An Ode to Weaves and Weavers – Fashion Show by Shravan Kumar

June 21^st 2016 marked a new beginning in the history of Handlooms as celebrated designer Shravan Kumar in association with Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre & HICC, unveiled his latest couture line up called “An Ode to Weaves and Weavers”, an annual event that not only pays tribute to all the weavers of India but also aims for their upliftment in society.

The fashion show held here saw over 30 supermodels flouncing down a temple-themed ramp, displaying an eclectic range of indigenous Indian weaves, from length and breadth of the country. If that was not enough, eminent Tollywood actors, sports persons and business bigwigs also turned up, dressed in designer handloom finery.

The 34-minute show, that had six segments and over 108 garments, saw an eclectic mix of weaves, all end to end handloom sarees like Khadis, Mangalagiris, Narayanpet, Benaras, Kanchipuram, Chanderi, Paithanis, Salem, Venkatgiri, Uppada and Pochampally from the remotest locations.

 

Celebrated South Indian actress Anushka Shetty, the show stopper of the show left everybody gaping in awe as she walked the ramp in a black Kanchipuram silk saree with splendid gold zari work on the pallu and contrast blouse.

 

 

The designer with a penchant for working with handlooms, Shravan on one occasion said, “Weavers in India, who are the inheritors of an age-old handloom legacy, are unable to survive with the pittance they make. We need to act soon before we lose this rich legacy. Our weaves are our national heritage.”

Praising the efforts of the designer and the weavers in general, the General Manager Mr. Neil Paterson signed off saying, “We feel proud to bring forth on one platform, more than 100 different and rare weaves and pay tribute to the underprivileged weavers of the nation through AN ODE TO WEAVES & WEAVERS – hosted at one of the grandest venues in the region. The fusion of these designs and Novotel’s hospitality will be magical,”

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The Silken Riches of Karnataka - Silk Sarees from Karnataka

A land of ancient customs and traditions, Karnataka is also home to queen of silks, the mulberry silk. Involved in its production since the Tipu Sultan Era, Karnataka has a rich history of silken rustles. From the enchanting plain weaves of Mysore silk to the more recent and trendy printed silk sarees, the heavily ornate Bangalore silks to humble wear Irkal sarees, every silk saree woven in various parts of Karnataka are dream possessions of every Indian woman.

Every weave of Karnataka has an enriching story to share– story of creativity and hardwork. The sarees of Karnataka while on one hand share a very intricate bond with their weavers, on the other they share a sweet and delightful bond with their wearers. These silk sarees partake in every happy occasion in a woman’s life be it the joy of weddings or the celebration of festivals and every such happy occasions of time spent together.

Karnataka as a state of silk has survived along the length and breadth of the sub-continent because of its vivid variety in sarees. Some of the sarees produced in the state that have made a mark on the world map are:

Mysore silk sarees: Considered the purest silk sarees in the country, Mysore silk sarees come in a hue of plains with a golden lace at the edge of the saree, giving it a classic and sleek look. These sarees undergo very high standards of production and they remain new and good looking for decades.

Bangalore Silk Sarees: Bangalore silk sarees are a unique assort of rich colors and designs. Produced in a multitude of colors interwoven with delicate gold threads, these silk sarees are apt 

for special occasions like weddings and festivals.

Mysore chiffon crepes: A fine opaque crepe silk with supplementary zari borders, Mysore chiffon crepes originated in Mysore are dyed in contrasting colors after the saree has been weaved. Soft, flowy and light textured, these sarees have a unique tactile look that is rather fascinating.

Karnataka is also home to lesser known traditional silk saris like Molkalmuru saris and the Ilkal saris that carry plain body and simplistic narrow borders that might not have gained major popularity but they have gained wide acceptance not just in Karnataka but in the neighbouring states too.

Trending Silk Sarees in India

Silk Sarees mark the beginning of any new and important event in an Indian woman’s life. A mark of purity, affluence and prosperity, pure silk sarees are an integral part of India’s rich cultural heritage. The handloom silk sarees with their diverse and fashionable offerings that portray an innate sense of style are the crown jewel of every Indian woman’s wardrobe. Though Silk Sarees from India are diverse in weaves, patterns and designs, they have something in common; these silk sarees add an allure to ones persona with their natural magnificence and splendor and are universally accepted as the drape of special occasions. Some of the celebrated silk drapes that have been part of the Indian culture for centuries and are collectibles every Indian woman aspires to have in her wardrobe are as follows:

Source : https://www.hw.ac.uk/news/archive/img/indian-silk-scarves-800x450.jpg

Banarasi Silk Sarees : Banarasi silk sarees are one of the most beautiful and opulent Indian silk sarees that are made in the oldest city of Banaras on the banks of river holy Ganga. These silk saris from Banaras are considered as one of the finest saris in India that are celebrated for their exquisitely fine silk, their opulent gold and silver brocade work and their zari and embroidery. A symbol of pride, happiness, union, and jubilation,Banarasi silk sarees are the most preferred bridal silk sarees among brides to be.

