Sivani Chinnappan Moodley’s modern take on sari fashion

MANY mothers hand down their prized saris to their daughters, granddaugh-ters and daughters-in-law but not every woman’s wardrobe is draped in one that is wearable, actress, choreographer and designer Sivani Chinnappan Moodley steps in.

- CANDICE SOOBRAMONEY [e-mail]

Taking saris, she created modern garments so every woman had the oppor-tunity to be draped in the love of her ancestors.

Chinnappan Moodley, who is also a teacher, will host a fashion show and launch a new range of Sakthi in Bel-ville in Cape Town.

“After moving from Durban to Cape Town, I was realigning my cultural iden-tity. Using my skills and talents, I have been creating opportunities for cultural expression. Sakthi, in my community, this fashion show is no exception.

“I was faced with the reality that most modern-day Indian women felt uncomfortable wearing saris. They are nervous about stepping on the pleats but are madly in love with the fabric. So Sakthi Couture, which is the label I started in 2020, focuses on continuing a modern legacy through saris and I decided to host the fashion show and launch a new range, so Cape Town had access to sari fashion,” said Chinnappan Moodley.

In Tamil culture, she said ‘Sakthi’ represented active energy.