BEAUTIFUL DRAPE : December Edition

Kanakavalli's December pick for The Beautiful Drape is an unusual but striking kanjivaram from the design-led Vault collective of heirloom weaves that are exclusive to the brand.

The layout of this sari is unusual for a kanjivaram, without the typical pallu definition to emphasise its geometry. Instead, the colour of the border runs across the end of the drape, beautifully framing it. The highlights of this kanjivaram's design are the corner motifs woven on an adai loom, exquisite in relief and striking in size. Three entwined paisleys enclose a classic vanam singaram scene, with a peacock, a deer and a tiger ensconced within intricate floral patterns.

The body of the sari is woven with delicate zari motifs that resemble stars sparkling in the night sky. Most kanjivarams feature ten or twelve buttas in a row, but this sari has thirty three in each row. With 123 rows of motifs across the kanjivaram, this makes a total of over 4000 buttas, each woven in the laborious extra weft technique.

The delicate detail of this kanjivaram's embellishment is set in contrast to its stark layout, making it a truly dramatic, statement sari. Available in several colourways, this month's edition of The Beautiful Drape features zari with a composition of 35% silver and 0.4% gold.