Bailou shows in Bangalore

Endangered animals. Delicate plants. Dying arts. There’s a bit of space for each in my heart. When the festive season rolls around, that space expands a little more. And when I go shopping, I try to pander both to my aesthetic eye and my do-good needs.

Which isn’t so hard, really, when you encounter a collection such as Bailou’s. Based in Kolkata, this weavers’ studio deals in contemporary textiles hand-created by traditional master craftsmen. They use tussars, matkas, cotton and mulberry silks, highlighting the locally sourced raw materials with embroidery and prints.

The result is a flamboyant collection of non-stitched drapes — sarees, scarves, stoles — that smell of the earth and sing of the skies. A sneak peek of the wares designers Bappaditya and Rumi will show over three days in Bangalore revealed rich colours, unusual contrasts, beautiful prints and influences as wide-ranging as north-eastern tribal shawls and Mughal miniature paintings in weaves as different as dhoti, khadi and jamdani.

I’ve already booked a turquoise stole for my style-diva sister. And a lovely fuchsia saree for my mum. When I hand over my gifts, the warm-and-fuzzy feeling will be nurtured further by the knowledge that Bailou helps sustain 300 weaving households.

After all, festivals are for families, aren’t they?

Bailou. Showing from September 11 to 13 at Serenity, 8/1, 5th Main, Jayamahal Extension, Bangalore 46. Tel: 41279127/9902624452. www.bailou.net. Prices: Sarees range from Rs 2000 to Rs 10,000, scarves and stoles from Rs 500 to Rs 1500.