Date:22/09/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/09/22/stories/2005092217020500.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

It's a riot of colour at Co-optex sari show

Staff Reporter

Prices are an equally pleasant surprise Prices are an equally pleasant surprise

DREAM WEAVES: VISITORS AND OFFICIALS look at the new designs introduced on Monday evening at the Co-optex Thillaiyadi Valliammai Pattu Maaligai on Pantheon Road.

CHENNAI: The shimmer of silk and the elegance of cotton are redefined in colourful ways at the Co-optex exhibition of saris designed by leading freelancers and institutions. The exhibition was inaugurated by A. Elangovan, Secretary to Government, Handlooms, Handicrafts, Textiles and Khadi Department on Wednesday at the Co-optex showroom on Pantheon Road, Egmore.

A riot of colour in all combinations greets the visitor at the showroom. The prices are an equally pleasant surprise. Of the silk saris priced between Rs. 1200 and Rs. 7000, the Thirunaal collection designed by students of the Textile Division of Stella Maris College incorporates traditional motifs in styles both contemporary and conventional.

The collection from the National Institute of Design steals the show with intricate designs that draw vibrantly and innovatively on the traditional, while the Kalakshetra and freelancers' section stand out for sheer, rich colour.

Particularly delightful among the cotton saris are some of the designs of the freelancers, priced between Rs. 300 and Rs. 1000.There is special discount up to 20 per cent on the saris.