On November 12, 2024, the opening reception of Splendor of Silk & Beyond, an initiative of pop up, International Museum of The Sarees, took place.
It welcomed the public including many organization leaders of Indian-South Asian, Caribbean and Japanese diasporas, who also participated in fashionable and virtual display of exotic and vintage sarees, sherwanis, kurtas, dhotis, lehengas, kimonos and more from diplomatic, judicial, professional and designer communities, a press release from organizers said.
The exhibit began on Oct 15th and concluded on of December 11, 2024, at City College in New York City. “Those interested in viewing this eccentric and fashionable exhibition of legendary icons’ apparel, accessories, short film and audios in the Cohen Gallery & Archives, should RSVP at imofthesaree@gmail.com and ask for private curations,” organizers said.
The curation brags of Banarasi, South Indian sarees, new historically significant Indo-Caribbean & South American apparel, cancer awareness-wellness saree to describe a few. It also includes a preview of short documentary film, “IM of The Saree, Act 1.”
The documentary features founders of International Museum of The Saree, legendary musicians, Pt. Anup Jalota, Ustad Kamal Sabri and teaser by Bollywood Star, Rahul Roy.
In addition, the exhibit has on reserve, audios of lectures by legendary Pt. Ravi Shankar, who taught music at City College, CUNY
Exclusive short film preview of IM of The Saree and performances by Terry Gajraj & Artiste Anjali of Guyanese heritage followed a performance by renowned musician and composer, Ustad Kamal Sabri and ensemble of musicians at the opening reception, hosted by City College of New York, Colon Powell School of Civic & Global Leadership, City College Alumni and pop ups, IM of The Saree and Green Fashion, Art & Design Museum.
This is a ongoing initiative of International Museum of The Saree to archive development of arts, culture and people, which GOPIO International, SACSS, Nataraja Arts, Vivarta Arts, Sri Swaminarayan Baps Temple, Mithila Center, Mala Desai School of Odissi Dance, Hearts of Change, Gracie Mansion Conservancy.
Others involved in the ongoing initiative include CUNY employees and alumni, diaspora families, and leaders of various organizations, communities and diasporas of countries ( India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Trinidad & Tobago, Suriname, Guyana, Caribbean, Bangladesh, South Africa, Zambia, Pakistan, Europe, China & Korea).
The IM OF The Saree co-founder is Ashvini Persaud.
(Used with permission)
