Speak silk and Karnataka springs
to the mind. Areas like Doddaballapur, Cubbonpet, Kamakshipalya,
Adugodi in Bangalore are the well-known silk
weaving centres.
Shakti Silks, one of the pioneers in silks, has a wide
range of fabulous silks intricately designed and woven. Located
in the heart of city on J C Road, this showroom is the
place where some of the most precious memories in a woman's
life begins.
M R Shivam, the proprietor of Shakti Silk, spoke
to the bangalorebest team about the changing trends in
the industry.
How long has Shakti Silks been in business? "We have
been in the silk sari business for almost three decades now.
We manufacture and even weave the silk ourselves with the help
of weavers. Another showroom on M G Road caters
to NRI's and tourists, It is called Mega Silk Udhyog."
The present Indian silk market… "There is a downswing
in the Indian silk market because of globalisation. Yarn
rates have gone up, subsequently affecting silk pricing." 
India's position in the global silk market…. "At present,
India's position in the global market is stable, but the local
market is down. Though China and Korea
are the best silk producers, Indian silk has already made its
mark on the market. Indian handloom silk is very much in demand
as it is the best. In fact, foreigners are trying to copy us,
but I am very sure we'll win in the end!"
Exports… "No, we don't export, but we do supply silk
saris to some of the stores in Europe, USA, Malaysia
and Singapore. Their pricing is, of course, higher
compared to Indian rates." 
The present demands of customers… "Traditional saris
are back in fashion now. People are going back to buying saris
in bright shades. Young ladies are more into buying party
wear saris, which are light- weight and also multi-purpose.
The saris here range anywhere between Rs 300- Rs 30,000."
Customer relations… "It is our personalised service,
recognizing every individual's taste, that sets us apart from
others. Besides, we always have the latest designs in the market."
Tips on preserving 'zari-work' saris…
- Silk and Zari work saris should never be kept wrapped
in polythene bags.
- Saris should be constantly used, because if they are
kept unused for a long time, the zari starts to blacken.
- Never keep any weight on the saris; always keep them
on a hanger. Always dry clean the saris.
- If home washed, wash it separately in good quality liquid
soap without a detergent base.
- Never keep the silk saris closed in boxes; keep it in
a place where it gets enough of air.
At Shakti Silks, you can equip yourself with a breathtaking
wardrobe that reflects both traditional and contemporary
designs, fresh out of the loom!
Contact: M R Shivam, Proprietor,
Shakti Silks, B Block, Unity Building,
J C Road, Bangalore-560 002.
Phone: 2223 9983/ 2229 0415
| Photographs and Text by Aditi Kumar |
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