HUNT FOR BRITISH SARI HOTS UP AS TOP RETAILER BACKS CONTEST
The search for a British Sari starts in earnest again this year as the third British Sari Story National Competition opens with a top prize of £250 to the person who creates a vision of a British Sari reflecting Asian experience in 21st Britain.
Previous winners have included a London tube map sari, a Cornish sari with buckets and spades, and a William Morris inspired chintz. But the organisers are expecting a fresh upsurge of interest this year as top sari retailer RCKC , which specialises in Asian, Indian and ethnic haute couture, will manufacture the top three entries.
“This competition has gathered momentum every year and captured people’s imagination across the country,” says Susan Roberts, director of Bridging Arts, the cultural arts organisation which is running the competition. “It’s a completely democratic contest, open not just to professionals but to anyone with a sketchbook and pencil and a vibrant vision of British Asian experience. We’re delighted to be working on this with RCKC.”
The entries produced by RCKC will join the British Sari Story touring exhibition – originally funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund – a glorious display of traditional and contemporary saris celebrating British Asian heritage. The show is shortly to open at University College, Falmouth, where the top three entries in the 08 competition will be unveiled.
RCKC Director Amit Rastogi says the idea putting a vision of British Asian experience on fabric is exciting and important. His firm would like to see the fashion industry throw itself behind the contest.
“There are many people here and across India, Pakistan and Bangladesh who wear saris daily and who will be fascinated to see the results. This is not just a competition, but an important cultural exercise.”
Entry to the competition is free. Competitors are asked to submit sketches of their designs plus instructions of how they think a British Sari might be worn. Entry forms can be downloaded from www.bridging-arts.com or call 020 8749 9010. The closing date is 31 October 2009.
In partnership with RCKC and Asiana magazine.
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NOTES TO EDITORS
1. For more information about the national competition and the British Sari Story, email Susan Roberts at info@bridging-arts.com or call 020 8749 9010 or 0794 12 52 444. Entry forms can be downloaded from www.bridging-arts.com
2. RCKC is a top name in Asian, Indian and Ethnic haute couture and is one of the most exclusive UK and India based fashion houses in the UK and India. It provides Indian fashion wear and exclusive Indian Bridal and Groom Wear. In London, it is based at The Atlip Centre, Ealing Road, Wembley HA0 4LW. Tel: 020 8902 5383.
3. Bridging Arts works with art, design and photography to give people without a voice the chance to speak out, to trigger debate and to open minds. Visit www.bridging-arts.com for more information.
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