The Time Capsule: Pre-stitched Saree
Turn, tuck, pleat and repeat. We spin around in circles trying to drape six yards of sartorial culture around ourselves. The innovation of the pre-stitched saree came to be known as a time-saving mechanism by anyone and everyone that tried to make it to a special occasion without unraveling in the fabric draped around them. Pre-stitched or pre-draped sarees presented a cultural shift in the market, a way of acknowledging the past while making way for the future.?
This is the story of how Papa Don’t Preach presented its audience with our own twist on the iconic garment.?
The Inception?
Always a fan of experimentation, Shubhika is known for mixing, matching and merging styles and silhouettes. One of the first sarees by Papa Don’t Preach was originally made out of a dupatta design that Shubhika fell in love with. The Aztec saree - a fan favorite geometric printed piece with a stitched pallu, was first popularized by Kiara Advani.
During one particularly creatively fuelling trial, Shubhika wore a lehenga and paired it with a different dupatta, draping it around her like a saree. The result was a stunning amalgamation of georgette and net that set the tone for future designs of sarees, concept sarees and saree gowns. With no other variations on the original Aztec saree and an increase in demand for easy to wear, fuss-free outfits - Shubhika designed a new addition to the world of Papa Don’t Preach. An entirely pre-stitched saree, fixed at the pallu and the waist so that the wearer can slip in and out of it with ease.?
The Evolution?
Hot off the presses, the new pre-stitched saree was an instant success. Mothers and daughters alike would come to the store and ask for ‘That Papa Don’t Preach Saree.’ From the very first design, the saree saw many iterations. Each with a unique twist from the last, while maintaining the foundation of a hassle free yet luxury look.?
As all Papa Don’t Preach creations do, it started with a color story. From solid, bold colors in pinks, reds, blues and mystic greens, each new design made use of a different hue. Until Shubhika reinvented it to add a new spin with shaded ombres of pastels and sarees with tri-color panels that resembled colorful stripes. Eventually being made into 20 different color-ways, cinched at the waist with a bedazzled belt and paired with its own matching blouse with 3D embellishments.
The stand out feature and main identifier that separates a Papa Don't Preach saree from the rest has always been the rows of gold embellishments. No matter the color or collection - the 3D embellished rows on the front became a brand signifier.
The half georgette, half tulle and net pre-stitched saree made its successful debut at Bridal Asia 2015, becoming an instant show-stopper amongst the crowd because. It presented the market with the tempting combination of heavy embellishments to give it a royal feel in a lightweight, fuss-free garment.?
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These sarees became a Mehendi or Haldi staple for their color, gold-work and prints. It was only then that the brand decided to go in a completely new direction, something they had never done before.?
Shubhika designed a saree with a cocktail or sangeet in mind, utilizing a black shaded fabric with 3D gold embellishments. For a brand, whose identity is rooted in its usage of bold and vibrant colors, this was the very first time Shubhika made an outfit in black and gray
…and it paid off.?
The black to gray shaded gold beaded georgette saree (as seen on Juhi Godambe in 2018)? became one of the best-selling pieces on the market. It provided the right mix of sensual luxury with pops of gold 3D embellishments - A staple for a sophisticated sangeet or cocktail look.?
The Culmination?
It’s a time saver, excusing you from the hassle of tucks and pleats, yet delivering the same level of sophistication and glamour for any momentous occasion. A stunning piece of fabric reinvented over and over to get the best of innovation and creativity. That’s what made the Papa Don’t Preach saree what it is today. ...And we’re only just beginning.?