MANY mothers hand down their prized saris to their daughters, granddaughters and daughters-in-law but not every woman feels comfortable draped in one. That is where actress, dancer, choreographer and designer Sivani Chinappan Moodley steps in.
Using saris, she created modern garments so every woman had the opportunity to be draped in the love of her ancestors.
Chinappan Moodley, who is also a teacher, will host a fashion show and launch a new range on Sunday in Belville in Cape Town.
"After moving from Durban to Cape Town, I was navigating my cultural identity. Using my skills and talents, I have been creating opportunities for cultural expression within the community. This fashion show is no exception.
"I was faced with the reality that most modern-day Indian women felt uncomfortable wearing saris. They are nervous about stepping on the pleats but are madly in love with the fabric. So Sakthi Couture, which is the label I started in 2020, focuses on continuing a mother's legacy through sari fashion. I decided to host the fashion show and launch a new range, so Cape Town had access to sari fashion," said Chinappan Moodley.
In Tamil culture, she said "Sakthi" represented "active life energy".
"And when you wear our clothing, your spirit is awakened."
While she had previously showcased garments at two events, this would be her first fashion show.
Chinappan Moodley said her mother and husband were the inspiration behind the event.
"I grew up watching my mother drape a sari in seconds and walk out the room with heightened confidence. I remember eagerly awaiting the day she gave me my first sari, when I reached puberty, in keeping with Tamil culture when a girl wears a sari for the first time. Now, when I am draped in a sari, I feel like I can take on anything.
"The other inspriation is my husband. He needed medical scrubs that were tailored for his personality and not the standard designs available. I decided to sew it and used the opportunity to play around with sari borders and bold colours."
She will showcase 20 garments, 15 of which were sewn by her.
"All the garments showcased are some of the designs we specialise in. We aim to tailor to the personality and specifications of the client, so your garment will be unique to you. I have a limited range of men's fashion, which will be included in the event, and it will comprisewaistcoats, shirts and scrubs."
As she reflects, Chinappan Moodley, whose journey in sewing started while at primary school, said she had come a long way.
"I remember learning different stitches, working with colorful balls of wool, a huge needle and hessian cloth when needlework was a subject. For my staging of the production of Kovalan and Kannagi, I decided to design certain costumes, which enhanced the performance, and then, during the Covid-19 pandemic, I bought a sewing machine and decided to play around with the saris I had.
"However, I did not know how to sew. I had the vision but was unable to execute it. It was also the year I lost my father and I was looking for a creative way to channel my grief. I started sketching my ideas in a book. While co-hosting a radio show with Zakiah Ebrahim, a casual conversation led to Sakthi Couture being launched. I took saris and my ideas to a senior seamstress and a selection of garments were showcased. I didn't do much with the brand after that due to the lockdown and life. But that has all changed."
She is working on starting an online store and creating another opportunity for cultural expression in Cape Town.
For information on the show, email [email protected]