Just like its weave, Kanjivaram silk sarees are intricately woven in Indian history. These are quintessential possessions of an Indian women’s wardrobe since time immemorial. Known as the queen of silks, it is the most preferred trousseau at any traditional occasion, wedding, or festivals. Unveiling the rich cultural heritage and exceptional craftsmanship, kanjivaram sarees stand out for their exquisite beauty, texture, lustre, durability, finish, and versatility.
Silk sarees have a deep cultural significance and have been captivating the world. Therefore, they are also offered to Gods and elders in the family as a mark of love and respect. It is not only a piece of cloth, but emotions and silhouettes weaved together. The sarees are made up of scintillating fine work and weaves that encompass modernity and tradition. Embarking on the journey of this famous handloom, let’s explore more about kanjivaram silk sarees.
History And Origin Of Kanjivaram Silk Sarees
The origin of kanjivaram silk sarees can be dated back to the Hindu mythology. Kanjivaram weavers are said to be the descendants of sage Markandeya. The bridal or silk sarees for weddings are woven in pure mulberry silk of vibrant colours. To make the yarn thick and stiff, it is dipped in rice water and sun-dried. The silver and gold thread are intertwined together using Korvai and Petni techniques for making a contrasting pallu. The traditional kanjivaram silk saree goes through a rigorous process to be woven and takes days to complete one saree in the handloom; no wonder the garment evokes much reverence and admiration from across the world.
The epitome of royalty and nobility, the kanjivaram silk sarees exhibit a meticulous weaving process creating a masterpiece. Silk is the fabric of choice for kanjivaram sarees. These sarees are cherished for generations for their natural sheen and royal appeal. With the passage of time, the kanjivaram weave is now infused with new techniques, designs, and patterns to create handcrafted marvels and to cater to the modern needs.
Distinctive Features Of Kanjivaram Silk Sarees
The royal kanjivaram silk sarees never stop mesmerizing young and old with their umpteen shades and patterns. Embellished with Hindu mythology and mythical creatures, every kanjivaram silk saree tells stories about the weaver’s creativity and Indian craftsmanship. It is one of the most prized possessions in the woman’s wardrobe with vibrancy and elegance in every thread. Let’s round off a few distinctive features of the opulent sarees.
Rich And Lustrous Texture
Made up by weaving silver and gold threads together, the kanjivaram wedding silk sarees reflect a rich and lustrous shine when done on golden, royal blue, regal red or emerald green fabrics. This tissue saree from KALKI can add visual charm to your wedding or festive avatar.
Intricate Zari Work And Motifs
The silk threads or zari woven together make the weave stronger. The zari work also makes the saree heavy, which is one of the key features of a kanjivaram silk saree. This cultural and symbolic green silk saree from KALKI can find a special place in modern and classic fashion.
Contrast Borders And Pallus
The main attraction of kanjivaram is its borders for sure. They use two or three warps that are dyed in distinct colors using the Korvai technique to create contrasting borders and pallus. From weddings and festivals to social events, this yellow silk saree from KALKI can make a striking fashion statement.
Traditional Color Combinations
Kanjivaram sarees come in a wide range of color combinations. But the traditional color combinations often preferred are with red and golden borders, e.g., green silk sarees with a golden or red border. The beauty of the color is enough to fall in love with this appealing silhouette.
Traditional Patterns And Motifs In Kanjivaram Silk Sarees
Classic traditional motifs like Mayil (peacock), Poo chakram, Yaali, Ganda Perunda, and many more are inspired from the land of Kanchipuram and define the artistry and weave of the splendid and stunning sarees. Let’s have a look!
Paisley (Mango) Motifs
The mango motif is austere shaped and goes a long way in helping women to express their personal style. It symbolizes fertility, power, adaptability, and prosperity.
Temple Borders
The patterns of Kanjivaram sarees offer versatility and temple borders can help embrace traditionalism like no other. Depicting mythological stories and architecture, this design has a zigzag and real temple design or gopuram at the border. Here is one from KALKI for your cultural and ethnic love.
Peacock Motifs
Signifying grace and beauty, an emblem of pride and prestige, the Mayil (peacock) motif has been a companion of kanjivaram sarees for eternity. All hearts to the wondrous craftsmanship that depicts love, nature, and wildlife.
Floral Patterns
Representing nature and femininity floral patterns enhance the beauty of the saree and captivates the onlookers. Floral motifs exude elegance, freshness, and grace to the wearer. This saree from KALKI with flower power in the form of zari weave will always remain relevant in the ever-changing world of fashion.
Checks, Stripes, And Geometric Designs
Infusing old traditional silk weave with new designs and patterns is wondrous. And to add to the magic are the checks, stripes, and geometric designs. This trousseau from KALKI can easily break the fences of time and seize millions of hearts.
