Siliguri, Sept. 7: The desire to own a gorgeous Assam silk saree with elaborate design work has often been stifled by the steep price. Now, local designers have come forward to make it affordable with a new mix-and-match concept.

Using traditional Assamese motifs on cheaper silk sarees is the new concept that designers have come up with for this puja.

“Assam silk sarees and mekhelas are very costly. That is why not many can afford it. We are, therefore, experimenting with traditional Assamese designs and handiwork on comparatively cheaper silk sarees,” said Rakhee Gupta, a local fashion designer and owner of Rakhee boutique.

Elaborating on the USP of her store for this festive season, Gupta said: “The fabric of the saree is either Bishnupuri silk or Bangalore silk, which will come with an Assam silk border and pallu. This brings the price down considerably and makes it affordable.”

Low pricing is the key to making an impact on puja shoppers.

“Keeping in mind the tastes and affordability of all segments, the clothes have been priced between Rs 550 and Rs 1500 for cotton-embroidered sarees and Rs 1,500 and Rs 4,000 for silk embroidered sarees,” Gupta said.

For those on the look out for exclusive salwar-kameezes and lachhas, Rewaz boutique is the place to visit.

Designer Renu Nangia of Rewaz has experimented with zardosi, murari and gota work on exclusive crepe, chiffons, and georgettes to bring out the eclectic East-West fusion look.

For generation next, Nangia has, for the first time, designed traditional lachhas in a way that suits the tastes of those inclined towards western-wear.

“The dress is actually a tapering skirt falling on to the heels, with slits on both sides. Both the skirt and a matching traditional lachha top are done-up elaborately with sequins, stone or gota on crepe, chiffon and georgette. It is worn with a uttariya,” Nangia said.

Priced between Rs 650 and Rs 2,500, Nangia’s imagination seems to have caught the fancy of the younger customers in Siliguri.

“I have got a lot of orders already and my craftsmen are working day and night to meet the deadlines,” Nangia said.

She is also offering salwar kameezes in laheria, shibori and batik prints on chiffon and crepe with elaborate embroidery. The items are priced between Rs 550 and Rs 2,000 depending on the nature of work.

Suvra Ghosh of Sananda boutique is also into mix-and-match this season.

“My focus is on embroidery and patch work, mainly on cotton. I also have block-printed silk sarees ranging from Rs 750 to Rs 2,000. Prices have been kept reasonable to cater to a wide range of buyers,” Ghosh said.