Kanchipuram Silk Sarees : Exquisite silk sarees that are loaded with rich Dravidian cultural heritage, kanchipuram pure silk sarees hail from the temple city of south, Kanchipuram that is also considered to be among the oldest weaving hubs of the country. Noted for their texture, glimmer, permanence and refinement, these handloom silk sarees make great wedding silk sarees.

Chanderi Silk Sarees : Situated in Madhya Pradesh, the heartland of India, Chanderi weaving cluster is considered the heartland of handloom weaving in India. Considered fancy silk sarees due to their sheer texture, light weight and transparency, Chanderi sarees are embellished with zari woven work and are intricately hand woven with the delicacy of the extra weft motifs that not only satisfied the refined tastes of the royalty in past but continue to impress women with their charm in current times too.

Patola Silk Sarees : Yet other finest varieties of handloom silk sarees of India, Patola silk sarees are from Gujarat. While weaving Patola sarees is extremely laborious and intense, they are woven with great clarity and precision. Woven in traditional tie and dye ikat, these glorious as well as gorgeous looking designer silk sarees not only make a great formal wear but are also a status symbol with Gujarati women and an essential part of their closet.

Uppada Silk Sarees : Woven in the old weaving technique of jamdani, Uppada soft silk sarees are one of the most labour intensive forms of hand loom weaving.  Weaved in Uppada, a beach town in Andhra Pradesh these soft silk sarees have artistic zari work in their exquisite designs. Unfathomable display of distinct decorative patterns and designs, these soft silk sarees are loved for their glorious translucent look and light weight.

Mysore Silk Sarees : The Mysore silk saree, needs no introduction. The saree has a glorious past and a vibrant present. The saree is loved for its colours and the simple golden weave. The weavers are veterans in this field and the best craftsmen do our work and Shatika believes in the authenticity and perfection.

The Kanchipuram Our Pride and Honour

The times have changed, and the kanchipuram sarees have also undergone a transformation of sorts. There is embroidery or even crystal work done on the traditional Kanchipuram silk sarees. By now, aren’t you longing to buy your own kanchipuram, one steeped in gold and silver? Well, we have a few things to tell you about your favourite saree. A typical kanchipuram silk saree is known for its distinguishable characteristics of heavy silk with classic colours and rich zari woven pallu and border using koruvai technique. Woven on heavy lustrous silk, usually with contrasting borders and fabulous pallus of intricate designs. The kanchipuram sarees boast of its rich golden tapestry. They are the perfect family heirloom!

Authentic, unique and handpicked, hand woven silk sarees from across South India that adds elegance and style to a woman. Oh! There’s more, we also help you in creating your own legacy. Yes, we help you get an exclusive and unique saree just for you. Woven with love and ingenuity. Each kanchipuram silk saree is made from one of the world’s most sublime silks. Hand woven from pure mulberry silk, a single saree takes almost a week to finish. The silk yarn, after careful extraction, is dyed in the richest of colours and woven with the Zari. First the yarn is washed and then dipped in the desired colour. These yarns are then starched which gives the yarn a polished look. The silk used in kanchipuram saress is of the finest quality.

LOOMS AND THE TECHNIQUE

The kanchipuram weavers are in this profession to weave these sarees, were chosen for their sheer talent on a loom. And for centuries now, this skill has been handed down from one generation to the next, with great care and diligence. It is an art that was inherited, taught by the elders, and honed by practice, creativity and vision. Kanchipuram sarees are woven making the border and pallu of the same colour they are in bright contrast to the main saree. The motifs are inspired from nature and temple sculptures — religion, architecture. Weaving a kanchipuram is tedious but the saree is one of a kind, and stamps it with splendor and durability.

The shine and shimmer

Pure gold and silver is used to create the zari in a kanchipuram saree. The cost of a saree largely depends on the purity of the zari. The art of creating the perfect zari is relatively unknown – only a handful of families possess the knowledge of zari making. Though this makes a kanchipuram all the more precious. As it has resale value. Essentially, the ‘zari’ is a silk thread, twisted with a thin silver wire and then gilded with gold, to create the designs or motifs on the saree.

The proper girth and length

The width of any regular saree, even a silk saree, is a standard 45 inches; but the kanchipuram saree is typically much broader by three inches. The specialty of kanchipuram sarees is that the silk yarn is “double warp”, i.e., each “thread” is actually made up of three single threads twisted together. Also, because of the pure mulberry silk used for these threads kanchipuram sarees are renowned for their texture, lustre, durability and finish – thus making a kanchipuram saree much stronger (and more expensive) than its counterparts from Banaras or Dharmavaram.

IS IT WALLET FRIENDLY?

Sky-high prices (due to lack of skilled artisans/weavers) and the sky rocketing cost of silver/gold makes the saree more expensive day by day. But no Indian wedding is complete without it. It is also a hot favourite for women during festival seasons – it is common practice to wear them during poojas and while visiting temples. These Silk Sarees are now shipped abroad to cater to the over zealous overseas Indians. The bottom line is, whether in India or abroad – the soaring prices of the kanchipuram are somehow met with an equal amount of purchasing power. Such is our tradition!