are also work-friendly. You’ll spot shirt-collared blouses, halter and boatneck options and even quirky jackets that can be worn with sarees. Aranya’s blouses are made with breathable handloom fabrics so they’re great for every season.
Akashlina
Started by 23-year-old Moumala Banik in 2019, Akashlina offers some great design elements in blouses. The attention to detail is what sets them apart — be it in the neckline, the sleeves or just the sheer diversity of fabrics.
“We started out with the gamcha fabric and it paid off. It has given us our identity. And now we are pursuing a dream of working with purely handwoven jamdani,” shares Banik.
Mohor
Mohor is another Dakshinapan gem, that is a haven for saree lovers who need daily wear blouses and are looking for a wide selection.
They have a good variety of sleeveless blouses and detailed sleeves, all created from handloom fabrics. They keep stocking up on new designs and fabrics which is great for shoppers who don’t like recycling the same pick.
