The Splendid Banarasi Kora Silk Sarees

The splendid Banarasi sari with its fine silk and opulent zari has always managed to catch the attention of fashion frenzy women and fashion designers alike but the interest in reinterpreting the famous Banarasi weaves has been more recent. Known as a spiritual site, Banaras is equally famous for its silk brocade weaving.

A serious business where methodical planning, meticulous workmanship and working in cohesion is required, weaving of Banarasi kora sarees is rather blissful; the colours and the exquisite weaving pattern give a sense of belonging and a feeling of pride in our heritage.

A special mention goes to Banarasikarigars who are keeping the art of hand weaving alive despite the temptation of power looms and bringing in a lot of innovations into their weave to keep the art thriving.

For this, while they are keeping the signature brocade designs alive, they are playing with different textures like tissue, tussar or other variants of silk like Kora silk which is silk that is not de-gummed, to keep it contemporary, cool and in sync with today’s coming of age generation.

It is this pluralistic tradition of Banarasi silk reflected through likes of Kora silk brocade weaving that has brought cheer to fashion fraternity.

Following the rich tradition of weaving rich patterns with heavy borders with a contemporary twist of a sheer texture, the silhouettes of Kora silk sarees are Indian but very stylish and the colour palette includes mustard yellow, royal blue, fuchsia, orange, gold, silver, beige and forest green.

The borders and pallusare in contrasting colors and are filled with intricate intertwining of floral and foliate motifs. They are Mughal-inspired designs like bel, jhaalar and mina work. Nature inspired motifs likes peacock and paisleys are seen on the body of the saree in gold zari.

A clutch of saris from the spiritual capital of India, Kora silk sarees from Banaras exemplify the distinctive techniques and motifs of Banaras weave on a sheer texture, making it a popular wear even during the humid months.