The Half-Sari

The Half-sari is a lesser known way of dressing up, specific to Manipur in India.The half-sari was created by working women in Manipur- a practical and manageable way of wearing the traditional outfit.
As I have mentioned before, the Manipuri traditional outfit is a combination of the phanek(wrap) and a phi(stole). Instead of wrapping it around as usually a stole is, one end of the stole is pleated and tucked into the phanek and the other end worn across one shoulder as the sari is worn. Instead of pleating it and pinning it to my shoulder(as working women do), I'm leaving it open here. The delicate silk stole with floral motifs and the striped 'Mapan naiba' phanek (wrap) compliment each other. Mixing of prints- tried and tested, and interpreted here yet again! The outfit is accented with vintage Manipuri design jewellery. These designs have still not been incorporated into mainstream Indian jewellery and are are still limited to Manipur and only available in the region. Hope they are soon!

Silk stole, silk striped wrap(Mapan Naiba), puff sleeved blouse-From Manipur, India;Vintage Manipuri design gold necklace and studded gold bangle-Manikumar jewellers, Sagolband Manipur, India;  Strappy heels-Zara; Gold studs-Tanishq

 

Classic+Contemporary

The Wangkhei phi or rani phi(Manipuri silk stole-read about it here) has always been very alluring to me.I have always wanted to wear it more often. They're an epitome of Manipuri culture and beauty, a perfect adornment for a woman; timeless and elegant, graceful and 'intense', all at the same time. To acquaint the classic with the contemporary, I wear my phi as a stole over a gold top and a pair of white pants.
The floral motifs on my phi accentuates the spirit of spring. Stay a la mode and think pink!

Silk stole-Wangkhei phi, Manipur; Gold high-low spaghetti top-Globus, India; Pants-United Colors of Benetton; Strappy block heels-Zara; Clutch-Forever New; Gold maple leaf stud earrings-From Jammu, India

Shop similar items:

Gold top

White pants

Strappy heels (expensive)

Clutch(expensive)  (another floral option)

Traditional Manipuri finery

We have a decently numbered Manipuri community here in the bay area and we got together for a feast called the 'Ningol Chakouba'. The festival is similar to 'Bhai Duj' as known in most other parts of India. Its a beautiful concept; married women are invited by their brothers for a feast. It is a time for sisters to get pampered with gifts and a lavish spread of food items. It is one of the major festivals in Manipur.

It is a time for us women to dress up in traditional finery and look our best!It is of course a big deal!Going back and meeting all your folks again is very looked forward to, and eagerly waited for all year.

For an experience away from home, I chose to wear this hand woven silk stole in golden yellow, draped in traditional style and put in place with a brooch. I think yellow suits me no?The stole(called a phee in Manipuri)(read more about it here) comes in beautiful colors and looks ethereal on women during weddings and festivals. The wrap(called a phanek-this design in particular is the mayek naiba) is also hand woven and is tied at the waist,  also a classic piece(both the phee and the phanek are made in many beautiful, bright colors)-it could take a while to wrap it right :).  I paired the outfit with jewellery , designs which are very original and unique to Manipur.

Stole and Wrap- Wangkhei Manipur, India;Jewellery-Manikumar, Manipur, India; Sandals-Jimmy Choo

Traditional Manipuri Jewellery-Manikumar Jewellers; Manipur, India

Brooch-A gift; Earrings and bangles-Manikumar Jewellers,Manipur, India