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And then, of course, there was the sari itself. What a…

“And then, of course, there was the sari itself. What a garment, Randy! There isn’t another outfit in the world that balances better the twin feminine urges to conceal and reveal. It outlines the woman’s shape but hides the faults a skirt can’t — under a sari a heavy behind, unflattering legs are…” quote by Shashi Tharoor
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““And then, of course, there was the sari itself. What a garment, Randy! There isn’t another outfit in the world that balances better the twin feminine urges to conceal and reveal. It outlines the woman’s shape but hides the faults a skirt can’t — under a sari a heavy behind, unflattering legs are invisible. But it also reveals the midriff, a part of the anatomy most Western women hide all the time. I was mesmerized, Randy, by the mere fact of being able to see her belly button when she walked, the single fold of flesh above the knot of her sari, the curve of her waist toward her hips. That swell of flesh just above a woman’s hipbone, Randy, is the sexiest part of the female anatomy to me. And I didn’t even have to undress her to see it. I was completely smitten.””

Shashi Tharoor

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

He praises the sari for balancing modesty and allure, revealing parts of the female form while concealing others.

In simple terms: The sari hides flaws but shows the midriff.

Key Takeaway

Recognize clothing’s power to shape perception.

Themes

culture fashion gender

Mood

appreciative analytical

Type

cultural descriptive

When to use this quote

  • wedding ceremonies
  • fashion shows
  • personal styling

Key Concepts

body politics visibility tradition

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does the sari symbolize for you?
  • How does clothing influence gender expression?
A Different Perspective

May overlook individual comfort or modern practicality.

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