On November 12, 2024, the opening reception of “Splendor of Silk & Beyond,” a unique initiative by the International Museum of The Sarees (IM of The Saree), was held. This event marked an important cultural milestone, showcasing the diversity and beauty of traditional attire. The reception welcomed the public along with leaders from Indian-South Asian, Caribbean, and Japanese diaspora organizations. Attendees participated in a vibrant exhibition featuring exotic and vintage apparel, including sarees, sherwanis, kurtas, dhotis, lehengas, and kimonos from various communities, including diplomatic, judicial, professional, and designer circles, according to a press release by the organizers.
The exhibit, which ran from October 15 to December 11, 2024, was hosted at the City College of New York. “Those interested in viewing this eccentric and fashionable exhibition of legendary icons’ apparel, accessories, short films, and audios in the Cohen Gallery & Archives should RSVP at imofthesaree@gmail.com and ask for private curations,” stated the organizers.
This curation boasted a wide variety of garments, including Banarasi sarees, South Indian sarees, and historically significant Indo-Caribbean and South American apparel. Among its highlights was a cancer-awareness saree, symbolizing wellness, along with a preview of the short documentary film IM of The Saree, Act 1.
The documentary featured key figures associated with the International Museum of The Saree, including its founders, legendary musicians Pandit Anup Jalota and Ustad Kamal Sabri, as well as a teaser by Bollywood star Rahul Roy. Additionally, the exhibit included audio recordings of lectures by the late Pandit Ravi Shankar, who once taught music at City College, CUNY.
The opening reception offered attendees an exclusive preview of the short film IM of The Saree and showcased live performances by prominent artists. Terry Gajraj and Artiste Anjali, both of Guyanese heritage, delivered stirring performances, followed by an ensemble led by renowned musician and composer Ustad Kamal Sabri. The event was a collaboration between the City College of New York, the Colin Powell School of Civic and Global Leadership, the City College Alumni Association, and pop-up initiatives such as IM of The Saree and the Green Fashion, Art & Design Museum.
This initiative represents an ongoing effort by the International Museum of The Saree to archive and celebrate the development of art, culture, and community. Partner organizations include GOPIO International, the South Asian Council for Social Services (SACSS), Nataraja Arts, Vivarta Arts, Sri Swaminarayan BAPS Temple, the Mithila Center, the Mala Desai School of Odissi Dance, Hearts of Change, and the Gracie Mansion Conservancy.
The project has also received support from CUNY employees and alumni, diaspora families, and leaders from diverse communities representing countries such as India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Trinidad & Tobago, Suriname, Guyana, Bangladesh, South Africa, Zambia, Pakistan, Europe, China, and Korea. Together, these groups aim to promote cultural preservation and foster an appreciation for traditional attire and its historical significance.
The co-founder of IM of The Saree, Ashvini Persaud, has played a pivotal role in this initiative, which seeks to document and showcase the enduring legacy of sarees and other traditional garments. The exhibition emphasized the importance of preserving cultural heritage while simultaneously introducing innovative approaches to traditional art forms.
By blending fashion, art, and history, “Splendor of Silk & Beyond” has successfully created a platform for meaningful dialogue and cross-cultural exchange. The initiative is a testament to the vibrant stories embedded within fabrics and garments, resonating deeply with the communities they represent.