Contemporary Designs And Innovations In Kanjivaram Silk Sarees
The revival, the designer touch and modern influence are breathing more life into the traditional numbers. There are many varieties of the kanjivaram saree available, both traditional and modern. As innovation is always essential, KALKI has come up with some modern patterns like stripes, dots, wavy lines, geometric shapes, and multi-prints. Fusion patterns, unconventional color combinations, and the contrast blouse design takes the allure of kanjivaram sarees a notch higher.
Fusion Of Traditional And Modern Elements
The fusion of stripes, checks, dots and geometric designs brings out the contemporary look and the fusion fervor. A silk mix with the stunning almond white hue is a new dimension to the ethnic statement.
Introduction Of New Color Palettes
Colors itself celebrate the charm of timeless sarees. Green, pink, orange, gold, beige, yellow and blue sarees have always dominated the mesmerizing world of fashion. Unlock the beauty with this magenta pink kanjivaram saree from KALKI.
Experimentation With Motifs And Patterns
New patterns and motifs add a modern touch to the drape and create fascinating and fashionable stories for your wardrobe. How about this royal number from KALKI?
Embellishments And Embroidery On Kanjivaram Silk
Adding embellishments like gota patti, mirror work, and thread work to the silk sarees enhance the scope of beautifying the sarees.
Designer Collaborations And Creative Interpretations
Many designers are collaborating with the traditional weavers and artisans to create unique craftsmanship.
Selecting and Styling Kanjivaram Silk Sarees
While choosing a kanjivaram silk, there are a few important things to be kept in mind. As the kanjivaram saree is the most graceful and elegant outfit for any occasion, it should be matched with the right accessories and styled in a classy manner to look the best in your element.
Factors to Consider While Buying Kanjivaram Silk Sarees
Buying an original silk saree in kanjivaram weave is a critical task because we need to check the length, lustre, design, motifs, weight, quality and then make our buying decision.
Choosing The Right Colors And Patterns For Different Occasions
Right colors and patterns for the right occasions are important for your choice. These choices make you stand out and offer you an individual charm and persona.
Draping Techniques And Styles
If you want to try fusion dressing, then wear a kanjivaram saree in lehenga style for your wedding. Drape it with tiered pleats to enhance the whole look. You can show off an elaborate pallu on the front instead of the back like in Gujarati style. A gold saree belt can be an amazing addition to your kanjivaram saree.
Pairing The Saree With Appropriate Accessories
Silk sarees look quite complete in themselves. But you can still accessorize them with a multi-layered gold necklace, gold bangles, heavy jhumkas (earrings), matching bangles or golden kadas and anklets to complete the look. Matching clutch and potli bags look good when carried with designer silk sarees.
Hairstyles And Makeup Suggestions
Flaunt your style in a braided hairstyle, open hairdo or a bun not forgetting to decorate it with a gajra, rose or florets. Loose hair, or straight hair is also trending to give kanjivaram sarees a classic and edgy touch.
Caring for Kanjivaram Silk Sarees
As beautiful and grand as the silk saree looks, it comes with the responsibility to take care of the silk saree properly. Here are some tips for maintaining the sarees.
- It is not recommended to wash the sarees often. Even if it needs cleaning, it should be dry cleaned. While washing at home, use only cold water and mild detergent.
- Dry it in a shady place without wringing the water.
- Always iron the sarees with medium heat.
- Place the saree on a cotton cloth or paper and keep it in a dry place.
Promoting Sustainable Practices in Kanjivaram Silk Saree Industry
Kanjivaram silk sarees are an authentic blend of sustainability and tradition. Handloom weaving is one of the oldest art forms of human civilization. These sarees are made using traditional weaving techniques known for their craftsmanship, comfort, and elegance. People nowadays have become more aware of the benefits of sustainable fashion.
The handloom industry or the weavers have experienced a setback due to the rise in machine made textiles which is affecting the lives of the skilled weavers. With these steps, we can promote sustainable practices in the silk industry.
- Embracing eco-friendly materials and production methods helps in productivity and also requires less investment.
- In this way, we can also support weavers by providing them work and establishing small scale industries.
- Fair trade practices will help the weavers in supporting their livelihood.
- Reviving the old practices of handloom weaving can help in preserving the ancient art form and traditional values.
- Ethical consumption and responsible fashion choices should be practised by the consumers to stand in support of the kanjivaram silk saree industry and the workers and craftsmen involved.
Kanjivaram silk sarees have established their immortality for their authenticity, traditional appeal, royal essence, and exquisiteness. Own your eccentric traditional kanjivaram silk saree in royal and remarkable color combinations and designs only at Kalkifashion.com.
Also Read: Versatile, Vivid And Chic Fits From KALKI’s ZOHA Edition II
