This is all the more extraordinary because it is a unique art and craft which offers special insights into the ethnology of Indian and South-East Asian peoples and the archaeology of the periods in which it developed. I have spent years researching sari drapes and recording over 100 different styles of draping. My findings bring out new ways for classifying Indian costumes and open different perspectives on the meaning of drapes. Saris are also the expression of women's creativity and could inspire anyone. I don't believe that these drapes should simply be recorded and then be confined to dusty libraries in the future.
Drapes have many advantages over stitched clothes, especially when beauty is an important value.
Saris are much more practical than we think, especially since they can be so easily modified. Saris are fun to wear. From the material of this book, they can be tried by anyone, and more styles can be created. By teaching workshops on draping, I have learned that there is for each woman one drape that fits her perfectly. It's not often the modern sari, and can be any of the styles in this book, or even one the woman invents for herself.