Drape Diaries

This week, Kanakavalli invites you to discover new ways of wearing your saris with Drape Diaries. In this series, Devanshi Tuli, stylist and creative consultant, shows you how the traditional kanjivaram – as well as your other favourite weaves– can be transformed into power dressing statements or elevated for ceremonies and celebrations.

Whether you’re just starting to experiment with draping or are an expert, we have options for you that reimagine classic silhouettes, playing with the myriad possibilities of the sari. Devanshi shares wonderful little tips and tricks that she uses to create beautiful drapes. Look out for unexpected blouse pairings and statement accessories to level up your sari styling.

(Click in the images below to head over to our YouTube channel for step-by-step instructions.)

The Cocktail Nivi

Draping Difficulty Level: Easy

The Cocktail Nivi is a wonderful starter drape if you’re just beginning to experiment with the many possibilities of styling the sari. A simple twist on a classic silhouette gives it an edgy, modern look for an evening out. Devanshi shows us simple tricks to make draping a breeze – such as folding the pallu’s tassels out of the way to make pleating easier.
Best paired with unexpected blouses – like this high street halter-neck top we’ve chosen – and modern jewellery that highlight its subtle glamour, this drape is a contemporary take on a classic.
Here, Devanshi is wearing a striking dark pink heirloom kanjivaram shot with deep brown. Gold and sap green patterns adorn the teal borders shot with brown with hints of burnt orange, while yalis and mann kuthirai (terracotta horse) motifs adorn the pallu.

The Ruffle Waist

Draping Difficulty Level: Moderate

Rooted in tradition yet youthful, The Ruffle Waist features a cummerbund-style tuck at the waist, the perfect choice for an evening look that is at once bold and graceful. Devanshi breaks down this moderate level drape into simple steps that are easy to follow.
The best thing about this drape? It’s as comfortable to move in as it is beautiful to look at, with its flattering silhouette.
For The Ruffle Waist drape, Devanshi is wearing an exquisite heritage kanjivaram in deep purple with bands in gold tissue and olive green. The pallu is embellished with geometric bands and paisleys woven in the ‘adai’ technique in gold tissue and zari.

The Shawl Crossover

Draping Difficulty Level: Easy

Perfect for a workday, the Shawl Crossover is a simple yet elegant drape that transforms a traditional sari into a sharp power dressing statement. Don’t miss Devanshi’s suggestions for pleating – instead of ironing down to create sharp knife pleats, gently press down on the pleats with the warmth of your hand so they fall organically, showcasing the natural beauty of the sari.
Create your own statement combinations with variations of the traditional blouse, like this classic black bodysuit we’ve picked. The versatile and hands-free Shawl Crossover drape travels effortlessly from a demanding day at work to an evening out.
For this all-day draping style, we picked a K929 kanjivaram in deep magenta with gold zari checks on the black temple korvai borders shot with brown and a seeprekku pallu.

The Cummerbund Wrap

Draping Difficulty Level: Difficult

The Cummerbund Wrap features a pleated pallu as a sash with echoes of the Japanese obi belt – a contemporary take on traditional wrap drapes. This drape is more complex, but Devanshi’s step-by-step guide simplifies it for you. Watch closely to see where Devanshi uses accessories like sari clamps and safety pins to hold the sari together during the draping process.
We’ve styled the striking and structural Cummerbund Wrap with heritage jewellery for a touch of the traditional, making it the perfect choice for ceremonies and celebrations.
Featured here is a stunning black heritage kanjivaram with checks in golden yellow and scarlet. The ruby red korvai borders shot with scarlet feature patterns in gold and mustard yellow with hints of leaf green. Horses, peacocks and mythical animals adorn the pallu.

The Tulip Dhoti

Draping Difficulty Level: Difficult

Looking for the perfect cocktail draping option? The Tulip Dhoti is chic and sculptural; a modern drape with a nod to 80s glam. Devanshi breaks down this slightly more complex drape into simple steps for you to follow. Don’t miss the way Devanshi makes the pleats and then flips them over to tuck them in at the back.
We’ve styled The Tulip Dhoti with a custom-made, structured corset in kanjivaram silk, an unexpected pairing of two storied classics.
For this drape, we've picked a black heirloom kanjivaram dotted with floral and rudraksham motifs in gold zari. The black borders feature red and yellow bands, with classic patterns in gold zari. The pallu features a dramatic chakaram enclosing birds, animals and mythical creatures.

The HighLow

Draping Difficulty Level: Moderate

The HighLow is the perfect choice for evening wear. Devanshi turns the pallu into a chic cape-like upper drape while the cowl she creates at the back gives it a dramatic flourish, beautifully showcasing the sari. 
A  drape for festive occasions and stylish soirees, The HighLow is hands-free and elegant, the perfect alternative to a cocktail dress.
The classic-format kanjivaram featured on Devanshi is woven in hot pink shot with scarlet, highlighted by korvai borders in mulberry purple shot with black. A seeprekku pattern and traditional designs adorn the pallu in gold zari, with stripes in green and orange.

We hope this series inspires you to start experimenting with the ways in which you drape and style your Kanakavalli kanjivarams and other favourite saris. Don’t forget Devanshi’s personal favourite draping tips and tricks to make beautiful silhouettes. Explore variations of the traditional blouse or make bold pairings with accessories to really level up on styling. 

To make your sari-wearing experience effortless and fuss-free, browse our Sari Helpers. Look out for trusty safety pins that gently but firmly hold your pallu and pleats together, a bag for storing and travelling with your favourite drapes as well as a sari roll to protect your heavier silks. Explore Kanakavalli’s Sari Helpers online.

As you delve further into your journey with the sari, explore our entire repertoire of fine kanjivaram silk weaves in stores, at our travelling exhibits and online.

CREDITS:
Creative direction: Kanakavalli and Devanshi Tuli
In frame and styling: Devanshi Tuli
Cinematography, photography and edit: Piyush More
Production: Elements Production
Makeup and hair: Vishu Sinha
Jewellery: Studio Metallurgy, No Na Mé, Shri Paramani Jewels, Tribe by Amrapali
Corset in Drape 5: Yash Patil (That Antique Piece)