Around the World in 80 Dresses

India is the land of colours not least due to the wonderful saris Indian women are wearing so gracefully. I showed some of my collection in post Le Pays des Couleurs on June 26, already. One can find beautiful selections of saris not only in India but wherever Indians live. Many are living in South East Asia and in Africa.  The unusual brown one I found in Singapore. I have adorned it with the mask of king Rama's consort Sita. Images from the Ramayana, one of the two great Indian epics from the past spread all over Asia. The green sari comes for Port Louis in Mauritius. The kangas of Zanzibar and the capulanas of Mozambique are relatives of the saris. They come in two colourful pieces, one to cover the body and one as scarf for head and shoulders. The East African women are playing skilfully with these two pieces of cloth. There is a mood  for hiding and one for revealing. Some like to make a statement and put on a kanga with a ...

Ever since I had read Alfred Andersch's novella Sansibar, I longed for this magic island. Eventually I could travel to Zanzibar. I strolled along the ancient lanes of the Stone Town and peeped through heavy wooden gates into secret courtyards. Once in a restaurant I admired the delicate yellow chiffon sari of a lady at the next table. She introduced me to Memories of Zanzibar , her favourite shop.  The blouse I purchased in this treasure trove is made of the lightest silk and the dark blue checkers temper the gold. One has to bring home some glittering gold from the island were the Arab sultans reigned for a long time.                                                                                                        ...