Designer Semu Bhatt advices women to play with the pallu of their favourite sari for any occasion

One sari, different styles. That's the mantra followed by designer Semu Bhatt of Semu-Atit designer label. "There are more than 100 ways of draping a pallu," says Semu.

Semu and her brother Atit created awe-inspiring gowns using traditional Kerala cotton sari for the Miss Kerala 2011 beauty pageant. "You can wear your favourite sari in 50 different ways without people noticing the similarity. It all depends on how you play with your pallu and pleats," she says.

Instead of wearing the pallu across the chest and then over the shoulder, the pallu can be worn like a shawl over the bust. Give a contemporary look to the traditional wear by fastening a belt over the waist. Another technique that Semu suggests is to bring the pallu over the shoulder and wrap around the neck. These are just few methods that the designer suggests.

By designing customised traditional Kerala gowns for the Miss Kerala 2011 contest the designer-duo proved that one can have fashionable costumes for a wedding without spending too much money. "All you need is a little creativity," says Semu. She says a little black dress, a pair of nice jeans that flatters the hips and legs, and a sari are must-haves for any girl.