The saris and dress material available at Tarunee Loka are truly exclusive, as they come from the showroom's own tari (loom) near Salem and from other original handloom weavers across the country.  Run by Aruna Gopalakrishnan and her partners, Krishnan and Sriram, Tarunee Loka has a fabulous collection of handloom fabrics, sarisand blouse materials.

The 1200 sq ft showroom on Habibullah Road was opened in 1991, before which Aruna used to run the business from her home.  Aruna's family has over fifteen years of experience in the export of garments and fabrics produced at their looms near Salem.  With this experience and knowledge base, Tarunee Loka has come to be recognised as an outlet where one can pick up colours and designs, both traditional and modern, which are unavailable elsewhere.

Aruna has done a course in designing and she is responsible for the entire showroom’s output, when it comes to design.  Her main focus is on ethnic designs and for this she travels to different parts of the country, where she has identified craftsmen who weave the designs for her.  From Ahmedabad's tie and dye to Kolkatta's dakai saris, Tarunee Loka has the stamp of Aruna's designs.

Talking about the exclusivity of the showroom, Aruna says, "The type of yarn used, the colour combination and the mercerisation (a process by which the fabric acquires a shine) is unique for each fabric.  So seldom will you find a similar material or design elsewhere".

Tarunee Loka was the first to introduce the silk-finish polycot saris (usually known as just polycot saris).  Again it was Aruna who designed the material with a view to bringing saris for working women that are attractive and easy to maintain.  But these saris have also become the norm for parties, wedding receptions and other occasions where women want a substitute for silk saris, which are charming, easier to wear and carry.  Prices start from Rs 375/- onwards.

Also popular are the showroom's cotton-silk saris that have imported thread zaris, instead of the thick traditional zaris and they can again be washed at home.  Coming with attached blouse-pieces, the price range starts at Rs 1,600/-.

Gandharva silk saris are another speciality of the showroom.  These are made of a silk and cotton mix with golden thread work, and have to be dry-cleaned.  These are a rage among the city's women as these come in an impressive variety of colour combinations and prints.  Prices start from Rs 800/- onwards.

Aruna also proudly talks about the range of blouse materials available at her outlet, she says she can assure a 99% match for any colour.

During the dance season in the city, artists throng the showroom to buy the best of ethnic saris, blouses and outfits.

The showroom's customers are mostly upper middle class and the elite; also people who travel to Chennai from other parts of the country and the world make it a point to visit Tarunee Loka and pick up a few exclusives.

Working Hours:  9.30 a.m. to 8.30 p.m.
Holiday:Sundays
Address:Tarunee Loka, G 1, Aarthi Apartments, New No 150, Habibullah Road, North T Nagar, Chennai 600 017.
Phone : 828 0043/827 3352.

|