Questing for the perfect saree shop in Colombo

Specialist curators of tradition

Rithihi stands as a specialist store, curating collections of traditional fabrics and designs that have become timeless in their appeal. Even in the face of constant demand for reinventions of the old and more modern styles dependant on short-lived trends, Rithihi can always be found standing by their eclectic offering based on authenticity and tradition.

The range of Rithihi which began only with Kanchipuram and Bengal cottons has now expanded to include a whole array of handwoven sarees from the Indian subcontinent as well as Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. The brand has even grown beyond sarees to also present an equally breathtaking selection of shawls, fabric and ready-to-wear items and accessories, all crafted or sourced with the distinctive identity of Rithihi in mind.

Weaving a future of artisanal spirit

The fabric of Rithihi’s future is currently being threaded to produce a highly artisanal experience, transcending above a product-based value proposition. This ambition, which could be interpreted by many saree shops in Colombo as a difficult achievement distanced far from what is possible, can be easily realized by Rithihi considering that progression lies on a path that comes quite naturally to the brand.

Rithihi hopes to usher in a culture of greater engagement and value co-creation to the realm of sarees through new-to-market initiatives such as textile education (through a ‘book club’-like setting), saree draping workshops and DIY workshops (for block-printing and weaving) among many others.  

Such an evolution in the saree experience would undoubtedly be welcomed by saree wearers and textile lovers alike. And, when this renaissance does come to pass, it can only be hoped that other artisanal saree shops in Colombo will take a cue and work towards elevating the saree and saree-wear culture as a collective, giving emphasis to the essence of tradition and heritage that define each.