The Offbeat Sari

A major exhibition celebrating the contemporary sari.

The Offbeat Sari exhibition shows how designers, wearers and craftspeople are reshaping the ways in which the sari is understood, designed, made and worn in contemporary urban India.

This exhibition unravels its numerous forms, demonstrating the sari to be a metaphor for the layered and complex definitions of India today and a site for design innovation, an expression of identity and resistance, and a crafted object carrying layers of new materialities.

The Offbeat Sari is a touring exhibition by the Design Museum, London. Conceived and curated by Priya Khanchandani.

This exhibition is kindly supported by Eversheds Sutherland, MAC New Work Trust and MK Rose Charitable Trust. With thanks to Arts Council England and players of People's Postcode Lottery.

Ashdeen © Hormis Antony Tharakan

What is a Sari?

A sari (or saree) is a traditional garment that consists of several yards of silk or cotton, often brightly coloured and intricately embroidered. It is usually worn with a short fitted blouse with the sari skilfully draped over the body so that one end forms a skirt and the other a head or shoulder covering. Saris are widely worn throughout south Asia - including India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.

Find out more about Sari Summer Season at MAC here.