Nivi
The everyday drape from Andhra Pradesh that most of India grew up with: neat front pleats and a pallu over the left shoulder. Master this and every other drape gets easier.
Mumbai · Pune · OnlineA saree isn't worn.
A saree isn't worn.
It's composed.
Saree draping by Mayuri for brides, celebrities and brands, and an academy where anyone can learn. 30+ drapes. Students in 15 countries.
As seen in The Indian Express · Vanita · Mid-Day · Lakmé Fashion Week
Six drapes, one saree
Every pleat tells a story
Scroll, and watch the same saree re-drape itself. Each style comes from a place, a time or a film, and Mayuri teaches them all.
- Nivi
- Bengali
- Nauvari
- Gujarati
- Mumtaz
- Mermaid
Bengali
Broad box pleats in front and a pallu that comes around to the front on both sides. Traditionally the household keys hung from the pallu, the sign of the woman who ran the home.
Nauvari
Nine yards, tucked like a dhoti so Maratha women could ride and fight. Mayuri teaches three versions: Jijau (9 yards), Brahmini (10) and Peshwai (12).
Gujarati
The pallu comes over the right shoulder and spreads across the front, so the whole design of the saree is on show. Made for Navratri and weddings.
Mumtaz
Made famous by the Bollywood star Mumtaz: the saree is wrapped tightly around the lower body several times for a slim, figure-hugging line. Not easy to walk in, but timeless.
Mermaid
Fitted to the knee, then flaring at the hem like a fishtail. A red-carpet favourite that Mayuri teaches in two variations.
Meet MayuriRead Mayuri's story →
“I was a housewife and used to get many compliments for the way I wore sarees.”
A fashion designer and ad-film costume stylist, Mayuri took a career break to raise her daughter. Friends kept asking her to drape them. Today she drapes brides, celebrities and catalogue models, and has taught women from 21 to 55 in 15 countries.
15countries
30+drapes taught
10Indian cities
Draped by Mayuri
Red-carpet ready
Fashion weeks, TV promotions and one very big wedding.
Deepti & Isheta SalgaonkarAkash Ambani's weddingDraped Mukesh Ambani's sister and niece for the wedding. Mayuri calls it her big break.
Lara Dutta BhupathiLakmé Fashion WeekShowstopper for the Sanjukta Dutta label.
TabuThe Kapil Sharma ShowDraped for the Drishyam 2 promotions.
Shamita ShettyArchana Kochar fashion showDraped for a designer event by Archana Kochar.
Ira TrivediSwati & Sunaina catalogueDraped for the Swati & Sunaina label's catalogue shoot.
Pre-pleating
Nine perfect pleats. Two minutes to drape.
Send us your saree and get it back pleated, pressed and box-folded. On the day, it drapes in minutes and stays crisp for hours.
The Academy
Learn from Mayuri
Four courses, online or in Mumbai and Pune. From draping yourself in ten minutes to draping clients for a living.
बेसिकBasic Saree DrapingDrape your own saree, neatly, in under 10 minutes.5 hours · ₹5,000दुल्हनBridal Saree Draping15+ bridal and wedding drapes, from Nauvari to the double-saree Maharani.Small-group batchesप्रोफेशनलProfessional Saree Draping30+ drapes from every state of India. The complete career course.15 days × 4 hours · ₹50,000प्री-प्लीटिंगPre-Pleating & Box-FoldingPerfect 9 pleats, pressed and box-folded. Drape in 2 minutes.4 days · ₹2,000
Not sure where to start?
Answer three quick questions and we'll point you to the right course.
Question 1 of 3
Why do you want to learn?
Free tutorials
24 drapes, step by step
Every tutorial in the library is made from Mayuri's own step photos. Drag through them at your own pace.
Students
From Mumbai to Melbourne
Students have joined from 13 countries outside India, and sessions have run in 10 Indian cities.
Student storyAnjali’s Story – From Tears to Triumph Through a Saree Drape
Student storyFrom Mumbai to Melbourne – How She Carried a Gujarati Pallu Across Continents
Student storyOne Saree, A Mother’s Love, and A Promise“I thoroughly enjoyed my professional saree draping course with Mayuri. Initially, I wasn’t very confident about draping a saree to someone but after completing her 15 days course, I really gained so much confidence that now I can easily drape a saree to someone within few minutes. All I can say is she is one of the best saree drapists in India and a great human being to learn from.”
“I took the basic saree draping course from her, have never draped a saree before but after attending her class, I am confident to drape it on my own. She is very professional and has been extremely patient with me throughout the class.”
“I came to know about her from Instagram and joined her 1 day pre-pleating and box folding class. She explains each and every step in detail until you understand it well. She also gives practice sessions which clear all your doubts. If you wish to learn any type of saree draping I would highly recommend her to everyone.”
In the press
“Every pleat teaches you something new.”
The Indian Express, on professional sari drapers preserving Indian heritage.
Questions
Good to know
What is included in a saree draping class?
Step-by-step instruction in different styles, traditional, modern, bridal, celebrity and Bollywood, plus techniques for pleats, safety pins and accessories for a perfect look.
How much does a professional saree draper charge?
It depends on the complexity of the drape, the location and the occasion. Bridal and fashion-show draping take more time and expertise. Tell us about your event on the booking form and we will send you a quote.
Can I book a saree draper for a wedding or special occasion?
Yes. We drape for weddings, engagements, Bollywood parties, fashion shows and other special occasions, for the bride and the whole family.
How long does it take to drape a saree professionally?
Around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the style and the occasion. Bridal and designer sarees can take longer because of intricate drapes and accessories. Pre-pleated sarees take only a few minutes.
What saree draping styles can I learn?
Nivi, Bengali, Maharashtrian Nauvari, Gujarati, Coorgi, Madisar and many more regional drapes, plus modern and celebrity-inspired styles like Mermaid, Dhoti, Saree on jeans and Saree as gown.
Can I learn saree draping online?
Yes. We teach online through live interactive sessions, and the Professional course includes recordings you can watch again. Students have joined from 15 countries.
Do you provide pins, pleat clips and accessories?
Yes. We bring safety pins and pleat clips, and accessories like belts or brooches when a drape needs them.
How do I choose the right drape for an occasion?
Let Mayuri choose with you. She will suggest the best drape for the event, your saree and your style. Bridal and Nivi drapes suit weddings and engagements, while parties and fashion shows suit more modern, experimental drapes.
