Dolly Jain, a celebrated drape artist, is known for her exceptional skills in draping traditional Indian attire — the sari. She has mastered 325 diverse draping styles, and earned the title of the world record holder for the fastest sari drape in 18.5 seconds. Her expertise and knowledge about the art of sari draping and understanding of the Indian body type has culminated in her own fashion brand ‘I Am’ which has garnered immense love and support world over.
Dolly is the favourite of a plethora of Indian brides. Her portfolio entails draping iconic wedding looks of Deepika Padukone, Alia Bhatt, Isha Ambani and has draped saris for other stars like Kiara Advani, Katrina Kaif, Natasha Poonawala, and international model Gigi Hadid.
Dolly has represented India on the global stage at high-profile events like the MET Gala and Cannes.
Excerpts from the interview:
Can you share your love for saris?
At one time, sari seemed like a complicated garment to me and was not my style. But life has a way of leading you to places you never expected to go. With time, I began to see them in a whole new light — as a masterpiece that tells a story. Slowly, my disdain turned into admiration, and then into an unbreakable bond. I fell in love with the sari, its elegance, grace, and the way it makes every woman look timelessly beautiful. What started as a hobby of draping saris turned into a passion, and then into a career.
Being an Indian, I feel proud to champion this incredible garment that symbolises our heritage, and am honoured to share its beauty with the world.
At what age did you turn your hobby into a profession?
For a long time, sari draping was just a hobby. It wasn’t until I turned 30 that I started doing drapes regularly. Even later, it was about the love for the fabric, the culture, and the art of draping. I never imagined that this passion could evolve into a full-fledged profession and would command my time or earn me the respect I’ve received — from family, friends, community, and people all the world over. The journey has been incredible.
Dolly with Tripti Dimri |
How did you beat societal pressure that you couldn’t drape saris for an income?
Embarking on a new journey is not easy, especially when society isn’t quite ready to accept your path. As a woman stepping into a field that was unfamiliar to many, I faced my fair share of challenges. There were whispers, disapproving looks, and behaviours that changed overnight. There were moments I felt completely disheartened by people’s reaction. With time, I could understand that it stemmed from fear of the unknown. Looking back, I realise how grateful I am for those early critics. Praise is nice, but it’s the criticism that truly shaped me.
What problems have you come across with sari wearing?
Over the years, I’ve heard all sorts of reasons (or myths) why saris are ‘difficult’. People say it’s hard to walk or sit in a sari, or that you cannot handle kids, or you can’t rush around the office. Honestly, it’s like anything new — a bit awkward until you get the hang of it. Here’s the real kicker: when you decide there’s no problem, the problems disappear.
What is your understanding of sari fabrics?
When it comes to saris, my focus is on the six or nine-yard piece of fabric that drapes effortlessly. What’s truly wonderful is their versatility. You can style a sari in countless ways without needing to cut or stitch anything. This free-flowing fabric has a unique charm, allowing you to express your style.
You have mastered 325 draping styles, and are a world record holder for fastest draping in 18.5 seconds.
In India, each state and union territory has its own traditional sari draping style, and I just started by embracing these drapes. Then, the fun began. I started mixing and matching styles from different states, creating my own draping techniques. The key was to engage today’s generation by offering them trendy, fusion drapes. This mission fuelled my creativity and pushed me to come up with newer styles. Mastering 325 draping styles and earning the title of world record holder for the fastest draping in 18.5 seconds took truckloads of patience, dedication, and relentless hard work. I travelled to different corners of India and met women who continue to wear saris in the traditional way. They were my true masters, and learning from them felt incredibly fulfilling. Then I experimented with fabrics, pairing them with modern elements like crop tops and pants. That’s how I reached 325 styles!
Dolly with Sonali Bendre |
You are recognised for draping saris for celebrities, industrialists and international models like Gigi Hadid and on grand platforms like MET Gala and Cannes.
Being recognised worldwide for draping saris for famous personalities and on grand stages was absolutely surreal. Suddenly, you feel on top of the world and a bit like a celebrity yourself. The experience made me appreciate all those years of dedication and hard work. It’s challenging to put this feeling into words.
What was the vision behind launching ‘I Am’ by Dolly Jain?
Launching my own brand with our star product, the D’Coat underskirt, was a true labour of love. The idea sparked from my experiences while draping saris. Designers are focused on crafting beautiful saris, but they miss the crucial piece — a well-fitted, comfortable underskirt! As the go-to person for perfect drapes, it was my duty to solve this problem. The underskirt is like a secret weapon to sass up the sari game. I take tutorial videos on sari draping and hacks as I want to convert every sari-shy soul into a sari lover.
You have had several milestones and won awards for sari draping.
Winning awards has truly been a heartwarming journey. Every trophy and medal feels like a bundle of joy, not just for me, but my family, especially my daughters. Whenever I add a new award to the shelf, their eyes light up with pride. It’s a reminder that even in the face of challenges, women can achieve their dreams.
